KINGS POINT, N.Y., May 13, 2025 – On Saturday, Captain Mike Stroud, Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), officially recognized the Class of 2028 as Midshipmen.

“I am very proud of the Class of 2028. Recognition is the culmination of what has been a very challenging year for the plebes. They have worked hard in the classroom and in the regiment and they have come together as a class. They have truly earned their recognition, and I am expecting great things from them over their Kings Point career and beyond,” said Stroud.

Plebes were awoken at 5 a.m. and mustered on Tomb Field. They were taken through the indoctrination physical training (PT) warmup and proceeded to go through six stations including a firetruck pull, tug of war, obstacle course, and more PT. After a briefing by the Regimental Training Officer Assistant and the Regimental Commander they charged into the long-awaited mud pit. 

Regimental Commander Cameron Taylor, explained, "recognition is the event the Plebes are looking forward to the entire year. It is through a consistent effort by the entire class to excel in what we ask them to do that they can earn recognition. They have completed all recognition steps such as passing the ten Plebe Knowledge Tests, attending athletic events, and doing multiple community service events. On behalf of the training staff and myself, it has been an absolute honor to train and recognize the Class of 2028." 

USMMA’s newest midshipmen are glad they no longer will have to square corners, run to class or maintain the plebe regulation haircut.

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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