MARAD Activates SUNY Maritime Training Ship Empire State VII for Undisclosed National Mission

The U.S. Maritime Administration is preparing to activate SUNY Maritime College’s training ship Empire State VII for a federal mission expected to last approximately 170 days, potentially taking the vessel away from the academy for much of the coming academic year.

SUNY Maritime President Rear Admiral John A. Okon announced Friday that he had received a decision memorandum from Maritime Administrator Stephen M. Carmel outlining plans to terminate the ship’s current assignment to the college and prepare it for federal service beginning around September 1.

The nature and destination of the mission have not been officially disclosed.

The activation