Brian G. Deschenes ’95 was recently promoted to Fire Engineer with the San Antonio (Texas) Fire Department. Deschenes completed 10 years
of service as a Firefighter with the SAFD in 2016, and spent the last eight years assigned to the department’s Technical Rescue Team. During that time, he also made multiple disaster deployments in support of regional, state and federal operations as a Swiftwater Boat Bowman, a FEMA Logistics Specialist and a FEMA Water Rescue Specialist. He is currently enrolled in the department’s 50th Paramedic class, and expects to graduate this fall. Photo shows Deschenes receiving promotion from Fire Chief Charles Hood (left) and his wife Mindi (“who pinned my badge.”)

After retiring as Director of California Ship Assist and Tanker Escort Services, Nathaniel “Frosty” Leonard ’83 and his wife, Eve moved back to East Boothbay, Maine. Eve still is employed by Copper Valley Telephone in Valdez, Alaska as IT Manager, but works mostly remotely from home. In 2012, Frosty founded Little River Marine Consultants, a marine consulting firm specializing in developing systems and training in high-speed tanker escort and emergency maneuvering with tractor tugs.

He also has done over-water cargo movement planning for major oil companies producing oil from the North Slope and Russia.

Currently, Leonard is contracted on a long-term project providing input to a regional advisory committee for the smooth marine contract transition for ship assist, spill response and tanker escort services in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

Dana “Tuna” Petersen ’80 sends news and a photo: “MMA alumni met up in Washington D.C. on December 17 for the 2016 Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery. (Shown left to right;) Bob Tarrant ‘81, John Lord ‘80, Jim Shirley ‘87 and Dana “Tuna” Petersen ‘80. Bob’s brother Lt. Col. Kevin Tarrant USAF is one of 245,000 service men and women buried at Arlington.”

John Higgins sends a photo and news of the Summer Reunion Class of 1978: “August 11, 2016, several classmates met in Kennebunk, Maine with Father Raymond Auger, a great opportunity to share stories and enjoy Maine at its best! Shown are Father Ray from Melbourne, Florida,
John F. Higgins from Bristol, England, David Taylor from Ashton, Maryland and John Squitieri, Suffern, New York.”

Ryan Armstrong ’14 sends news his Chief Engineer, Doug Ritchie ’74 “just retired after 42 years of sailing!” Armstrong is a 3AE aboard ATB Legend, one of Crowley’s 750 class ATBs. (Shown back to front) next to the STBD main engine: Armstrong, 1AE Sean Varney ‘04, 2AE Will Ziadeh ‘13, 1AE Josh DeVos ’10, and C/E Ritchie.

John O’Reilly ’72 retired from OSG several years ago and lives in Sedgwick, Maine with his wife, Maureen. They both create stained glass works and fused jewelry as Bagaduce Art Glass. Maureen works at the Academy Bookstore and John does adjunct work two hours a week in the MMA Tanker Lab.

David J. Singstock ’64 writes: “It has been a long time since I communicated with MMA to tell you about myself and what my years at MMA have done for my professional career. I was a distinguished graduate as a marine engineer. The educational background, training and direction from the staff at MMA lighted the fuse for an exemplary career in the U.S. Navy. However, I did sail for a short time with Gulf Oil as a 3rd Engineer. (Prior to coming to MMA, I had previous sea experience in the Merchant Marine.) During my career in the Navy, I was continually placed in positions higher to my current rank. I can only say this was because of my training obtained at MMA. In the Navy, I had many responsible assignments at sea and ashore. I experienced combat duty in Vietnam and operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During my career, I earned an M.S. degree from George Washington University. Post-retirement from the Navy, I was a Senior T.D. with several companies in the Washington, D.C. area, providing technical services to the Navy. My last 15 years before my second retirement was spent as a T.D. with GDIT at the Missile Defense Agency supporting AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense. Subsequently, I have been a member of several military, political and civic associations.

“Just thought you would like to know what MMA has done, preparing me for a successful professional career.”

At the invitation of MMA and in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of their graduation, the Class of 1962 has raised funds for renovation of the existing memorial plaza, located on the south side of the Harold Alfond Student Center.

The renovation will include a granite stone bearing the names of the graduates who perished at sea and those who gave their lives in service to the nation, state, community and the academy. It will be part of a semi-circular brick wall topped with granite, new paving tiles, and refinishing of the gun. The original plaza was a gift of the Class of 1949, and plaques commemorating that class will be included in the renovation.

Gifting of the Memorial Plaza to the academy will take place at 11:00 am on August 8, during the 55th Reunion of the Class of 1962 with formal dedication during Homecoming.