Federal Training Ship Empire State VII Ordered to Norfolk Ahead of U.S. Navy Mission

SUNY Maritime College’s training ship Empire State VII has been ordered to depart New York on September 30 for Norfolk, Virginia, where it will undergo a month-long activation and flight deck certification ahead of follow-on operations supporting the U.S. Navy.

The sailing order provides the clearest indication yet of what lies ahead for the vessel after the U.S. Maritime Administration ordered its activation last month for an undisclosed federal mission.

SUNY Maritime President Rear Admiral John Okon told the college community that Empire State VII is scheduled to arrive in Norfolk on October 1 and remain there through October 30 under an extended