[Report of the Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York, June 8, 1945]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

REPORT OF
THE BOARD OF VISITORS TO THE
UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY
KINGS POINT, NEW YORK
JUNE 8, 1945
REPORT OF
THE BOARD OF VISITORS TO THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY KINGS POINT, NEW YORK
1945 $
JUNE 8, 1945
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1946
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS TO THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY—1945
Kings Point, N. Y., June 8,1945.
The President of the Senate.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Gentlemen: Pursuant to Public Law 301, Seventy-eighth Congress, second session, approved May 11, 1944, the following Senators and Members of the House of Representatives were designated to constitute the 1945 Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy:
SENATORS
By the Vice President:
Harley M. Kilgore, of West Virginia.
By the Committee on Commerce:
Josiah W. Bailey, of North Carolina (ex-officio).
Theodore G. Bilbo, of Mississippi.
Alexander Wiley, of Wisconsin.
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
By the Speaker of the House:
Eugene J. Keogh, Ninth Congressional District of New York.
Ellsworth B. Buck, Eleventh Congressional District of New York.
By the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee:
Schuyler Otis Bland, First Congressional District of Virginia (ex-officio).
Richard J. Welch, Fifth Congressional District of California.
J. Hardin Peterson, First Congressional District of Florida.
Frank W. Boykin, First Congressional District of Alabama.-
Representatives Henry M. Jackson, Second Congressional District of Washington, and James Domengeaux, Third Congressional District of Louisiana were later appointed in the places of Mr. Schuyler Otis Bland, of Virginia, and Mr. Frank W. Boykin, of Alabama, respectively, who were unable to attend.
Representative Alvin F. Weichel, Thirteenth Congressional District of Ohio, a member of the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, accompanied the Board.
The members of the Board were accompanied from Washington to Kings Point by the following officers from headquarters of the training organization of the War Shipping Administration: Commodore Telfair Knight, USMS, assistant deputy administrator for training and commandant of the United States Maritime Service, Lt. Comdr. John T. Everett, USNR, operations officer of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps, Comdr. Sam H. McConnell, USMS, chief public relations officer of the training organization, Lt. Comdr. Hale Boggs, USMS, chief
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REPORT OF BOARD OF VISITORS
legal officer of the training organization, and Lt. Comdr. Clifford W. Sandberg, USNR, of the Academy staff and secretary to the Board.
The Board assembled at Wiley Hall, Kings Point at 10 a. m., Thursday, June 7, 1945, where the members were received by the Superintendent, Commodore Giles C. Stedman, United States Naval Reserve, and his staff.
The following members of the Board were present at the first meeting; Senator Alexander Wiley; Representatives J. Hardin Peterson, James Domengeaux, Richard J. Welch, Alvin F. Weichel, and Ellsworth B. Buck.
First meeting of the Board of Visitors
Senator Alexander Wiley served as temporary chairman for the purpose pf organization.
Representative J. Hardin Peterson was elected permanent chairman of the Board. Lt. Comdr. Clifford W. Sandberg, United States Naval Reserve, and Lt. Comdr. William L. Bull, United States Maritime Service, were designated as secretary and assistant secretary of the Board, respectively.
At the request of the chairman, the Superintendent and his staff joined the Board in conference. The Superintendent was invited to make such reports on the state of the Academy as he deemed pertinent and proper. Accordingly, Commodore Giles C. Stedman, United States Naval Reserve, submitted a report, a copy of which is forwarded herewith.
The meeting was then opened for general questions.
Upon the termination of the question period, the Superintendent invited the chairman to designate a member of the Board to address the regiment of cadet-midshipmen immediately prior to the regimental review at 4 p. m. on Kendrick Field. Senator Wiley was unanimously selected by the Board to make this address.
At this time the regimental commander, cadet-midshipman A, B. De Laski, United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps, was presented to the chairman and members of the Board, when he extended them an invitation to join the regiment of cadet-midshipmen at luncheon at Delano Hall.
Recess was taken at 11:45 a. m.
After interviewing a group of cadet-midshipmen from his home State, Representative Richard J. Welch left Kings Point at 12:30 p. m., being unable to remain for the balance of the visit.
Meeting with the regiment of cadet-midshipmen
At 12:35 p. m. the members of the Board were escorted to Delano Hall by the cadet mishipmen regimental commander and his staff for luncheon with the regiment.
After luncheon each member of the Board conducted a 30-minute private conference with cadet-midshipmen from his home State.
