In August, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg submitted a report to Congress on the implementation of the National Academy of Public Administration’s (NAPA) recommendations to address challenges at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).  

Since the completion of the assessment, there have been on-going efforts to implement significant changes at the academy related to infrastructure, institutional culture, education, and sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response. The Maritime Administration has also taken steps to bolster the institution through a campus-wide maintenance contract, refurbishment of its pier and the newly formed Sexual Assault and Prevention Response Office. (SAPRO).  USMMA also welcomes the addition of two new positions, Chief of Staff who will coordinate the implementation of a new governance structure within the Academy and Director of Public Affairs who will strengthen relationships and foster new ones with external stakeholders. 

The NAPA report made a key recommendation that MARAD form a task force on USMMA governance and culture. This recommendation was—fulfilled with the appointment and inaugural convening of the USMMA Advisory Council (Council) on August 7, 2023. The Council will provide independent advice and recommendations on improving the Academy in the areas of curriculum development and training programs; diversity, equity, and inclusion; sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response; infrastructure maintenance and redevelopment; midshipmen health and welfare; governance and administrative policies; and other matters. 

This report reflects the commitment on the part of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration to set the conditions for creating substantial, positive, and lasting change at the USMMA.
 

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