The TS Kennedy, a 540-foot ship, has been given to Texas A&M University at Galveston. It will help Texas A&M Maritime Academy cadets learn about ship navigation, marine engineering systems, upkeep, safety, and security all year long.
Col. Michael E. Fossum, vice president of Texas A&M University, chief operating officer of the Galveston Campus, and superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, said,
“We have dreamed of having this capacity for over a decade and are very grateful to the Department of Transportation, MARAD, university administration, and elected officials for helping us get here.” “A large training ship that can fit our entire maritime academy will help us meet the demand for highly skilled mariners and maritime professionals in the industry and support the blue economy on the Gulf Coast.”
The Massachusetts Maritime Academy Will Transfer TS Kennedy
State maritime academy training ships are boats that belong to the federal government but are used by the six state maritime academies to teach cadets. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy will hand over the TS Kennedy this year. In 2025, the NSMV Lone Star State, a new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel with the latest technology, will do the same.
The TS General Rudder, which used to be the academy’s training ship, can hold 12 times as many people as these ships. Ship-sharing agreements with other state maritime schools have been in place for several years, but the campus has not been given a training ship that meets all of the mariner training needs for the past 18 years.
With the bigger TS Kennedy, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy will be able to teach more well-trained and professional deck and engine officers who are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to work on ocean-going and inland waterway ships, as well as commission officers for the Navy.
Since the country’s skilled mariners are getting older and retired, it is important to educate and train merchant mariners to meet people’s needs. You may visit this link to the latest information about West Texas A&M University President Walter Wendler Faces Faculty No-Confidence Vote After Canceling Drag Concert.
Fossum said, “More than 90% of everything you eat, wear, or use comes through our ports and inland waterways.” “Our programs teach and train the next generation of mariners and maritime professionals to ensure that our state and country continue to have a strong economy and security.”
Cadets go on a summer sea term on the ship every summer to get training at sea, which often takes them to other countries. During the two-month term, cadets live, learn, and work as a crew while also attending classes aboard. You must check out Texas A&M University System Implements Controversial Ban On Diversity Statements In Job Applications.
The Galveston Campus also holds events in most places as part of their “Taste of Texas” series. These events include ship tours, games, music, and other fun things to do. This year, students will sail from Galveston to Curacao, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Louisiana before coming back to campus in August.
