the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Midland Park NJ, Christopher Gerard Wheaton, son of James Wheaton and Dierdre James, of Midland Park recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from the prestigious United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, NY. Wheaton earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U. S. armed forces. He also earned a Merchant Marine officer license, qualifying him to serve as an officer on any ship in the U.S. flag merchant marine. Wheaton is a graduate of Bergen Catholic High School.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of five U.S. federal service academies. It educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers to serve the nation during peace and war. In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their Congressman or Senator. Wheaton was nominated by Congressman Josh Gottheimer.
All USMMA graduates incur an obligation to serve the United States. 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. The majority of “Kings Pointers” serve for eight years as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while working aboard U.S. flag vessels; others will serve on active duty in our nation’s armed forces. Wheaton commissioned into the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was accepted into the Air Force’s pilot training and will report to Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma.
By virtue of their elite training and real-world experience, graduates are ready to go on day one in service of American military strength and economic power. As part of his four year education, Wheaton spent one year training as a cadet aboard ocean going vessels.
The Academy welcomed Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy as the commencement speaker. Secretary Duffy told the graduates, “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. 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.”
Dedicated during WWII, USMMA has since served the nation in both peace and war. Learn more at www.WeAreTheUSMMA.com
For more information about the Academy, visit https://www.usmma.edu/.
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Congratulations, and THANK YOU for your service.