East Brunswick Resident Graduates From United States Merchant Marine Academy

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – An East Brunswick resident recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Zachary Thomas Zebro earning both a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U.S. armed forces.

Zebro also received his Merchant Marine officer license, which qualifies him to serve as an officer aboard any vessel in the U.S. flag merchant marine fleet. His nomination to the academy came from Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, the USMMA Alumni Association & Foundation said.

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is one of only five federal service academies in the nation. Beyond its demanding academic and physical admission standards, the institution requires congressional nomination for entry.

The academy's mission centers on training licensed Merchant Marine officers to serve America during both peacetime and wartime operations.

As part of his comprehensive four-year education, Zebro spent a full year training aboard ocean-going vessels, gaining hands-on experience that prepares graduates for immediate service upon graduation.

All academy graduates commit to serving the United States following their education. Most "Kings Pointers" fulfill this obligation through eight years as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while working aboard U.S. flag vessels, though some choose active duty service in the armed forces.

At this year's commencement ceremony, Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy addressed the graduates about the challenges ahead.

"The mission you all are about to embark on could not be more important at this very moment when our nation confronts conflict in the Middle East," Secretary Duffy said. "Whether it's the Strait of Hormuz or the South China Sea, there are rough waters ahead. You will find yourself in harm's way. And you do it for your country."

The academy, dedicated during World War II, continues to serve the nation's maritime defense needs. More information is available at www.WeAreTheUSMMA.com and https://www.usmma.edu/.

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