Remarks as Prepared by
Maritime Administrators Rear Adm. (Ret.) Ann Phillips
Commencement Address to the USMMA Class of 2024

Good morning. Thank you, Vice Admiral Nunan, for your remarks. 

It is an honor to share the stage with you in this moment of tremendous pride as we celebrate the exceptional work of the United States Merchant Marine Academy in graduating 214, highly qualified and newly licensed mariners and members of the Class of 2024! 

Throughout your time here, you, Class of 2024-have exemplified the principle of the honored USMMA Motto – Acta Non Verba - actions, not words - in remarkable ways in forging a new generation of leadership within the maritime industry.  

You drove change within the industry, demanding fair, safe, and respectful treatment of your colleagues and all mariners at sea and you demonstrated leadership and courage during times of global conflict. During your time at the Academy, we saw US FLAG support for UKRAINE, as well as the outbreak of the Hamas-Israel conflict which led to Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. 

As you step into the next chapter of your careers, continue pushing for change in the maritime space. Your collective advocacy for safety at sea formed the core of the EMBARC program, an emblem of your dedication to fostering a safer and maritime environment - crucial for the future of our industry. Never stop championing your ideas and striving for a better tomorrow. 

Although this is a huge responsibility, this is also a tremendous opportunity.

Seizing the day – means you must not back down from your dreams. In My own journey in the Navy - When I first joined, women were banned from serving aboard most ships. Despite this, I signed up for destroyers, seeking as much experience as possible in hopes that my experience would matter when the opportunity to command a destroyer came along.  

Many people doubted me, saying it would never happen. But eventually, it did. I had the honor to commission and command a U.S. destroyer, USS Mustin (DDG 89). Breaking barriers in my case came with a lot of work and effort, but one takeaway from this is don’t let anyone tell you know. When they do, find a workaround. It will pay off in the manner you choose. 

Class of 2024, this is your moment. 

Your dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence will shape the future of the seas. Embrace that = And remember that you are not alone; you are part of a global community of Kings Pointers and a legacy of US Mariners who share your passion and vision. 

Congratulations, graduates, Mariners. You are the future of the maritime industry; AND you are the architects of a new era of growth and progress at sea. Acta Non Verba.

It is now my pleasure to welcome back to New York the Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Polly Trottenberg.   
Since joining the Department of Transportation– it’s been my distinct pleasure to work alongside Polly – a truly dedicated transportation professional with decades of experience. Few may know that she began her career in the maritime world at the Port Authority of NY. Throughout our time working together, I’ve seen firsthand her unwavering commitment to the maritime industry and her dedication to the future of the US Merchant Marine and the Academy.

Ladies and Gentlemen, our Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Ms. Polly Trottenberg.