USMMA in dire need of critical upgrades
A recent panel commissioned by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) released a report titled “Red Sky in the Morning: USMMA” which detailed a critical need for recapitalization of aging and deteriorating facilities at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. The report concluded that the Academy has reached a “tipping point” at which failure to address the need for facility improvements could result in the eventual loss of accreditation if immediate steps are not taken to improve the maintenance, repair, and replacement of existing facilities.
The Marine Log reports:
Panel members said that “after the first visit to the Academy grounds, it was evident … that the Merchant
Marine Academy facilities are in dire need of significant repair and replacement.” They noted that “the deplorable conditions that currently exist did not occur overnight, and it will take a ten to fifteen year commitment to reverse the current trend.”
Panel members found many USMMA facilities seriously deteriorated.
“Academic and support buildings were inadequately maintained, basic structural elements of some buildings were failing, electrical and plumbing support had deteriorated, and engineering laboratories were outdated. The pier facilities, dining hall, athletics complex, and two of the dormitories, were in particularly poor condition.” says the report.
It warns that If current conditions are not alleviated and further deterioration occurs, the Academy will not continue to attract and educate a diverse and talented cadre of future maritime leaders.
Members of the panel included the following:
- Vice Admiral Thomas Barrett, USCG (Ret.), Deputy Federal Coordinator, Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects (Panel Chair)
- General Duncan J. McNabb, USAF, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command. General McNabb was assisted by Major General William Johnson, USA, Chief of Staff, U.S. Transportation Command.
- Mr. Donald Orndoff, former Director, Office of Facilities Construction and Management, Department of Veterans Affairs
- Ms. Connie Patrick, Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
- Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe, USCG, Superintendent, United States Coast Guard Academy
Find a copy of the full report and a press statement from MARAD, go HERE.
The report includes several photos documenting the dilapidated condition of some of the Academy’s facilities, cost estimates for recommended improvements, and a recommended Capital Improvement Plan.
