Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Mass Maritime, MMA) is a public university in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, focused on maritime-related fields. It was established in 1891 and is the second oldest state maritime academy in the United States. Originally established to graduate deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the academy has since expanded its curriculum. Though not required, some graduates go on to serve in active and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces. The academy operates a training ship, the USTS Kennedy.
History
The university was initially established on June 11, 1891 as the Massachusetts Nautical Training School, the result of an act passed by the state legislature. The first class of cadets passed through the school, which was initially located in Boston, in April 1893. Under its initial structure, the school was led by a superintendent who was then overseen by a board of commissioners appointed by the governor of Massachusetts; this structure would remain until 1942.
In 1913, the school's name changed for the first time, becoming the Massachusetts Nautical School.
By 1942, all state maritime academies became the responsibility of the federal government. At the time of this relinquishment of state control, the school was relocated from Boston to Hyannis, where it was subsequently renamed as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The academy would remain in Hyannis, on the former campus of the Hyannis State Teachers College, until 1949, when it moved to its present location in Buzzards Bay.
By 1964, the school rejoined the Division of State Colleges of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts while receiving permission to award four-year bachelors of science degrees. In 1977, the university first admitted women as cadets.
Regiment of Cadets
All residential students are members of the Academy's Regiment of Cadets. Within the Regiment, cadets supervise other cadets in a broad variety of activities, including the orientation of freshmen, room inspections, Morning Formation, daily cleaning stations, study hours, sea term planning and shipboard responsibilities. Students who seek to enroll in the Facilities Engineering or the Emergency Management programs as non-uniformed commuter students must apply in writing for admission to that status.
Academy freshmen, called "Youngies" (short for "young ladies and gentlemen"), arrive at the Academy in mid-August for Orientation, a two-week military-style indoctrination program that is physically and mentally demanding. It encompasses regimental training, military drill, and physical fitness. It also serves as an introduction to shipboard/maritime safety, nomenclature, and customs. The indoctrination period and cadet candidate program is essential to the preparation for the youngies' first semester at sea (sea term) in January.
After Orientation, the academic year begins. For the rest of their first academic year as fourth class cadets, Youngies continue to be required to adhere to stringent rules affecting many aspects of their daily life.
Second class cadets (juniors) are designated Squad Leaders and are in charge of the training of the Youngies. First class cadets (seniors) hold cadet officer positions within the regiment and/or aboard the training ship.
Special units
Regimental Band and Chorus
Composed of an average of 40 members, the MMA Band and Chorus is the musical ensemble of the Academy and the official music department at MMA. It takes part in ceremonial events at MMA as well as changes of command, military retirements, and funerals at Massachusetts National Cemetery along with other major events nationwide. The band also provides music for community events around the New England, region.
The band consists of the following ensembles:
Ceremonial Field and Concert Band
Chamber Chorus
Jazz Ensemble "First Watch" Buccaneers Brass Band
To learn more: https://www.maritime.edu/clubs-orgs/band-honor
Alpha Platoon
The MMA Drill Team, Alpha Platoon is the regiment's exhibition drill unit whose members are selected after a semester of mastering drill and ceremony.
Honour Guard
The honour guard is primarily a ceremonial color guard consisting of at least 6 cadets. They are responsible for the posting of the colours during athletic events. It also maintains a sabre team for other events at the MMA.