KINGS POINT, N.Y., July 3, 2025 – Today, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) welcomed 281 plebe candidates to campus as part of the incoming Class of 2029. These candidates represent 45 states and territories. The candidates hail from across the country and beyond, with the closest arriving from nearby New Hyde Park, NY, and the furthest travelling from Guam and Okinawa. The largest contingents come from Texas (29), Pennsylvania (23), New York (23), Florida (21), and Maryland (17). The class enters with an average SAT Math score of 632 and Verbal score of 632.

“We are very proud of these candidates—they have already demonstrated the potential and commitment required of future maritime and military officers” said, Captain Tony Ceraolo, Acting Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. “We have great expectations for the Class and wish them every success as they begin a lifetime of service to our nation.”

Upon arrival at Kings Point campus, the future midshipmen began an intensive 18-day regimen of academic, military, and physical training known as Indoctrination, or “INDOC.” They will be issued uniforms, receive their first regulation haircut, and muster for the first time on Barney Square. They will train under upper-class midshipmen and commandant’s staff to earn their place in the Regiment of Midshipmen.

Graduates of USMMA earn a Bachelor of Science degree and a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Merchant Marine Officer License. They commit to serve five years of active-duty military service or sail as officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine while fulfilling an eight-year reserve obligation—ensuring a strong merchant marine that supports America’s economic strength and national security.

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The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y, educates and graduates licensed merchant mariners and leaders of exemplary character who will serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war. The U.S. Merchant Marine is administered by the Department of Transportation.