Maine Maritime Academy was proud to be represented at the 2026 Tough Ruck 26.2 Boston For the Fallen, held alongside the 130th Boston Marathon.

This challenging event brings together teams from service academies, ROTC programs, military units, and first responders from across the country. ...A powerful tradition of Tough Ruck is honoring fallen service members and first responders by carrying their names throughout the course. This year, our team also carried the names of Maine Maritime Academy alumni lost at sea—representing civilian mariners at Tough Ruck for the first time.

After months of training, the team completed the 26.2-mile course and raised $11,551 in support of military and veteran charities. This also marked the Academy’s first representation connected to the Boston Marathon, with all participants earning the official Boston Marathon medallion.

Students who participated:
Devon Siano
Vance Taylor
Matthew Tita
Zach Henry
David Nerden
Jaxson Field
Patrick Clements-Dolan
Zach Hardy

Coach:
Lieutenant Jorge Morales-Lopez

Be sure to congratulate them if you see them on campus—an incredible accomplishment representing dedication, resilience, and service.

#MaineMaritime #ToughRuck #BostonMarathon #RuckForTheFallen #HonorAndRemember #ServiceAndSacrifice #VeteranSupport #EnduranceChallenge #LeadershipInAction

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Justin Labelle, Delta 2nd Mate
Saco, ME | Marine Transportation Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“What got me interested in the maritime ...industry was the flexible work schedule and competitive work environment. After graduation, I hope to work on oil tankers or in the Gulf on drill ships.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“To be able to help the freshman grow in terms of knowledge and responsibility, while teaching them about the culture and practices important for the industry.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Bethany Ives, Cadet Master
Hallowell, ME | Marine Transportation Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“I got interested in the maritime industry ...after working on sailboats and talking with people who work on research vessels. After graduating next year, I am looking forward to shipping out and traveling.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“I am very excited for this summer! I am looking forward to watching everyone become more comfortable and confident in their abilities and in life at sea. There are lots of moving pieces, new systems to learn, and opportunities for teaching and growing. It will be exciting to see it all come together.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Meet the Student Crew ⚓
Aiden Trafton, Cadet 1st Assistant Engineer
Hartland, ME | Marine Engineering Technology

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“I heard about the school through a family ...member, and I saw all the hands-on experience I was able to gain from this school and the opportunities it’s offered. The ability to travel the world while doing something you really enjoy doesn’t come very often, so I knew I couldn’t pass it up. I hope to join a maritime union and become an engineer on either an oil tanker or a container ship."

What are you most excited for during Summer Sea Term?
“I’m excited to experience another ship and introduce the freshmen to ship life. It’s been very rewarding to help guide them through their first year at the academy and help them take their first step onto a working vessel.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Meet the Student Crew ⚓
Kylie Cantlon, 2nd Assistant Engineer
Burke, VA | Marine Systems Engineering (5 year)

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“I want to be in the Coast Guard when I graduate, as... an engineer on an icebreaker. I became interested in maritime careers during my senior year of high school when I was researching schools.”

What are you most excited for during Summer Sea Term?
“I’m excited to work on the brand-new ship during maintenance.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Meet the Student Crew ⚓
Alexander Powers, Third Mate, Charlie Company
Sandwich, MA | Marine Transportation Operations

What sparked your interest in the maritime industry?
“Growing up on Cape Cod near the Cape Cod Canal, there was always something magical about watching ...massive ships pass under the bridges. That made a lasting impression on me. I also have family members who attended Maine Maritime Academy and built careers in the industry.”

What are you most excited for during Summer Sea Term?
“I’m excited for the opportunity to train on our new ship and work alongside new shipmates from Texas A&M. Being part of the maiden voyage is an incredible honor—it marks the start of a new era in maritime training for both the U.S. and MMA.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

On Monday, April 13, 2026, the Regiment of Midshipmen gathered—cheered on by their shipmates—to celebrate outstanding achievement across the Regiment. A total of 91 Midshipmen were recognized for their academic success, leadership, and the vision, effort, and tenacity that define the Regiment. ...Representatives from the Seacoast Alumni Chapter, Bangor Seadogs Alumni Chapter, the Portland Marine Society, the Class of 1972, and individual sponsors presented awards honoring these accomplishments.

Held each spring, the Regimental Awards Ceremony highlights Midshipmen who serve as models for their peers and exemplify the core values of the Regiment: honor, loyalty, and devotion to duty. 

👉 See the full list of award winners and view photos from the ceremony: https://mainemaritime.edu/student-life/regimental-program/regimental-awards-ceremony/

#MaineMaritime #RegimentOfMidshipmen #Leadership #MaritimeExcellence #FutureMariners

Meet the Student Crew ⚓
Julia Strauss, Bravo Cadet Third Mate
Mount Desert Island, ME | Marine Transportation Operations

What sparked your interest in the maritime industry?
“My father attended Maine Maritime Academy, and I’ve worked on the ocean my whole life—it’s ...all I’ve ever wanted to do. After graduation, I hope to work aboard an oil product tanker in the Gulf.”

What are you most excited for during Summer Sea Term?
“I’m looking forward to working closely with the ship’s crew to sharpen my skills as a future third mate—and to mentor the freshman class along the way.”

From family inspiration to career ambition, Julia is charting her course with purpose. 🌊

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Ocean Studies professors LeAnn Whitney and Carey Friedman of Maine Maritime Academy’s Corning School of Ocean Studies were recently featured in the Bangor Daily News for their work on “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in Penobscot Bay. Whitney and Friedman plan to continue this research, examining ...PFAS in sediment and marine organisms with the help of Ocean Studies students.

Whitney and Friedman teach in MMA’s Oceanography, Coastal and Marine Environmental Science, and Marine Biology programs.

🔗 Read the full article:
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/04/15/hancock/hancock-environment/penobscot-bay-pfas-testing-joam40zk0w/

🔗 Explore another research project from MMA’s Ocean Studies programs: the Penobscot Bay Plankton Monitoring Project -
https://mainemaritime.edu/penobscot-bay-plankton-monitoring/

#WeAreMariners #WeAreScientists #CorningSchool #ChemicalOceanography #MaineMaritime

This past Saturday, our Woodsmen Club brought their Mariner energy to the 2026 Mud Meet hosted by Colby College, going head-to-head with teams from across New England in a full day of high-intensity timber sports. Events included chainsaw disc stack, standing block chop, axe throwing, log birling, ...pole climbing, pulp toss, log decking, and more!

Competition was fierce yet collegial, and our teams showcased their grit, skill, and outstanding representation of MMA.

#MaineMaritime #MarinerPride #Woodsmen #TimberSports #MudMeet #ColbyCollege #StudentLife #HardWork #Teamwork #LumberjackLife