The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced that U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy will deliver the commencement address at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) on June 23, 2025. The event marks the 89th commencement ceremony for the academy.
"We are excited to welcome Secretary Duffy back to Kings Point," said USMMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Joanna Nunan. "We look forward to hearing about the prominent role he sees our graduates playing in the revitalization of America’s shipping and shipbuilding enterprise."
The USMMA is a federal service academy focused on training leaders who serve national security, marine transportation, and economic needs as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. With a significant portion of global products transported by sea, these graduates play a crucial role in maintaining an effective merchant fleet for both commercial and military purposes.
On April 9, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at restoring America's maritime dominance. The order directs the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to work with stakeholders on a Maritime Action Plan (MAP). This plan includes initiatives such as revitalizing the USMMA, incentivizing domestic shipbuilding, enhancing infrastructure and capacity, increasing demand for U.S. shipping, investing in maritime technology, improving workforce development, and strengthening maritime security.
USDOT supports this mission as part of national security and economic prosperity efforts.
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