Malvern Man Graduates U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

MALVERN — Thomas Minh Hang of Malvern graduated June 18, 2022 from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point with a bachelor’s of science degree and a commission in the U. S. armed forces.

Hang also earned a Merchant Marine officer license in the U.S. Flag Merchant Marine, qualifying him to serve as an officer on any ship in the U.S. flag merchant marine.

The Academy is one of five U.S. federal service academies.

In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their congressman or senator. Hang was nominated by Senator Robert Casey.

The U.S. Flag Merchant Marine – manned exclusively by American mariners – is essential for securing the country’s commerce in peacetime and delivering warfighters, weapons, and military supplies in times of conflict.

As part of his four-year education, Hang spent one year training as a cadet aboard ocean going vessels.

The Academy welcomed Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg as the commencement speaker.

“This Academy, which trains and educates the majority of our Strategic Sealift Officers, is vital to our national security. And the Academy, and your service as mariners, SSO’s, and members of the armed forces, might well be as important as ever in our history,” Buttigieg said.

"Now, more than ever, the Merchant Marine Academy is a deeply and enduringly important part of our economic and national security.”