Press Releases

10-15-2024

MARAD Transfers Custody of Training Ship Patriot State to Massachusetts Maritime Academy

National Security Multi-Mission Vessel Officially Signed Over to Academy and Commonwealth

BUZZARDS BAY, MA, ISSUED OCTOBER 15, 2024…Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), a top-ranked public university with undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning, welcomed the arrival of the Training Ship Patriot State on October 10 and accepted custody of the ship from the United States Marine Administration (MARAD) at a special ceremony held on October 11, during which Rear Admiral Ann Phillips, MARAD Administrator, officially signed the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) over to the Academy and to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) is designed to provide a state-of-the-art training platform that ensures the U.S. continues to set the world standard in maritime training. The ship is outfitted with numerous training spaces, including eight classrooms, a full training bridge, lab spaces and an auditorium. The NSMV has space to train up to 600 cadets at sea, maximizing the capability of the ship and its mission to provide cadets with a world-class education.

“Make no mistake about it, the NSMV program is the envy of the maritime world,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of Massachusetts Maritime Academy.  “These amazing vessels will train the next generation of mariners, and the next generation or two after that.

“They will directly impact today’s mariner shortage, helping our nation’s economy in times of peace and our nation’s ability to project force abroad in times of conflict.  And they will stand at the ready to support those who have fallen in harm’s way as they are deployed in emergency response,” added Admiral McDonald.  “This is an amazing day for Massachusetts Maritime Academy, the maritime industry, and the nation.” 

Philly Shipyard recently completed the TS Patriot State, which will replace Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s previous training ship, TS Kennedy, a 1967 converted cargo vessel. This delivery is the second of five training ships the Philly Shipyard has been commissioned by MARAD to build. The first, TS Empire State, was delivered to SUNY Maritime College in New York in the fall of 2023. This initiative is part of MARAD’s effort to modernize an aging training fleet with new purpose-built NSMVs that not only enhance the training capabilities of the nation’s maritime academies but also serve as critical assets for federal support during times of need. Each vessel is constructed to adhere to the highest current and future environmental standards.

Numerous federal, state, and local legislators were on hand during the October 11^th welcoming ceremony, including United States Senator Elizabeth Warren and United States Congressman William Keating, former Deputy MARAD Administrator Richard Balzano, and State Representatives Mathew Muratore, Patrick Kearney, and Steven Xiarhos.

Additionally, Chair of the Board of Trustees of MMA Brian Connor read a proclamation from Governor Maura Healey that declared October 11 as “Patriot State” Day in the Commonwealth.

“Massachusetts leads the world in maritime training, and the ship we’re celebrating today ensures that that will be true for generations to come,” said Senator Warren.  

“The marine industry represents 90% of our global trade, and in the U.S. represents 650,000 jobs,” added Congressman Keating.  “This ship, and this program, ensures we have what we need to stay competitive and excel worldwide.”

The arrival took place in conjunction with the Academy’s hosting of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) annual conference, attended by over 200 representatives from maritime universities worldwide.

The Patriot State is 525 feet (160.05 meters) long, has a depth of 55’1” (16.8 meters), and a range of 10,000+ miles at 18 knots.  It has diesel electric propulsion with 16,800 kW of total installed power plus a 900 kW emergency generator.  Full speed is 18 knots.

The Patriot State and its advanced design meet the highest standards of performance and environmental compliance, making it a valuable asset for training the next generation of maritime professionals.

For video of the ceremony, please visit www.maritime.edu/livestream, and for additional photos, please visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/massmaritime/albums/.

1/c Daniel Stewart sings the national anthem; in the background (left to right) Admiral Francis McDonald, Admiral Ann Phillips, Congressman William Keating, Senator Elizabeth Warren, former Deputy MARAD Administrator Richard Balzano, MMA Chair Brian Connor, MMA Vice Chair Mary Thoman, Vice President of Student Services Christine McCarey, Captain Michael Campbell, and First Class Andrew Fusco.  (Photo credit Jake Belcher.)

Congressman William Keating in front of the TS Patriot State. (Photo credit Jake Belcher.)

(Left to right) Admiral Francis McDonald and Admiral Ann Phillips sign the delivery certificate. (Photo credit Jake Belcher.)

(Left to right) Admiral Francis McDonald, Captain Michael Campbell, and Admiral Ann Phillips with the delivery certificate. (Photo credit Jake Belcher.)

The TS Patriot State during the handover event. (Photo credit Jake Belcher.)

The helipad on the TS Patriot State. (Photo credit Jake Belcher.)

The TS Patriot State docked at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy campus.  (Photo courtesy of GEI.)

 

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About Massachusetts Maritime Academy :  is a fully accredited, four-year, co-educational state university offering Bachelor and Master of Science degrees that are highly regarded in the worldwide maritime industry and beyond. For more than 100 years, MMA has prepared women and men for exciting and rewarding careers on land and sea. As the nation's finest co-ed maritime college, MMA challenges students to succeed by balancing a unique regimented lifestyle with a typical four-year college environment. Located on Cape Cod, at the mouth of the scenic Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is the ideal college to pursue the love for the ocean, concern for the environment, interest in math and science, and a thirst for adventure. Follow MMA on FB:  @massmaritime, @MassMaritime.Advancement; IG: @massmaritime, @mmacademyalumni; Twitter: @MMAadmissions, @MMAcademyAlumni; YouTube: Massachusetts Maritime Academy.