On June 19, midshipman Matthew B. Roberts of Peachtree City, graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, in Kings Point, N.Y., with the 202 members of the class of 2006.

The Academy was pleased to welcome George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States as the commencement speaker at this year’s graduation exercises.

At the Academy’s 70th commencement, Roberts received a Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage merchant marine license, presented by Vice Admiral Joseph D. Stewart, the Academy’s superintendent.
Midshipman Roberts was additionally commissioned as a U.S. Naval Reserve ensign and was awarded a bachelor of science in marine transportation.

The son of Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Roberts, Matthew was nominated to the academy by Congressman Mac Collins.

Ensign Roberts notes that he was also privileged to have President Jimmy Carter give the commencement address at his McIntosh High School graduation in 2002. During his time at the Merchant Marine Academy, Roberts spent a year at sea and visited the following: Sardina, Italy, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Hawaii, Guam, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Bali. He is currently en route to Belgium, Germany and England serving aboard a Merchant Marine Vessel.

The Academy, which trains young men and women from across the nation for careers in the merchant marine and transportation industry, is operated by the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.