Workboat Academy Graduates Another Class at MITAGS
Maritime Administration Deputy Administrator Orlando Gotay gives Keynote Speech
The graduation for twelve cadets from the Workboat Academy took place at the MITAGS Linthicum Heights campus on September 1, 2010. Deputy Administrator Gotay welcomed the Mates to the industry saying it is a critical time for the industry to rebuild and revitalize. He also offered a special congratulation to the companies for sponsoring the cadets and acknowledged their efforts to ensure well-trained and qualified personnel were available to the industry. He told the crowd that MARAD is committed to fostering growth in the American Marine Highway program, which will assist in providing more jobs, revitalize companies and alleviate roadway congestion as well as pollution.
A US Naval Academy graduate, Class of 1987, Deputy Administrator Gotay said he remembered the sense of accomplishment he felt at his graduation. He acknowledged the time, effort and commitment it takes to achieve great things in life and commended the cadets for their perseverance.
Ty Stewart, a graduating cadet sponsored by Moran Towing, spoke about the learning experience, the comrade, and the sense of pride the cadets gained during the two-year program and about the professionalism of the instructors. David Pacy, a returning alumnus of program, said he has been working in the Gulf of Mexico for his sponsor Vane Brothers and talked about the sense of responsibilty he felt working there during the regional crisis. He warned the graduating class that there are no room for errors working on commercial vessels and that it was hard work but well worth the effort.
Glen Paine, Executive Director of MITAGS, reminded the cadets that a lot had changed in the world and in the maritime industry over the past two years since they entered the program. He acknowledged them as Workboat Mates and now a part of the global marine industry. Paine also introduced Captain Bob Becker, Business Development Manager for MITAGS, who had been a fellow cadet of his years ago at the US Merchant Marine Academy, and told them by accepting responsibility and meeting the challenges much could be accomplished on their journey to becoming leaders at their companies and in the maritime industry. Finally, he welcomed them to the maritime fraternity of mariners.
Victor Tufts, Student Services Coordinator for the program, introduced Marja van Pietersom, Program Manager for Workboat Academy in Seattle, Washington, who has now taken over as program manager for the academy at Linthicum, Maryland as well.
Concluding the event Glen Paine, who also acknowledged Gregg Trunnell, Workboat Academy Director in Seattle, said they both appreciated and thanked all the participating companies for their commitment to the program, which includes Andrie Marine, Brusco Tug & Barge, Crowley Marine Services, Dann Marine, Dunlap Towing, Foss Maritime, Harley Marine Services, K-Sea Transportation, Linblad Expeditions, Moran Towing Corporation, NOAA Atlantic, NOAA Pacific, Overseas Shipholding Group, Penn Maritime, Sause Brothers Towing, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Starlight Marine Services, United Ocean Services, University of Washington School of Oceanography, Van Brothers, and Western Towboat.