The State University of New York Maritime College Alumna and the “First Lady” of SUNY Maritime Officially Name the EMPIRE STATE 

WASHINGTON - The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced Captain Elizabeth Christman as the sponsor of the first state-class National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) the EMPIRE STATE, which will be delivered this summer to the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College as the university’s new cadet training vessel. Christman is a 1987 graduate of SUNY Maritime College and is currently the Vice President of the Maryland Pilots Association.

After graduating from Maritime College, Christman became a role model for cadets by going to sea and advancing her U.S. Coast Guard license to the level of Unlimited Master. She supported SUNY Maritime College cadets directly as a watch officer and Chief Mate on earlier EMPIRE STATE vessels for several years to include the safe transport of U.S. Armed Services personnel from Somalia.  

MARAD is also proud to announce Mrs. Kimberly Alfultis as the Honorary Matron of Honor for the EMPIRE STATE. The spouse of Rear Admiral Michael Alfultis, President of SUNY Maritime College. Mrs. Alfultis’ long-standing support to the student body of SUNY Maritime College is widely known and well recognized, specifically in her efforts to recruit a diverse student body at SUNY Maritime. Mrs. Alfultis’ impressive record of service aligns with the goals of the Biden-Harris Administration to increase the diversity in the maritime industry while fostering a safe and inclusive environment at sea.

Capt. Christman and Mrs. Alfultis, serve as inspirations for cadets as they train to become professional mariners onboard this superbly capable new ship.

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