AMO Deep Sea Vice President and proud Maine Maritime graduate Jeff Richards stands in front of the new State of Maine at the NSMV’s christening at Hanwha Philly Shipyard.
The following includes excerpts from a press release issued by the United States Maritime Administration. American Maritime Officers will represent all licensed officers on the T/S State of Maine when it is activated by MARAD for national emergency and humanitarian missions.
On August 26, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) celebrated the christening of the State of Maine, the third of five cutting-edge National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV), at Hanwha Philly Shipyard. Built for Maine Maritime Academy, the T/S State of Maine will serve as a next generation training ship, supporting both the academic development of cadets and America’s humanitarian relief.
Spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, the NSMV program is revitalizing America’s maritime training infrastructure-a cornerstone of President Trump’s Executive Order on restoring maritime dominance. The program directly supports nearly 1,500 skilled jobs in Philadelphia and boosts American competitiveness at sea and ashore.
The naming celebration was attended by President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea, U.S. Senator Todd Young, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Acting Maritime Administrator Sang Yi, and representatives from Hanwha Philly Shipyard and Tote Services. Also attending was American Maritime Officers National President Willie Barrere, AMO National Vice President, Deep Sea and Maine Maritime alum Jeff Richards and AMO Assistant Vice President, Government Affairs, Alaina Basciano.
“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,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “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. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, American shipyards can and will produce more big, beautiful ships again.”
The T/S State of Maine is the third vessel of five in the NSMV program, following the deliveries of the T/S Empire State to SUNY Maritime and the T/S Patriot State, which was recently delivered to Massachusetts Maritime Academy. When activated by MARAD for special missions, all three vessels will be manned in licensed positions American Maritime Officers.
“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, the 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.”
The naming ceremony occurred on the same day South Korea and Hanwha pledged to spend billions of dollars to reinvigorate shipbuilding in America. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee met earlier in the week to discuss South Korea’s investment in American shipbuilding. Two more NSMVs are under construction at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, destined for Texas and California maritime academies.
“This vessel marks a new era for American maritime power,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Sang Yi. “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.”
Additional Information:
MARAD is replacing aging training vessels from the National Defense Reserve Fleet with new, purpose-built ships designed to meet modern academy needs-and to provide critical capabilities for disaster response and national emergencies.
Stretching 525 feet long, a single NSMV can accommodate 600 cadets and up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need. These vessels boast eight classrooms, cutting-edge labs, a training bridge, auditorium, helicopter pad, advanced medical facilities, and roll-on/roll-off and container capacity-ensuring cadets get unmatched hands-on training.
State of Maine sponsor Elaine Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor and Transportation, is congratulated by U.S. labor leaders at the vessel’s christening.
President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea gave remarks at the vessel christening and pledged his country’s continued investment in American shipbuilding.
AMO National President Willie Barrere, Richards and Assistant VP Alaina Basciano pose with Maine Maritime cadets in front of their school’s new training ship.
AMO President Barrere thanked Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon for her support of the NSMV program and advocacy for American shipbuilding in her region.