MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY CELEBRATES NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) will celebrate National Maritime Day on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. The Academy will observe this national holiday by conducting the regimental Change of Command ceremony.

“Traditionally, National Maritime Day is an opportunity for the Massachusetts Maritime Academy community to come together to look back, to look forward and to thank those who are so critical to our success,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, President of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “We’re happy to welcome family and friends to campus in a safe manner to participate in the Change of Command ceremony, one of our most cherished traditions.”

The Change of Command Ceremony is both the symbolic and physical transfer of leadership responsibilities from the graduating class to the Second Class who will assume their new roles in preparation for their senior year. Traditionally, the Change of Command Ceremony takes place before the entire Regiment. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2021 ceremony will consist of the freshman and sophomore cadets along with the junior and senior leadership.

The Change of Command Ceremony highlights the outgoing Commander passing the regimental colors to the incoming Commander. In the May 12 ceremony, the outgoing Regiment of Cadets Commander Cadet 1/C Dominic Vaccari, of Dartmouth, MA, will pass his responsibilities to 2/C Daniel McAuliffe, of Milton, MA, as the incoming Regimental Commander. In the role of Regimental Commander, McAuliffe will work directly with the Commandant of Cadets in all matters pertaining to discipline, military smartness, supply, and the coordination of the daily routine of the Regiment. As part of the ceremony, Vaccari will address those in attendance, and McAuliffe will deliver the cadet officer oath to the incoming leadership group.

MMA is following strict COVID-19 guidelines to allow guests on campus. Attendance is limited to invited family members of the junior and senior cadets in leadership positions. No one who has been exposed to COVID-19 within the past 14 days or has experienced any COVID-19 symptoms is permitted to attend. Guest arrival will be staggered, and attendees will be socially distanced.

Created in 1933, National Maritime Day is formally observed on May 22, the date that the American steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah, GA, in 1819 on the first transoceanic voyage under steam power. At MMA, the celebration date may differ slightly from year to year depending on the date of Coast Guard Examinations, which may fall in the same week as National Maritime Day.