The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is located in Kings Point, N.Y. It is one of five service academies in the United States.
Graduates from USMMA go on to careers in the maritime industry. They receive a Bachelor of Science degree, Unlimited U.S. Coast Guard License and commission as Ensign in the U.S. Navy or naval reserve or commission as 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Marine Corps, Army or Air Force.
Many notable alumni have come out of the Academy, from author Robert Kiyosaki to astronaut Elliot See and several rear and vice admirals.
USMMA midshipmen have served in every major conflict since World War II. That means the Merchant Marine Academy is the only service academy granted the right to carry a regimental battle standard.
Congress passed the Merchant Marine Act in 1936, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet Corps was established two years later.
The 81-acre site, part of which was once auto industry titan Walter Chrysler's estate, was acquired in 1942.
James Helis took over as Academy superintendent in July 2012.
