On Monday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Acting Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen visited the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., for the rechristening of the USMMA’s training vessel, the Kings Pointer. They were joined by academy leadership, as well as Sen. Charles Schumer and Reps. Timothy Bishop and Steve Israel.
The Kings Pointer was retrofitted as a training vessel at North Florida Shipyard at a cost of $3.3 million. Before being redesigned to serve as a training vessel for students, the former MV Liberty Star served as a solid rocket booster recovery vessel for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), retrieving solid rocket boosters following space shuttle launches.
Powered by two combined 2,900-hp diesel engines, the 176' Kings Pointer has a 6,000-mile range and a maximum speed of 15 knots. The ship’s controllable pitch propellers and auxiliary waterjet thruster, combined with modern joystick dynamic positioning capability, provide midshipmen a highly maneuverable training platform. The vessel has a 7,500-lb. deck crane, which is an ideal tool for providing a basic understanding of modern cargo operations. It also has a fast rescue boat, which can provide midshipman critical experience in general launch operations. In addition, the vessel’s double towing winch, substantial towing H bitts and a massive towing fairlead add significant new towing training capabilities to the academy’s portfolio.
“The new Kings Pointer is yet another example of this administration’s commitment to ensuring first-rate training and facilities for the academy’s midshipmen,” said Foxx. “With this modern vessel, the USMMA will continue to produce the finest mariners in the world, helping ensure our national and economic security.”
The Obama administration has made a comprehensive effort to renew the facilities and teaching infrastructure at USMMA. Since fiscal year 2009, the administration has invested more than $450 million at Kings Point, including almost $100 million for capital improvements— the most funding ever secured for physical improvements at the academy.
