U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy addressed the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's Class of 2025 during a formal ceremony attended by over 3,000 friends and family members. The event honored 207 graduates from 39 states and territories for their academic achievements and commitment to service.
Vice Admiral Joanna M. Nunan, Superintendent of the United States Maritime Service, and Shane Dowling, CEO of TMMG and a Distinguished UMMA Alumnus from the Class of '96, also spoke at the ceremony.
Eighty-four graduates were sworn in as active-duty officers across various branches, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Coast Guard. The remaining graduates will serve as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while working as licensed mariners aboard different vessels.
Secretary Duffy praised the graduates for their perseverance through challenging conditions at the academy. "You all have faced so many challenges over the last four years," he said. He noted issues such as campus disrepair and inadequate facilities but commended the students' resilience.
Duffy emphasized that their efforts had been recognized by both himself and President Biden: "Your frustrations, your sacrifices, and your calls for change have been heard loud and clear."
He encouraged graduates to embrace new adventures while sharing personal anecdotes about his own life experiences. Duffy also advised them on maintaining high personal standards and remembering their roots.
The Secretary concluded with encouragements tied to faith and perseverance: "Look to that Northstar. Stay faithful and never underestimate the power of prayer." He expressed anticipation for future events like the Secretaries’ Cup Football Game against the Coast Guard at Fenway Park.
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