Accompanied by assigned officer escorts, the Board proceeded at 2 p. m. on a general inspection of the Academy, visiting Barry Hall, cadetmidshipmen barracks, the receiving barracks in Furuseth Hall, and the departments of seamanship and navigation, engineering, and. naval
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science; Bowditch* Fulton, and O’Hara Halls, respectively, as well as the improvised chapel in Wiley Hall.
At 4 p. m. the Board witnessed the review of the regiment of cadetmidshipmen on Kendrick Field, following brief addresses by Senator Wiley, Representative Peterson, and the Superintendent.
Superintendent’s reception and dinner
The Superintendent’s reception and dinner in honor of the Board, which had been augmented by the arrival of Representative Henry M. Jackson, was held in Markin House at 7:30 p. m. It was attended also by Commodore Knight, Captain McNulty, and the members of the Superintendent’s staff.
Upon conclusion of the dinner, a documentary film, Future Leaders of our Merchant Marine, depicting the activities of the Academy and Cadet Corps, was shown.
Because of previous commitments, Representative James Domengeaux left Kings Point at the conclusion of the dinner.
Friday, June 8, 1945
Because of a pressing legislative calendar in the Senate, Senator Wiley found it necessary to leave Kings Point for Washington, D. C., at 8:30 a. m. Commencing at 9 a. m., the Board was escorted on a tour of Samuels Hall, where they inspected the sail loft, marlinspike seamanship room, the signaling classrooms, bridge, and other training and life-saving equipment.
At 9:30 a. m., the Board left Mallory Pier on the T. V. William Webb for a short cruise on Long Island Sound to view the waterfront facilities of the Academy. Upon return from this cruise the Board proceeded to Wiley Hall, convening at 10 a. m. for their second formal conference, having been joined by Representative Eugene J. Keogh.
Present at the second formal conference were Representatives J. Hardin Peterson, Eugene J. Keogh, Henry M, Jackson, Alvin F. Weichel, Ellsworth B. Buck.
In accordance with their previously expressed wish, the Board received a delegation of 25 cadet-midshipmen selected at random from each class at Kings Point. At this point, the secretary and assistant secretary withdrew from the conference room and members of the Board conferred with the cadet-midshipmen in closed session.
Upon the recall of the secretary and assistant secretary to the conference room, the Board requested Commodore Knight, Captain McNulty and the superintendent to appear before them.
Commodore Knight, who has served in an executive capacity with the entire training program since its inception in 1938, presented the respects of Vice Admiral Emory S. Land, Administrator, and Capt. Edward Macauley, deputy administrator in charge of the training program, and addressed the Board briefly recounting the history of the cadet training program and explaining that Congress, in passing the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, gave the Maritime Commission a joint mandate to build and man modern American ships. The training program, including the United States Maritime Service, the supervision of State maritime academies, as well as the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps,: was a direct outgrowth of this mandate. ..	, , i >
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RESORT OF BOARD OF VISITORS
The United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps and. its Academy as well as the entire training program, Commodore Knight, pointed out, are permanently established by statute and will function after the war in the Maritime Commission. Tentative postwar plans have already been outlined to Congress and are published in the report of the Worley com?-mittee. These plans contemplate an Academy enrollment of approximately 1.200 during the postwar years.
At the. conclusion of Commodore.. Knight’s statement, the chairman instructed the secretary to invite the Academy staff officers to rejoin the conference, At this time, the chairman and other members of the Board expressed their appreciation for the information furnished, them and for. the courtesies extended.
Upon the departure of the superintendent and Academy staff,, the Board continued its deliberations in executive session. Its comments and recommendations are set forth below. There being no further business,, tire Board adjourned at 11:45 a., m. The members then attended a buffet luncheon at the senior officers’ mess following which they took, their departure from Kings Point at their pleasure.
After due deliberation, and as a. result of the two formal conferences held wfth the superintendent and members of the Academy staff, cadetmidshipmen of the regiment, and the several' inspections conducted, the Board of Visitors respectfully submits the- following general comments and specific- recommendations:
General comments
1.	To dispel any misunderstanding’, the Board desires to strongly emphasize' the fact that the United; States. Merchant Marine Cadet Corps; was created' prior to the war pursuant to the provisions; of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended, and that its. site at Kings Point, N. Y., was acquired for the purpose of constructing a» permanent Merchant Marine Academy- as shown by the reports which accompanied House Jbint Resolution No. 260i (Public. Law. 472, 77th Cong.; 56 Stat-124), approved March 4, 1942.
