American Maritime Officers conducting the sea trials of the National Security Multi-Mission vessel Training Ship State of Maine, here in Philadelphia in June, included from (right to the left) Third Mate Paulino Martinez, Jr., Captain Daniel Vich, Chief Mate John Connolly and Second Mate Bryan Ziehl.
The NSMV program marks a new era in vessel construction in the United States. The United States Maritime Administration, through the use of a partnership with Tote Services, will deliver five new vessels to be used at various maritime academies for training the next generation of mariners and the ships can be activated in cases of national emergency. T/S State of Maine is expected be the third vessel delivered in the NSMV program, following the successful deliveries of the T/S Empire State (SUNY Maritime) and the T/S Patriot State (Mass Maritime). The first three NSMVs, when activated for national emergency, will be manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.
