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INSIGHTS proved by the Secretary of Transportation. They explain ments to operate large ships (unlimited horsepower and the public bene? ts expected from creating new or expand- unlimited tonnage) and to sustain a prolonged sealift mo- ing existing maritime freight services between two US bilization beyond the ? rst four to six months. We need a ports. Designating routes is a way for the nation to see larger peacetime employment base to ensure we have the waterways as viable freight route, a valued part of our na- manpower during times of crisis.

tional transportation system, and one that has capacity to

You made it a priority upon assuming your current role accommodate freight transport needs well into the future. as Maritime Administrator to right the ship at the US

Really, it’s the only transportation mode with signi? cant

Merchant Marine Academy. Tell us about where the undeveloped capacity. We need to get on with develop- nation’s only federal maritime academy sits today?

ing that capacity in a thoughtful way. Application periods

The Academy is moving very strongly in a positive direc- are open every six months and readers can ? nd helpful tion, and had started doing so before I even got on scene. information at https://www.marad.dot.gov/wp-content/

This past year was one of the most successful in the Acad- uploads/pdf/Webinar-Presentation-2017.pdf. emy’s history and was marked by many signi? cant mile- stones; including the Academy receiving full reaccredita-

You recently awarded grants to myriad small domes- tion by Middle States, reaccreditation of the Engineering tic shipyards. Can we expect that this funding will program, and the Class of 2018 achieving a ? rst-time pass continue? Just how much of a difference does it really make for our all-important shipbuilding base? rate of over 90% on their Coast Guard licensing examina-

Our nation’s small shipyards are critical to maintaining tions. We’re anticipating progressively better performance the health and vibrancy of the Jones Act ? eet. MARAD’s as the Class of 2022 entered the Academy in June with out-

Small Shipyard Grant Program provides assistance to help standing quali? cations. It also had the highest percentage keep them competitive. It is a very popular program be- of women ever. We had championship teams in just about cause of the signi? cant bene? ts gained with the seed every sport. We recently released the USMMA strategic money provided through this program. There are tons of plan for 2018-2023 called Navigating Towards the Fu- great success stories where smart investments in this pro- ture Together; that along with the “Be KP” culture change gram enabled small shipyards to jump ahead in capacity campaign developed by the Regiment of Midshipmen to and capability and open up whole new lines of business strengthen the Academy’s culture, will provide headings – and more jobs. For a small shipyard, making capital for developing leaders of exemplary character. Our Sea improvements while operating in the margins is dif? cult. Year program is back on track and everyone is getting the

The importance of waterway infrastructure to our coun- sailing time they need. There is very much a positive vibe try’s competitiveness cannot be underestimated, and the on campus these days.

monies provided by Congress go a long ways in keeping

What’s been your biggest success so far as head of these shipyards working. the nation’s Maritime Administration? In what area

Give us a sense of where our ready reserve and/or can Marad do better? Why and how?

We can always communicate better, so I appreciate you

MSP ? eets stand today. Are we ready for the next giving me some print to talk a bit about what we are doing sealift event?

The 60–ship commercial MSP ? eet is solid, operating and where we are having issues. We’ve made some incre- well, and has the militarily useful ships we’d need in a sea- mental progress in getting the word out to give a broader lift and sustainment scenario. Readiness of the government audience a bit better visibility on the state of our com- owned RRF is a constant challenge given that the average mercial shipping and how that impacts national security. age of our vessels is 43 years, and 24 of them are steam ves- We are upgrading our social media presence and trying to sels. Repairs and upgrades to older equipment and aging reach out farther. In terms of successes, I think that get- systems require shipyard periods lasting longer and costing ting funding secured for the ? rst NSMV (and hopefully more each year; but we are working with our partners – more) was a big plus, as was getting an infusion of capi-

Navy and USTRANSCOM – to address the challenges of tal improvement funds up at Kings Point. There are some recapitalizing the sealift ? eet to ensure mission readiness. others – like the National Maritime Transportation Strat-

I am also concerned about the availability of a suf? cient egy – which are close, but not quite there yet. Lots of pots number of quali? ed mariners with the necessary endorse- boiling – lots of great potential ahead.

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