2.	The Board desires to record its appreciation and admiration; of the foresight; tenacity, and devotion to duty- displayed by the supervi*. sor of the United-- States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps, Capt. R. R. McNulty, USNR, for his efforts in bringing about the* creation of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps and its Academy at; Kings' Point, and) for his administration-of the functions of the corps, since its inception* in 193-8,
3.	The Board also desires- to commend: Vice Admiral Emory Scow Land; USN(retired); Administrator of the-War Shipping Administration; Deputy Administrator Edward Macauley; and Commodore Telfair? Knight, USMS, under whom Capt. R. R; McNulty, USNR, and Commodore Giles 0» Stedman, USNR, serve, for their wisdom- and guidance in* the development- of. the training* program for’ officers andi. seamen; of our merchant marine of which; th© United States Merchant Marine: Cadet Corps anditsAcademy at Kings Point are apart.
4.	The- Board« recognizes; that while the* present plant and; facilities ofi the Academy* may - have been adequate- fop th© needs - of the’ wartime training • program, it- is> impressed with th© necessity for- an expansions of facilities if the ultimate aims and objectives; for which the Academy/
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was created, are to be realized. The most obvious immediate needs of the Academy are for an adequate library and a suitable chapel.
5.	It is the considered opinion of the Board that the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps and its Academy at Kings Point is a most vital adjunct to the maintenance of a strong merchant marine and Naval Reserve. Upon the character and education of our officer personnel will largely depend the security of our position in the field of international commerce and our status as a sea power.
6.	The Board is gratified to learn of the resumption of competitive examinations for entrance to the Cadet Corps on the basis of State quota allotments, along the lines of those conducted in 1939 and 1940, which were suspended after Pearl Harbor. This action was the result of recommendation made by the Board of Visitors in 1944. It is believed that the competitive method of selection will result in securing the highest type and most apt young men for officers training in the merchant marine. It is the Board’s thought that in addition to the Nation-wide competitive examination system, steps be taken to develop fully the possibility of working out a process of screening prospective entrants for leadership and officerlike qualities before admission to the Academy.
7.	In the discussion of the curriculum, it was developed that the present course of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps would be extended from 2 to 3 years effective September 1, 1945. Further, that the 3 years consist of 6 months at either of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps basic schools at Pass Christian, Miss., or San Mateo, Calif., followed by 6 months on merchant ships and 24 months at Kings Point. The Board encourages those responsible for this progressive step and hopes that measure? will be taken to extend the course to 4 years at an early date. In this connection, the Board believes that consideration should be given to adopt post-graduate or refresher courses for wartime graduates so that they may be placed on a comparable level with the men in the extended course. It is understood that such refresher courses will be given at the United States Maritime Service Officers’ Schools at Fort Trumbull and Alameda. Further, the Board feels that appropriate measures should be taken to have the Academy placed upon an accredited basis for the awarding of degrees.
8.	To qualify the United States Merchant Marine Academy to issue degrees, the Board feels that a properly equipped library building should be provided.
9.	It is clearly evident to the Board that the present facilities for divine worship at the United States Merchant Marine Academy are wholly inadequate. The improvised chapel in Wiley Hall seating 100, which is less than 7 percent of the cadet-midshipmen complement, is entirely too small for holding adequate religious services.
Specific Recommendations
1.	The Board specifically recommends that funds be made available as soon as possible for a suitable chapel and an adequate library.
2.	The Board specifically recommends that funds be provided for the development of adequate athletic and recreational facilities.
3.	The Board specifically recommends that the superintendent’s discretionary fund be authorized in the sum of $3,500 per annum, an increase of $1,000 over the present fund.
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REPORT OF BOARD OF VISITORS
Conclusion
The members of the Board have been particularly impressed with the splendid establishment at Kings Point, the highly efficient educational program and the fine type of young men participating therein, and wish to congratulate the superintendent, Commodore Giles C. Stedman, USNR, his officers, cadet-midshipmen, and personnel of the United States Merchant Marine Academy for their outstanding accomplishments.
The Board is unanimous in its commendation of the morale and spirit at the Academy, and expresses its appreciation of the many courtesies extended during their visit.
To Lieutenant Commander Sandberg, secretary to the Board of Visitors, and to Lieutenant Commander Bull, assistant secretary, the Board expresses its sincere appreciation of their invaluable assistance and untiring efforts on its behalf.
Respectfully submitted.
J. Hardin Peterson, chairman. Alexander Wiley.
Harley M. Kilgore.
Theo. G. Bilbo.
James Domengeaux.
Eugene J. Keogh.
Richard J. Welch.
Ellsworth R. Buck.
REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD OF VISITORS BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY, COMMODORE GILES C. STEDMAN, UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE
Gentlemen: We are delighted to receive the Second Congressional Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Being well awajre of the national importance and far-reaching effects of each congressional visit, it is with pride that you are welcomed aboard. The strength and assistance which you give to the Academy are acknowledged with gratitude and it is the sincere hope of all at Kings Point that you will find this visit an enjoyable and interesting occasion.
Part I.	Introduction
Passage by the Congress of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 provided, for the first time, a substantial program for Federal training of Merchant Marine officers.
In March 1938, the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps commenced activities on a modest scale. The strongest and most original feature of this program was, and still is, the actual service of cadet-midshipmen at sea while in training, sailing on merchant vessels of all types on all the seven seas. Broadly, the program provides for recruitment of aiert, well-educated young men by quota from every State and territory for appointment as cadet-midshipmen. After basic training at Kings Point or basic schools at Pass Christian, Mississippi, and San Mateo, California, cadet-midshipmen are sent to sea for practical experience and service. Following this, all cadet-midshipmen are assigned to Kings Point for final advanced studies. Graduates earn licenses as third officer or third engineer, qualified to serve immediately in that capacity on any size or kind of merchant vessel under the American flag.
Construction of this Academy began early in 1942, immediately upon acquisition of the site from the heirs of the motor magnate, Walter P. Chrysler. The increasing crucial wartime needs for more well-trained Merchant Marine officers led to rapid expansion of the Cadet Corps, and likewise to the Academy enrollment. Cadet-midshipmen continued to study in temporary quarters until the Academy was completed and dedicated in September 1943 at a total cost of seven million three hundred thousand dollars, a million dollars less than the cost of a single new destroyer, and two million dollars less than the cost of the Nation’s newest ice-breaking vessel.
Since dedication, the Academy has continued to operate with an average of 2,000 or more cadet-midshipmen in training at all times, and a total of over 7,000 young officers have graduated from the Ca?det Corps who are now serving our country on all the vital sea lanes so essential to the prosecution of the war.
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REPORT OF BOARD OF VISITORS
Part II.	The academic program
The cadet-midshipmen pursue a rigorous and intensive course of studies from the day of their appointment until their graduation. A full 16 weeks of basic academic instruction is given, during which they receive indoctrination, courses of instruction on the rudiments of their chosen profession, and valuable practical work. Grades are well supervised, all cadet-midshipmen are closely judged upon the all-essential quality, of aptitude, and all receive vital instruction in not only gunnery, seamanship and engineering, but a special program of instruction for wartime duty on the hazardous seas. They must qualify in swimming, lifeboat launching and handling, and special measures necessary for safety of life at sea. This includes careful instruction in the technique of abandoning a sinking ship, before qualifying for assignment to merchant vessels at the end of basic training.
While serving at sea, cadet-midshipmen must perform much practical work in routine operation and care of the ship, and also apply themselves diligently to studies an additional 4 hours a day. They sail to all parts of the world for a period of 6 to 8 months, gaining in this time invaluable practical experience on which to base their advanced studies. Many have seen combat and many have been awarded medals for valor while still in training.
At the Academy, the advanced course for cadet-midshipmen is now one year in length, having been increased in October 1944 from the previous period of 9 months. Deck cadet-midshipmen study navigation, seamanship, signalling, radio and electricity, and cargo handling. Engineer cadet-midshipmen study steam, Diesel and electrical engineering, engineering drawing, shopwork and laboratory work. All study shipping economics, ship construction and naval science for greater broadening of their officer-like qualities and abilities. Studies are not easy and the pace is rapid. The critical responsibilities over life and property which are immediately thrust upon graduates, however, will allow of no compromise and all cadet-midshipmen who do not maintain strict standards are not permitted to continue.
Equipment provided for instruction is the best available under wartime circumstances. New refinements and improvements are continually made to keep the instruction up to date. Instructors are well-qualified in their chosen subjects, most having previously served as officers of the United States Merchant Marine or Navy. Cadet-midshipmen make numerous special trips to nearby shipyards, manufacturing plants and similar points of interest, and the entire course is designed for production of well-trained young officers in a minimum of time. Graduations take place at frequent intervals and a steady supply of officers goes to sea from this Academy, which is now operating in excess of the peacetime enrollment of 1,200 for which it was designed.
Part III.	Operation of the Academy
This Academy is organized on a military basis and like all other units and activities of the Cadet Corps, it operates as a part of the War Shipping Administration’s Training Organization. All cadet-midshipmen are members of the United States Naval Reserve, as a measure to increase the mtitual bond between the; Merchant Marine and the Navy.
