Jared Walter Wood, a native of West Valley City, Utah, has recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York. Wood earned a Bachelor of Science degree, a commission in the U.S. armed forces, and a Merchant Marine officer license, qualifying him to serve as an officer on any U.S. flag merchant marine vessel.
The USMMA is one of five federal service academies, dedicated to educating and graduating licensed Merchant Marine officers to serve the nation during both peace and war. Admission to the academy is highly competitive, requiring rigorous academic and physical qualifications, as well as a nomination from a member of Congress or the Senate.
Graduates of the USMMA, often referred to as “Kings Pointers,” are obligated to serve the United States upon completion of their studies. Many serve for eight years as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while working aboard U.S. flag vessels, while others choose to serve on active duty in the nation’s armed forces. The U.S. flag merchant marine, manned exclusively by American mariners, plays a crucial role in securing the country’s commerce during peacetime and delivering military supplies in times of conflict.
During his four-year education, Wood spent one year training as a cadet aboard ocean-going vessels, gaining real-world experience that prepares graduates to serve effectively from day one. At the commencement ceremony, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll addressed the graduates, stating, “All of you on this field are what keep our Army and the joint force moving around the world, and you are more important now than ever before.” Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, whose department oversees the academy, introduced Secretary Driscoll and reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding the USMMA’s infrastructure and strengthening America’s broader maritime capabilities.
Dedicated during World War II, the USMMA has since served the nation in both peace and war. Learn more at https://www.WeAreTheUSMMA.com. For more information about the academy, visit https://www.usmma.edu/.
Congratulations to Jared Walter Wood on his remarkable achievement and commitment to serving our nation.