KINGS POINT, N.Y., April 18, 2025 - At this year’s Class of 2025 Battle Standard Dinner, General Randall Reed, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command, took the stage as a distinguished guest speaker. The graduating class listened with great enthusiasm, as General Reed expressed his deep gratitude and admiration for the midshipmen’s willingness to serve—and for the service they had already provided as cadets, even braving hostile waters, like thousands of Kings Pointers before them.

He acknowledged the presence of Secretary Duffy, Vice Admiral Nunan, and other service academy leadership, as well as families and guests, thanking them for their unwavering support. Turning to Mr. and Mrs. Seesan, Gold Star Parents of Alumnus, Army 1^st Lt. Aaron M. Seesan, ’03, he took a moment to recognize their immense loss. “It was truly special to spend a few precious moments just to stand there and thank you,” he said sincerely. “We want to continue to honor you. And, like you stated before, please know that you are always loved.”

Then, shifting his focus to the graduating class, he smiled. “Class of 2025—this is for you.”

The midshipmen listened closely as he shared his personal connection to the sea. Though an Air Force officer, Reed recalled growing up in a seafaring town, captivated by adventure stories. “Every few months, a movie called Captain Horatio Hornblower would come on, and I just loved that movie,” he reminisced. “Gregory Peck looked incredible as he set sail! One night, as I watched the credits, I realized the film was based on a book series by C.S. Forrester. Back then, there was no internet, so I went to the library, found those books, and started at the beginning—Midshipman Hornblower. I read every single book in the series. I simply couldn’t stop turning the pages.” It wasn’t just the adventure that captivated him—it was the heroism woven into every story. “And as your future Commander in Transportation Command, that is exactly the expectation we have of you.”

With confidence in their preparedness, Reed spoke about the midshipmen who had received the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal, acknowledging their service and dedication. “We now have a very clear understanding of how you’ve spent the last four years—the challenges you’ve faced, the waters you’ve braved, and the dedication you’ve shown. And I’m here to tell you—you are ready."

His words resonated throughout Delano Hall, reinforcing the significance of their training and the challenges they had overcome. "You are as ready as you are ever going to be—and you are more ready than anyone who has come before you.

"As you prepare to step onto those ships in just a few short months—it’s your turn. It’s your moment.”

“It’s time for you to take all of that preparation, everything your faculty and families have invested in you, and step up to that moment—when we ask you to board the gangway and get it done.”

"If you are in our Sealift Command, you will get really, really close to me. But if you are in the commercial world, you’ll be even closer—because we call those of you who sail commercially our fourth component.

"And the United States simply cannot do what we do without you. We need every single one of you.”

As he wrapped up his speech, Reed smiled at the countdown underway. “I understand you’re under 100 nights now? About 84 days left?” A voice in the audience quickly corrected him.

“Oh—60!”

He laughed, nodding. “All right, so here’s the message:

“Finish strong. Know that we’re waiting. Teams are out there waiting to receive you. Commanders, like me, are waiting to give you orders. But most importantly—the American public needs you, right away."

With that, he concluded: “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so very much!”

Vice Admiral Joanna M. Nunan, Superintendent said, “We are so grateful to General Reed, for joining us to celebrate the Class of 2025. We couldn’t agree more—they are ready – ready to serve, lead, and make a positive difference in the world.”

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About USMMA.

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y, educates and graduates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. The Academy, which was established under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, was dedicated as the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is administered by the Maritime Administration under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.

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