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During the last year, graduates from the Academy have entered upon new ventures in the field of foreign service with the War Shipping Administration. Recent figures show that no fewer than ninety graduates are now serving thus, as Port Operations Assistants located in most of the world’s major seaports. These positions are filled satisfactorily by Academy graduates, who are not only licensed ship’s officers, but officers already trained in the basic principles and economics of ship operation.
The Academy has embarked upon a program of varsity athletics. Teams compete in baseball, wrestling, basketball and tennis. As an activity supplemental to the strict academic regime, athletics are keenly enjoyed by all cadet-midshipmen to the fullest possible extent. A new athletic field under development will materially increase the scope of these activities.
During the past year the Academy has refined and improved its courses of instruction, modernized its equipment where possible, and practiced internal economies to the fullest extent in accordance with headquarter’s desire.
Part IV.	Recommendations of the First Board of Visitors
The first Board of Visitors made careful studies of all phases of Academy operation, and made comments and recommendations to increase the effectiveness of the Academy in carrying out its national mission. These recommendations have been the subject of careful study. Plans for improvements of grounds and buildings and the broader integration of the various aspects of the enlarged curriculum have been carefully prepared. Necessary acquisition of new land and erection of new buildings are planned and ready for consideration when deemed appropriate.
The recommendations for a return to a four year course have resulted in a fully planned curriculum carefully drafted by well qualified officers. At the earliest date which military conditions permit, this course will be prescribed. Meanwhile, commencing in September of this year, the present two year course will be lengthened to one of three years’ duration although it is strongly felt that circumstances justify adoption of a four-year course at that time. The Corps will be at full strength, and applicants will be admitted on a Nation-wide basis by State quota. Furthermore, the academic requirements for entrance have already been stiffened and all applicants must now compete in a Nation-wide competitive examination prepared by the Cadet: Corps and administered by the United States Civil Service Commission.
With reference to the continued improvement of the Academy’s equipment, the last year has seen a general advance in all departments. Of particular assistance is the, free exchange of educational material and transfer of marine equipment from the Navy. All departments maintain a progressive attitude toward improvement of equipment, specialized training for all instructors, and dissemination of thé newest technical material from the entire maritime industry and Navy to cadet-midshipmen in training. Special effort is made to interest leading manufacturers in providing specimens of new equipment for instructional use, with encouraging results.
Lists of additional equipment required beyond that needed for the present two year course have been prepared, in order that the equipment may be secured before the extended course gets under way.
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REPORT OF BOARD OF VISITORS
The publicity for the Academy has received special consideration. News releases and special articles are regularly prepared for the interest of the public, and particular e^ort is made to reach young men in the entire country with informative material. High schools are regularly circularized, and no fewer than 30,000 schools receive regular information on requirements for entrance and the schedule of examinations for this purpose. Special films depicting the story of the Cadet Corps have been prepared, and a full length feature picture is now in preparation in Hollywood to show the saga of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps and its key part in wartime and postwar progress of the Merchant Marine. The intercollegiate athletic program has also drawn attention to the Academy. The Alumni Association of the Merchant Marine Cadet Corps has been formed, to pursue a vigorous policy of strengthening the Merchant Marine and all related interests, and 3,000 members are already showing keen interest in these aims. Our recently established Foreign Supervisors in Europe and the Pacific maintain a service whereby news concerning the world-wide activity of both graduates and cadet-midshipmen in training at sea is relayed back through our public relations officers to local papers over the Nation, describing the services of these young men and the part each plays in widely scattered parts of the world. We feel that substantial progress has been realized toward the aim of achieving Nation-wide publicity for the Academy.
The foregoing has been a review of our activity with respect to the recommendations and comment of the first Board of Visitors.
Part V.	Postwar Aims and Conclusion
In the measure which authorized the original establishment of this Academy, House Joint Resolution 260, the congressional intent to create a strongly established and permanent Federal Merchant Marine Academy was clearly set forth. This resolution provided for immediate commencement of the present wartime program and for later strengthening of all Academy functions to serve the Merchant Marine and the Nation with an effective and permanent peacetime officer training program.
This Academy, playing a truly progressive, vigorous and sound role, will amply repay in security and progress all support it receives. The officers and graduates of Kings Point are as one in their intense desire that the Merchant Marine after this war shall not lapse into neglect or inefficiency, and thus see all its hard-won gains swept aside to the benefit of foreign maritime powers. It is with the deepest sense of responsibility and pride that the United States Merchant Marine Academy solicits the continued support of the Second Congressional Board of Visitors.
Giles C. Stedman,
>	. Commodore, United States Naval Reserve,
Superintendent, United States Merchant Marine Academy.
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