Jared Walter Wood, a resident of West Valley City, Utah, has recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York. Wood earned a Bachelor of Science degree, a commission in the U.S. Armed Forces, and a Merchant Marine officer license, qualifying him to serve as an officer on any U.S. flag merchant vessel.
The USMMA is one of the five federal service academies in the United States, dedicated to educating and graduating licensed Merchant Marine officers to serve the nation during both peace and war. Admission to the Academy is highly competitive, requiring rigorous academic and physical qualifications, as well as a nomination from a member of Congress or a Senator.
Graduates of the USMMA are obligated to serve the United States in various capacities. Many choose to serve for eight years as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while working aboard U.S. flag vessels. Others opt for active duty in the nation’s armed forces. The U.S. flag Merchant Marine, manned exclusively by American mariners, plays a crucial role in securing the country’s commerce during peacetime and delivering military personnel, weapons, and supplies during times of conflict.
As part of his four-year education, Wood spent one year training as a cadet aboard ocean-going vessels, gaining real-world experience that prepares graduates to be ready to serve from day one. This hands-on training is a hallmark of the Academy’s program, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to contribute to American military strength and economic power.
During the commencement ceremony, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll addressed the graduates, emphasizing their importance to national security: “All of you on this field are what keep our Army and the joint force moving around the world, and you are more important now than ever before.” Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, whose department oversees the Academy, introduced Secretary Driscoll and reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding the USMMA’s infrastructure and strengthening America’s broader maritime capabilities.
Dedicated during World War II, the USMMA has since served the nation in both peace and war. Learn more at https://www.WeAreTheUSMMA.com
For more information about the Academy, visit https://www.usmma.edu/