Today’s Summer Sea Term student leadership highlight is Cole Michaud ’26 from Saco, Maine. Midshipman Michaud is serving as both Foxtrot Company Commander and Cadet QMED. He is also a member of the men’s lacrosse team.

🔹 What are you looking forward to this summer?
I am ...looking forward to integrating with the other academies; I think we will have a great time getting to know an entirely new group. I am also excited for the experience of working onboard a steam vessel — being able to apply the many steam classes from MMA is something I truly look forward to.

🔹What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before your first summer sea term?
Something I wish I knew before my first sea term is that the upperclassmen are extremely valuable resources. I learned so much from them and am truly thankful for the time and effort they put toward our success as 4/C MIDN.

🔹 Which port are you most excited to visit, and why?
I am looking forward to visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia. I have family in the area whom I have not seen in over five years. I spent some time there growing up, and it will be great to catch up with them. The area is also fantastic — between the city, the landscape, and the history of Halifax, we will have plenty to do.

🔹 Why did you apply for a ship rate position, and what do you hope to learn?
I applied for the Company Commander position to gain leadership experience and to look out for others. During my time at Maine Maritime, I have made many great connections and look forward to extending that to Texas Maritime and supporting all MIDN.

I also applied for a ship rate position to gain more hands-on experience and to learn a new ship. I saw the ship rates on freshman cruise doing maintenance almost every day, which was one of the things I was looking for when coming to Maine Maritime.

⸻

Summer Training Cruises are a core part of the experience for students enrolled in majors with an Unlimited USCG License—including Marine Engineering Operations, Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Systems Engineering (5-year), and Marine Transportation Operations. These cruises offer a firsthand look at shipboard life and provide essential hands-on training.

#handsonlearning #cruise #WorkAtSea #mainemaritime

🎓 Save the Date! 🎓

Maine Maritime Academy’s 82nd Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:30 AM in the Field House. Doors open at 10:30 AM.

Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2025 and all they have achieved! ⚓ #MMACommencement #Classof2025

...For more information visit https://commencement.mainemaritime.edu.

🎖️ Join us on April 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Alexander Field House for the Regimental Awards Ceremony!

During this special event, we will recognize the superior accomplishments of our Midshipmen and celebrate their vision, effort, and tenacity. ⚓

Help us honor the ...dedication and leadership that define the Regiment of Midshipmen!

More information at
https://mainemaritime.edu/student-life/regimental-program/regimental-awards-ceremony/.

#MarinersLead #MMARegiment #Pride #MaineMaritime

Join our Graduate Virtual Open House to learn about Graduate Studies at MMA and our Master's Program in Maritime Management.

📅 Date: Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Platform: Zoom

Why Attend?

Application Guidance: Get valuable ...insights into the application process, requirements, deadlines, and tips for a strong application.

Meet Our Faculty: Interact with program faculty, ask questions, and understand the academic offerings, return on investment, and career pathways.

Student Insights: Hear firsthand experiences from current graduate students about their journey and the program's value.

Registration: https://admissions.mainemaritime.edu/register/GRADVIRT2025

Today’s Summer Sea Term student leadership highlight is Alexander Banning ’26. Midshipman Banning is from Califon, NJ, and in addition to serving as Cadet Chief Mate, he is also a member of the MMA Marksmanship Club, the MMA Shotgun Team, and the Castine Fire & Rescue Department.

...🔹 What are you looking forward to this summer?
I'm looking forward to getting back out to sea and using the skills and knowledge I have gained over the past 3 years. I am also looking forward to working with the cadets from Texas A&M and developing a close relationship between the two academies.

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What is the one thing you wish someone told you before your first summer sea term?
One thing I wish I knew during my first summer sea term is that there are so many people on the ship who are eager to help and share their knowledge. If you're ever unsure about something or just curious, don’t hesitate to ask

🔹 Which port are you most excited to visit, and why?
I'm looking forward to docking in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The city's culture and atmosphere are incredibly welcoming, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there during my freshman cruise. I look forward to returning and being able to further explore Belfast and the rest of Northern Ireland.

🔹 Why did you apply for a ship rate position, and what do you hope to learn?
I applied for a ship rate position because during my freshman cruise, the ship rates played a vital role in helping me understand and learn about the industry I was going into. I want to be able to provide the same experience to the freshmen on this year's cruise that I got. I also see this as a perfect opportunity to further my leadership experiences and improve my skills as a mariner.

⸻

Summer Training Cruises are a core part of the experience for students enrolled in majors with an Unlimited USCG License—including Marine Engineering Operations, Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Systems Engineering (5-year), and Marine Transportation Operations. These cruises offer a firsthand look at shipboard life and provide essential hands-on training.

@handsonlearning #cruise #WorkAtSea #mainemaritime