Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Claire MacDonald, 3rd Assistant Engineer
Southampton, NY | Marine Engineering Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“I have known from a young age ...that I wanted to work in the maritime industry; it has always interested me and excited me the most, so I wanted to follow that passion. After graduation, I hope to work on deep-sea vessels, whether it is oil tankers or RO/RO carriers. I want to see as much of the world as possible while working my way up as an engineer.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“I think the most exciting and rewarding part will be watching the 4/C grow and getting to set a good example for them. Teaching them everything I know, and what I wish I did when I was in their shoes. I want to help build their confidence so they have a strong foundation going into cadet shipping next summer. Seeing them become even better people and leaders will be incredibly meaningful.”

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

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Samuel Smoak Jr., Cadet Bosun
Charleston, SC | Marine Transportation Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“Growing up in Charleston exposed me to ...the industry quite early. I started dredging after high school and decided I wanted to be more directly involved. After graduation, I would like to be back on tankers.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“I am looking forward to showing the underclassmen just how much there is to be learned during freshman cruise, cadet shipping, and on campus at MMA.”

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

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Jaden Knight, Cadet Chief Mate
Atlanta, GA | Marine Transportation Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“My passion for the water and my constant ...drive to learn led me to pursue a career in the maritime industry. After graduation, I hope to sail on RoRo or ConRo vessels, gaining valuable experience at sea, and ultimately work toward becoming a port pilot later in my career.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“I’m especially excited for the opportunity to test all the capabilities of the new NSMV STATE OF MAINE and to be part of the 250th Anniversary Parade in New York.”

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

Maine Maritime Academy’s 83rd Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the Field House. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

We’re honored to welcome the Honorable Elaine L. Chao, 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, as this year’s commencement speaker.

...More information: https://commencement.mainemaritime.edu

Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 and all they have achieved! ⚓

#MMACommencement #ClassOf2026

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Maxwell Page, Delta Cadet QMED
Portland, ME | Marine Engineering Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“Both of my parents and brother went to Maine ...Maritime Academy and I saw how successful they are. I hope to work on deep sea vessels and not see land for days.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“Learning the new systems of the ship. Looking to get more hands-on experience with the new training engine control room.”

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