Lewes student graduates from U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Christopher Richard Robert Marshall of Lewes recently graduated cum laude from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y.

A Sussex Academy high school alumnus, Marshall 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 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is one of five federal service academies. It educates and graduates licensed merchant marine officers to serve the nation during peace and war. In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their congressman or senator. Marshall was nominated by Sens. Christopher Coons and Thomas Carper, and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester.

All USMMA graduates incur an obligation to serve the United States. Served exclusively by American mariners, the U.S. flag merchant marine is essential for securing the country’s commerce in peacetime and for delivering warfighters, weapons and military supplies in times of conflict. Most 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 elite training and real-world experience, graduates are ready to go on day one in service of American military strength and economic power. As part of his four-year education, Marshall spent one year training as a cadet aboard ocean-going vessels.