KINGS POINT, N.Y. – Liam James Prigmore, of Wilmington, recently graduated Cum Laude from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. Prigmore earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U.S. armed forces. He also earned a Merchant Marine officer license, qualifying him to serve as an officer on any ship in the U.S. Flag Merchant Marine.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of five U.S. federal service academies. It educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers to serve the nation during peace and war. In addition to the academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their congressman or senator. Prigmore was nominated by Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, and Congressman Seth Moulton.
All USMMA graduates incur an obligation to serve the United States. The U.S. Flag Merchant Marine – manned exclusively by American mariners – is essential for securing the country’s commerce in peacetime and delivering warfighters, weapons, and military supplies in times of conflict, according to a press release. The majority of “Kings Pointers” serve for eight years as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while working aboard U.S. flag vessels; others will serve on active duty in the nation’s armed forces.
By virtue of their training and real-world experience, graduates are ready to go on day one in service of American military strength and economic power, states a news release. As part of his four-year education, Hensley spent one year training as a cadet aboard ocean-going vessels.
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