Training Ship Lone Star State was christened at Hanwha Philly Shipyard on July 17.
The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) and dignitaries from throughout the domestic maritime industry gathered to welcome the latest addition to the U.S. fleet at the christening of the Training Ship Lone Star State at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia in July 17.
TS Lone Star State is the fourth in the series of five National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) being built at Hanwha and will serve as the primary training vessel for cadets at Texas A&M University Maritime Academy, replacing the nearly 60-year-old TS Kennedy.
“Today, we send a very clear message to the world, American shipbuilding is back!” said Rachel Campos-Duffy, wife of Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and honorary sponsor for TS Lone Star State. “The United States of America is reclaiming her rightful place as a global commander of the sea.”
When the vessel is not training the U.S. Merchant Mariners of tomorrow, TS Lone Star State can be activated by MARAD for national emergencies and humanitarian missions. Upon activation, the 525-foot-long vessel will be manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers through an agreement with TOTE Services, LLC.
In addition to the TS Lone Star State, TOTE Services, LLC operates the first three NSMVs – TS Empire State, TS Patriot State and TS State of Maine, delivered to SUNY Maritime College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Maine Maritime Academy respectively.
AMO members have also been contracted to assist in the manning of TS State of Michigan, Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s training ship, during summer cruises.
The new NSMVs feature state-of-the-art classroom and training space, along with modern medical facilities, a helipad, and capacity for more than 1,000 personnel, providing ample capacity for humanitarian relief efforts or cargo space for other national emergency missions.
The fifth NSMV, TS Golden State, is expected to be delivered to Cal-Poly Maritime Academy in 2027.
Texas A&M Maritime Academy Superintendent Michael Fossum thanked Secretary Duffy and the Trump Administration for supporting the NSMV project and their support for the Jones Act, the nation’s oldest cabotage law. He said the christening of the new ship was a signal of what awaits on the horizon for future merchant mariners.
“Without the Jones Act, there is no American Maritime industry,” Fossum said. “If you build the ships, we will crew them. This ship is a testament to that promise.”
Rachel Campos-Duffy successfully breaks the ceremonial champagne bottle, officially christening TS Lone Star State.
Texas A&M Maritime Superintendent Michael Fossum greets Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, who has been instrumental in supporting the NSMV program.