Yesterday marked a historic moment for Maine Maritime Academy—as the arrival of the TS STATE OF MAINE in Portland, Maine coincided with Maine Maritime Academy Founder’s Day and the 85th anniversary of the Academy’s founding on March 21, 1941.

After departing Philadelphia bound for ...Portland, Capt. Mac and the crew spent the voyage getting to know the ship’s advanced systems—testing features like the drop-down thruster and load-dependent engine starts. As Capt. Mac explained,

“The ship is extremely quiet at sea. Even at full speed of 18+ knots, you barely feel like you are moving. With all the complexity of systems and operations, reading the manuals and step-by-step instructions is the key to success.”

But the most meaningful moment came when the ship arrived in Portland.

“For me, personally, pulling into Portland onboard this brand new ship was a full circle moment. My at-sea career began here 36 years ago when I was assigned to Coast Guard Cutter ‘SPAR’… Being the Master of this new ship and having Portland be our first port of call was very moving. If it couldn’t be Castine, I’m glad it’s Portland.”

For the crew, and for the future of the TSS State of Maine, the significance is just as strong.

“We’re overjoyed to have the ship in Maine. Now the fun part starts—getting the ship ready for the arrival of 250 students in a little over a month. We had a handful of student leaders aboard yesterday to see their new ship. It was amazing to see their reactions as they walked around.”

From its first arrival in Maine… to the next generation of Mariners preparing to step aboard—this is a moment that honors the Academy’s history while looking boldly to the future.

While there are too many alumni involved in bringing the ship into Portland to mention them all, the pilot climbing the ladder in one of the photos is Calvin Klopp ’12. It’s always incredible to work alongside alumni all over the world and see their expertise in action!

⚓ Welcome home, STATE OF MAINE.

#MaineMaritime #FoundersDay #StateOfMaine #NSMV #MaritimeEducation #WelcomeHome #TSSOM

From Ushuaia, Argentina to the icy reaches of Antarctica, Professor of Marine Biology and Scientific Diving Safety Officer Alan Verde recently took part in an extraordinary research expedition exploring newly exposed marine ecosystems.

After a last-minute vessel change, the team set sail ...aboard the M/V Ortelius, reaching as far south as Lazarev Bay. Dive teams collected algae, fish, mollusks, and other marine organisms from areas never before sampled—made accessible only by the recent retreat of ice sheets.

All specimens were carefully processed and will now support ongoing research at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, with the potential to identify entirely new species.

While no students were able to participate due to the timing, Maine Maritime Academy was proudly represented.

Professor Verde brought an MMA flag with him—raising it on the Antarctic continent and even carrying it beneath the water during dives to represent the Corning School of Ocean Studies.

A powerful reminder that MMA faculty are contributing to global scientific discovery in even the most remote corners of the world.

Photos: Jeffrey Bozanic and Barbara Gentile
Video: Adarsh Verghese

#mainemaritime #OceanStudies #Antarctica #Research #Exploration

On Wednesday, March 18, the 25th Annual Student Life Awards were held, honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact on campus life during this academic year. From service and leadership to athletics and campus involvement, our students, staff, and faculty continue to shape who we are. Twelve... awards. Countless impacts. One incredible Mariner community.

#mainemaritime #MakingADifference

If you woke up this morning hearing the soundtrack to Rocky and picturing Rocky Balboa charging up the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art… it might not have been your imagination.

That energy was real—and it came from the STATE OF MAINE departing the Philadelphia Navy Yard on her ...maiden voyage home to Maine at 0218. 🚢

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome this incredible new training ship. This moment represents years of dedication, collaboration, and tireless effort from so many who made it possible—thank you to everyone who played a part.

📍 Arrival: The ship is expected alongside at the Portland Ocean Terminal at 4:00 PM this Saturday. If you’re nearby, come be part of this historic moment and watch her arrive!

🔗 Learn more: https://nsmv.mainemaritime.edu

Fair winds and following seas.

Photo Credit: Terry Manion (MMA ’93) and this morning's pilot!

