Ceremonies & Celebrations

Regimental Change of Command Ceremony

ON FEBRUARY 24, Maine Maritime Academy President Craig Johnson, along with Interim Commandant of Midshipmen, Commander Lonnie Christian, presided over the Academy’s Change of Command Ceremony, welcoming a new group of students into critical leadership roles within the Regiment.

The Regimental Staff, or Wedge as they are known throughout the Academy, is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Regiment of Midshipmen. The annual Change of Command Ceremony honors the symbolic and physical transfer of authority and responsibilities between two classes of student leaders. Graduating First Class Midshipmen pass their leadership positions to Second Class Midshipmen, who will guide the Regiment until next year.

Midshipman First Class Ahren Myers, right, passes the Charlie Company guidon to incoming Charlie Company Commander, Midshipman Second Class William Chase, left, during the 2025 Maine Maritime Academy Change of Command Ceremony.

At the ceremony, Interim President Johnson said, “As you all are aware, the Regiment of Midshipmen is extremely important not only to this institution but to our nation. At the Academy, it is our fundamental mission to train officers for the ‘safe and efficient operation of the United States Merchant Marine at all times…’ Since our founding in 1941, our program has certainly expanded and broadened beyond the training of merchant mariners, but our Regimental program of study continues to provide our students, even those not seeking a Coast Guard license, with the leadership skills that enable them to be successful in their careers.”

In addition to performing traditional responsibilities as designated by their roles, the leadership of the outgoing class of 2025 was instrumental in overseeing pre-cruise familiarization of the Academy’s TS State of Maine for members of the freshman class, orchestrating a safe Regimental Preparatory Training evolution for incoming freshmen, and maintaining Regimental standards throughout the year. Additionally, they serve as mentors and role models for the Regimental student body.

President Johnson addresses Regiment.

As they settle into their roles, the new student leaders are preparing for a rigorous at-sea training schedule, including this summer’s sea term with Texas A&M Maritime Academy aboard TS Kennedy. They will also continue planning for the arrival of incoming Regimental students in mid-August, overseeing Regimental Preparatory Training, and handling the daily operations of the Regiment of Midshipmen.

Outgoing class of 2024-25 Regimental Commander, Midshipman 1/C Christian Cabrera, a Marine Engineering Technology major from Madison, Maine has turned over his duties as the 2025-26 Regimental Commander to Midshipman 2/C Odegaard Fields, a Marine Transportation Operations major from Mill River, Massachusetts.

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