Commandant Announces Class of 2026 Commencement Schedule
UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY
GRADUATION WEEK 2026
Current as of 02/13/2026
(Subject to Change)
(All Ticket Purchases are Non-Refundable)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026
1300 Class of 2026 Reports back to the Academy
1315 Brief for Class of 2026 – Ackerman Auditorium
1330 Awards Convocation/Change of Command Rehearsal – Ackerman Auditorium
1600 Athletic Awards Ceremony – Ackerman Auditorium, Bowditch Hall
Dress for Wednesday is casual: e.g., slacks and sport shirts for men; dresses, skirts or slacks for women.
0800 Pre-Awards Convocation Reception Breakfast* - Wiley Hall (invitation only)
1000 Awards Convocation – Ackerman Auditorium, Bowditch Hall
1130 Change of Command Ceremony – Powell Oval / Wiley Hall
1200 Barbecue for Midshipmen, Parents & Guests at Eldridge Pool (Rain location: Delano Hall)
Midshipmen free; Parents and Guests, Faculty & Staff – $22 per person – Advance ticket sales1
1900-2300 Senior Cruise – Sponsored by the Class of 2026 (See your midshipman for details)
Dress for Thursday daytime is casual.
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026
Federal Holiday – Juneteenth (NEX, Seafarer Closed)
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2026
0800 Colors Formation – Powell Oval (weather dependent)
0830 2026 Class Photo – Tomb Field
0900 Graduation Rehearsal – Tomb Field (Class of 2026 muster on Steamboat Road)
1300 Regimental Parade – Lower Roosevelt Field
2000-2300 Graduation Ball – Eldridge Pool Area
Advance tickets required (Midshipmen free/all others $30 per person) 2
Dress for Saturday daytime is casual
Dress for Parents and dates attending the Ball is formal (Dinner Dress White Jacket or equivalent for military personnel; black tie, tuxedoes, dinner jackets, or dark suits for men; cocktail dresses or gowns for women).
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2026
0830 Catholic Mass – Mariners’ Memorial Chapel
1030-1200 Baccalaureate Service – Mariners’ Memorial Chapel
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026
0745 Pre-Graduation Reception Breakfast* – Wiley Hall (*Invitation Only)
0800 Colors Formation – Powell Oval (weather dependent)
0900 Commencement Exercises – Tomb Field**
Optional Luncheon – Barney Square (Following Commencement Exercises)
OPTIONAL LUNCHEON - $25 /per person sponsored by the USMMA Alumni Association and
Foundation
CONTACT Lisa Donitz AT: ldonitz@usmmaalumni.com
TO PURCHASE TICKETS usmmaalumni.com/graduation
** NOTE: In the event of severe inclement weather, graduation will take place in Ackerman Auditorium,
Bowditch Hall, with limited seating. The Academy will put forth every effort to livestream the
Ceremony, which may be viewed online or in Delano Hall, rain or shine.
1Meal tickets for Friday Lunch BBQ must be purchased in advance from the Delano commissary.
Tickets must be purchased by June 10th. Purchase tickets at: https://square.link/u/kLvVsMuX
2Tickets for the Graduation Ball can be purchased via Venmo @USMMA-NAFI or by check. For further information, contact Mr. Tom O’Boyle via email at oboylet@usmma.edu
Last updated: Monday, February 23, 2026