#StateOfMaine #TSSOM #MaidenVoyage #Philadelphia #PortlandMaine #MaineMaritime #MaritimePride #ShipLife #FutureMariners #TrainingShip #NauticalLife #FairWindsFollowingSeas #MaritimeExcellence #SailingHome #BuiltForTheFuture #OceanCareers #MaritimeIndustry #AnchorsAweigh

We are seeking an Assistant Director of Admissions – Graduate Programs to lead recruitment strategy, build industry partnerships, and connect prospective students with our dynamic graduate programs.

If you’re passionate about higher education, strategic outreach, and helping students ...achieve their goals, we want to hear from you.

Learn more at
https://mainemaritime.edu/employment-at-mma/staff-positions/.

#mainemaritime #WeAreHiring #MakeADifference #CareerPath

Scholarships don’t just help students attend Maine Maritime Academy — they open the door to life-changing experiences and careers.

For Mackenzie Morin, a student in the Coastal and Marine Environmental Science and Small Vessel Operations dual major, scholarship support made the ...difference. Alumni generosity helped make her decision to attend MMA possible and allowed her to focus on opportunities like sailing aboard Schooner Bowdoin on an Arctic voyage — an experience few undergraduates anywhere ever have.

Now, through independent senior research and hands-on learning, Mackenzie is building the foundation for the career she’s always imagined.

Her story is just one example of how scholarships transform lives and prepare the next generation of maritime and environmental leaders.

Join us for A Night by the Bay 2026 on March 27 as we celebrate the power of philanthropy and raise critical scholarship support for MMA students.

🎟️ Tickets and more information: https://anbtb.mainemaritime.edu/

Your support helps ensure that students like Mackenzie can pursue their ambitions and take full advantage of the opportunities that make MMA unique. ⚓

#mainemaritime #MakeADifference #scholarships #CareerPath #MarinersForever

What a night! Over 150 seniors and alumni came together on Wednesday evening to celebrate MMA’s 57th Annual Senior Banquet. The purpose of the event is to connect the graduating class with the MMA Alumni Association and was made possible through the support of our alumni and lead sponsor, ...American Maritime Officers (AMO). President Johnson '91 shared welcome remarks, followed by AMO's National VP for Deep Sea, Jeff Richards '85. Faculty and staff also supported the fun on the casino game tables and a great time was had by all!

Photo credit: Joey Valliere

This week, Maine Maritime Academy welcomed representatives from Mokpo National Maritime University (MMU), Republic of Korea for discussions on the ROK-US Joint Strategic Maritime Professional Training Project.

Since 2010, MMA and MMU have partnered to advance maritime education and ...research. This collaboration is part of a larger effort to train the next generation of maritime professionals in cutting-edge fields such as autonomous ships, eco-friendly vessels, Arctic navigation, and LNG-powered ships.

Through programs like dual-license tracks and industry-linked internships, this initiative creates opportunities for students to earn both U.S. Coast Guard and Korean maritime certifications, preparing them for global maritime careers.

Strengthening the ROK-US maritime alliance, this partnership ensures the future supply of highly skilled engineers and supports international maritime innovation.

#mainemaritime #MMA #MMU #ROKUSMaritime #MaritimeEducation #GlobalMaritime #AutonomousShips #EcoFriendlyShipping #ArcticNavigation #MaritimeLeadership #STCW #USCG #SamsungHeavyIndustries #InternationalCollaboration #FutureMariners

🎖️ Join Us for the 2026 Regimental Change of Command! 🎖️

📅 Date: March 16, 2026
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Alexander Field House, Maine Maritime Academy

Witness the time-honored tradition as the Maine Maritime Academy Regiment of Midshipmen transfers ...leadership from the graduating First Class to the Second Class Midshipmen. This ceremonial exchange of authority marks a year of new leadership, responsibility, and pride.

Can’t attend in person? We’re livestreaming the ceremony so family, friends, and supporters everywhere can watch this special moment.

More information and livestream access at:
https://mainemaritime.edu/student-life/regimental-program/change-of-command-ceremony/

Celebrate leadership, tradition, and the spirit of the Regiment!

#mainemaritime #RegimentalChangeOfCommand #Leadership #Midshipmen #Tradition #MaritimeEducation #NavalTraining #StudentLeadership #CareerPath