KINGS POINT, NY, April 7, 2026 — The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) hosted its 37th annual Battle Standard Dinner on Thursday, April 2, bringing together First Class Midshipmen, Academy leadership, distinguished guests, and families to honor Kings Point graduates who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Nation.

 The formal dinner in Delano Hall opened with the USMMA Regimental Band rendering honors and playing the national anthem, followed by an invocation delivered by Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Jones, USN, Command Chaplain. Midshipman First Class Owen Dickson served as master of ceremonies for the evening. The ceremony commemorated the 142 Kings Point Cadet-Midshipmen who lost their lives during World War II and honored fallen alumni, including First Lieutenant William J. Donnelly IV, USMC (Class of 2008), and First Lieutenant Aaron N. Seesan, USA (Class of 2003).

 Lieutenant General Steve Sklenka, USMC, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, delivered the keynote address. Distinguished guests also included Dr. Anne Byrd, Assistant Secretary for Administration, Department of Transportation. Academy leadership in attendance included Rear Admiral Anthony J. Ceraolo, USMS, Superintendent; Captain Mike Stroud, USMS, Acting Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Johnathan Gajdos, Provost, and Rear Admiral John Shea, Director of Facilities and Infrastructure.

The evening began with midshipmen proposing the traditional formal toasts—to the Nation, the Commander in Chief, Fallen Comrades, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy—reinforcing the Academy’s core values of respect, honor, and service.

During his keynote address, Lieutenant General Sklenka spoke directly to the soon‑to‑be graduates, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Kings Point alumni and their service to the United States in both peace and war. He recognized the midshipmen for their service aboard US-flagged commercial and military vessels worldwide—particularly in the Persian Gulf—and underscored the significance of their commitment as they prepare to commission at graduation in June and assume their responsibilities as officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine and the Armed Forces.

 The program continued with the presentation of two memorial awards. The First Lieutenant Aaron N. Seesan Memorial Award for excellence in military leadership and ethics was presented to Midshipman First Class Christopher “Jakob” Debus, by Academy leadership and members of the Seesan family, who were in attendance. The First Lieutenant William J. Donnelly IV Award, recognizing leadership, mentorship, and service to others, was awarded to Midshipman First Class David Brown, Class of 2026.

The evening concluded with a formal dinner, the Armed Forces Medley recognizing through the various service hymns veterans and those currently serving, and the singing of the Academy Alma Mater.

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