Photos: MARAD Transfers New Training Ship to Massachusetts Maritime Academy

The U.S. Maritime Administration officially transferred custody of the new training ship Patriot State to Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) during a special ceremony last Friday.

The Patriot State, a cutting-edge National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV), marks a new era in seafarer training and emergency response capabilities.

The ship arrived at the academy on October 10, 2024, with a formal handover ceremony taking place the following day. During the event, Rear Admiral Ann Phillips, Administrator of the MARAD, officially transferred custody of the vessel to MMA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

“Make no mistake about it, the NSMV program is the envy of the maritime world. These amazing vessels will train the next generation of mariners, and the next generation or two after that,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

The event drew attention from high-profile figures, including United States Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Massachusetts leads the world in maritime training, and the ship we’re celebrating today ensures that that will be true for generations to come,” said Warren.

Congressman William Keating highlighted the vessel’s importance to the U.S. economy, noting, “The marine industry represents 90% of our global trade, and in the U.S. represents 650,000 jobs. This ship, and this program, ensures we have what we need to stay competitive and excel worldwide,” he said.

The arrival of the Patriot State coincided with MMA’s hosting of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) annual conference.

As the second of five training ships commissioned by MARAD and built by Philly Shipyard, the Patriot State represents a significant step forward in maritime education and emergency response capabilities for the United States.

The ship, delivered by Philly Shipyard in September, is the second of five purpose-built, state-of-the-art training vessels commissioned for America’s five state maritime academies. This innovative program aims to provide world-class training for future mariners while also supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need.

 Each vessel is equipped with numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and can accommodate up to 600 cadets, providing a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea.

Beyond its primary role in education, the Patriot State is designed with impressive humanitarian capabilities. The ship features modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad, and can accommodate up to 1,000 people during humanitarian crises. Its roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity further enhances its utility in disaster relief missions. Each NSMV measures 159.85 meters in length, has a breadth of 27.00 meters, and can reach speeds of 18 knots.

The Patriot State replaces Mass Maritime’s previous training ship, Kennedy, built in 1967 as the SS Velma Lykes at Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans. The TS Kennedy was transferred to Texas A&M Maritime Academy in 2023 and currently serves as its training ship.

With the first two NSMVs already been delivered to SUNY Maritime College (Empire State VII, delivered September 2023) and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, construction is currently underway for the vessels destined for Maine Maritime Academy, Texas A&M Maritime Academy, and California Maritime Academy, in that order.

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