The waterfront campus defines and distinguishes the training capabilities and student experience at Maine Maritime Academy. With the arrival of State of Maine and the construction of the new pier, the waterfront campus is in the process of a generational transformation that will reshape the world-class, hands-on education the institution is able to provide its students.

State of Maine, the third of five cutting-edge National Security Multi-Mission Vessels, will serve as the next generation training ship at the Academy, supporting both the academic development of cadets and federal humanitarian relief efforts in response to natural disasters. The ship is the Academy’s first purpose-built training vessel with a full-sized, dedicated training bridge and two full-sized, fully functional engine rooms.

On August 26, Maine Maritime Academy, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), Hanwha Philly Shipyard, and TOTE Services celebrated the State of Maine naming ceremony at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia.

Cadets with the President of TOTE Services Jeff Dixon

Speakers at the naming ceremony included President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea, Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, U.S. Senator Todd Young of Indiana, U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania, Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Sang Yi, Maine Maritime Academy President Craig Johnson, and Maine Maritime Academy Regimental Commander Odegaard Fields. Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao served as the ship’s co-sponsor with Senator Susan Collins, also the ship’s Godmother; both played a crucial role in securing federal funding for the vessel.

“Maine Maritime Academy is internationally recognized as a leader in maritime education, and this vessel represents a major step forward in our mission to train the world’s finest
mariners,” said Maine Maritime Academy President Craig Johnson. “As our first purpose-built training ship, State of Maine will provide world-class learning experiences for cadets pursuing unlimited tonnage licenses. It’s a game-changer for our mission and a powerful reflection of what’s possible through strong partnerships and shared vision.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had been scheduled to speak at the naming ceremony but was delayed by a cabinet meeting. In his absence, he issued the following statement, “State of Maine is more than a ship — it’s a strategic investment in the people and infrastructure that keep America’s maritime economy strong. Our cadets deserve cutting-edge tools and training to become the industry leaders who will keep our nation strong and ready when it matters most.”

Maine Maritime Academy President Craig Johnson ’91 delivers an address at the State of Maine naming ceremony

Acting Maritime Administrator Sang Yi delivered an address at the event saying, “This vessel marks a new era for American maritime power. MARAD’s mission to modernize sealift and empower the Merchant Marine hinges on relentless innovation and partnership. Together, we can build the fleet America needs to secure our future and dominate the seas.”

President Lee of Korea emphasized the importance of the strategic relationship between South Korea and the United States and the bilateral commitment to strengthening domestic shipbuilding capabilities. President Lee announced a $5 billion investment by Hanwha in Hanwha Philly Shipyard. In October, President Trump announced that the United States would build nuclear-powered submarines at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in coordination with the South Korean government.

Regimental Operations Officer Margaret Archibald ’26 attended the naming ceremony along with other members of regimental leadership. Describing the experience, Archibald said, “Touring the ship after the naming ceremony was the first time I saw State of Maine in person. Seeing the training rooms and engine spaces, I started imagining all of the possibilities for the expansion of the summer sea term learning curriculum. As an engineer, the opportunity to work with brand new automation and electrical systems means that I will enter the industry next spring prepared to work on any type of vessel.”

The Honorable Elaine Chao, the ship’s co-sponsor, arrives with State of Maine Chief Engineer Aaron Coy

Archibald added that, “Maine Maritime Academy is a special place that, for many reasons, develops good people and good sailors, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have represented the student body at the State of Maine naming ceremony.”

Immediately following the naming ceremony, State of Maine encountered propulsion shaft and stern tube bearing issues during dockside trials. The ship was subsequently drydocked in September.

During drydocking, the tail shaft, stern tube bearing, bearing carriers, and other associated components were removed for analysis and replacement or repair. At the time of printing, State of Maine is pier side at Rhoades Industries Pier 6 in Philadelphia with temporary plates over the stern-tube.

An additional drydocking will be necessary to facilitate the installation of a reconditioned tail shaft, stern tube bearings, and associated propulsion components. Expected delivery to MARAD/TOTE Services is now the first quarter of 2026, following repairs, root cause analysis, and additional dock trials to prove the efficacy of the repairs.█

All Hands for a Bright Future

By: Meagan Doucette ’21, Third Mate, State of Maine

This past August, I had the opportunity to attend the naming ceremony for NSMV III, State of Maine at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia. It was an extraordinary day for the Maine Maritime Academy community as it marked a new chapter in the school’s storied history. During the ceremony, American and South Korean dignitaries spoke of the importance of shipbuilding in America and the positive impact of the NSMV program on future seafarers. There was a sense of camaraderie among attendees as we celebrated this exciting milestone.

The group of Midshipmen who attended played a significant role in the events of the day. Unsurprisingly, they operated with great professionalism and poise as they mingled with respected politicians and industry leaders. The afternoon ended with a speech from Midshipman Odegaard Fields in which he described the history of the NSMV program and leaders who have played vital roles in its success. He described the mission of Maine Maritime Academy and the impact of the institution on current and former students. MMA was well represented that day; our presence was impactful and impressive. Perhaps the most impressive were our students. The ship’s crew was very proud of them on this day.

As a Maine Maritime Academy graduate and current crew member, I feel a deep sense of responsibility in ensuring that MMA maintains the level of excellence it has displayed for generations. A state-of-the-art training ship will enhance our ability to train our deck and engine cadets in modern systems. It will provide ample classroom space and resources which will serve various other academic programs at MMA. We are excited to collaborate with staff, faculty, and students as we utilize this incredible asset.

I, along with my fellow crew members, have invested our time and energy into this project. Collectively, we have spent hundreds of days away from home, training and readying ourselves for the future. During the past year, we have worked with our counterparts at SUNY Maritime College and Massachusetts Maritime Academy in an effort to prepare for the delivery of State of Maine. Having access to NSMV sister ships Empire State and Patriot State has been crucial to our preparation. Most recently, we have been in Philadelphia at Hanwha Philly Shipyard observing as the ship nears completion. We have a shared vision, full of possibilities for our students, and we have remained committed to capitalizing on this moment to take MMA’s shipboard training to the next level.

This program has provided a unique professional opportunity for me, and I have been fortunate to work alongside intelligent, steadfast colleagues during this period of flux. Our routines were
upended as we worked remotely. We were no longer interacting with students during weekly maintenance. We lived in apartments in Philadelphia while MMA cadets completed summer sea term, something we look forward to yearly. Although this stage in delivery was expected, we felt a loss of connection with the MMA community. As we enter the next stage, we are excited to reconnect and help usher in a new era for the school we love. This ship belongs to everyone, and we should be very proud of what it represents.

Students looking at the engines

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