STATE OF MAINE is the third of five National Security Multi-Mission Vessels(NSMV) built for the US Department of Transportation – Maritime Administration (MARAD). The NSMV program ushered in a new era in maritime training with five, identical, purpose-built training ships for State Maritime academies in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Texas and California. The secondary mission of STATE OF MAINE and the other NSMVs is to provide national security support to the federal government.

STATE OF MAINE will be officially named (christened) on 20 August 2025 as the fifth training ship to bear this name. Delivery to Maine Maritime’s operational control is expected early in the third quarter of 2025.

The previous ships to bear the name STATE OF MAINE were ex-USNS COMFORT, ex-SS ANCON, ex-USNS UPSHUR, ex-USNS TANNER. Ex-TANNER is still in service under the ready reserve fleet and is now named M/V ZERA L. TANNER.