Celebrating the Keel Laying of NSMV V: A Milestone in National Security and Maritimes Education
On March 5, 2025, a monumental event in shipbuilding history took place with the keel laying of NSMV V, the fifth and final vessel in the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program, a key initiative managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD). This program aims to enhance maritime education for future mariners while also ensuring the vessels can serve critical functions in humanitarian and disaster relief missions when necessary.
The keel laying ceremony, a time-honored maritime tradition, symbolizes good fortune for the ship throughout its construction and operational life. The event brought together key stakeholders in the industry, including David Kim, CEO of Hanwha Philly Shipyard; Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services; and representatives from MARAD and California State University Maritime Academy, highlighting collaboration in advancing American shipbuilding capabilities.
Using the Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) acquisition model, TOTE Services and Hanwha Philly Shipyard have already delivered two vessels, Empire State and Patriot State. The VCM method streamlines construction, allowing for best commercial practices to be implemented, dramatically improving efficiency and expediting delivery. In total, all five NSMV keels have been laid in just 39 months, showcasing the agility of the commercial sector in supporting government needs.
Timely delivery of these vessels is crucial, as they are designed to replace outdated training ships at several state maritime academies, including SUNY Maritime College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Texas A&M Maritime Academy, and California State University Maritime Academy. The NSMV program is not only about training but also about ensuring that these state-of-the-art vessels are equipped to respond to national emergencies, serving dual purposes in both education and security.
Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services, expressed pride in reaching this milestone, emphasizing the importance of the NSMV program to the U.S. maritime industry which supports nearly 400,000 jobs across the nation. He noted that graduates from these academies account for over half of the newly commissioned U.S. merchant marine officers annually, underscoring their vital role in maintaining commerce and enhancing national security.
The NSMVs, featuring advanced training environments, will each accommodate up to 600 cadets and 100 faculty members, significantly elevating the educational experience by providing modern facilities aimed at preparing the next generation of mariners. And as Vice Admiral (Ret.) Michael J. Dumont, Interim President of Cal Maritime noted, the NSMV V is not just a ship; it symbolizes innovation and resilience. This is particularly significant for the California State University Maritime Academy, known as the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast.
As construction continues on the remaining vessels, the shipyard plans to provide regular updates on the NSMV program's developments. This initiative not only signifies a commitment to maritime education but also reflects the U.S. maritime industry's dedication to innovation and sustainable practices in shipbuilding.
The NSMV program is more than just about education; it embodies a vision for the future of maritime operations and disaster response. It stands as evidence of what can be achieved through collaboration, forward-thinking strategies, and a shared commitment to excellence within the maritime industry. With each keel laid, America moves one step closer to reinforcing its maritime capabilities for generations to come.
The keel laying ceremony, a time-honored maritime tradition, symbolizes good fortune for the ship throughout its construction and operational life. The event brought together key stakeholders in the industry, including David Kim, CEO of Hanwha Philly Shipyard; Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services; and representatives from MARAD and California State University Maritime Academy, highlighting collaboration in advancing American shipbuilding capabilities.
Using the Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) acquisition model, TOTE Services and Hanwha Philly Shipyard have already delivered two vessels, Empire State and Patriot State. The VCM method streamlines construction, allowing for best commercial practices to be implemented, dramatically improving efficiency and expediting delivery. In total, all five NSMV keels have been laid in just 39 months, showcasing the agility of the commercial sector in supporting government needs.
Timely delivery of these vessels is crucial, as they are designed to replace outdated training ships at several state maritime academies, including SUNY Maritime College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Texas A&M Maritime Academy, and California State University Maritime Academy. The NSMV program is not only about training but also about ensuring that these state-of-the-art vessels are equipped to respond to national emergencies, serving dual purposes in both education and security.
Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services, expressed pride in reaching this milestone, emphasizing the importance of the NSMV program to the U.S. maritime industry which supports nearly 400,000 jobs across the nation. He noted that graduates from these academies account for over half of the newly commissioned U.S. merchant marine officers annually, underscoring their vital role in maintaining commerce and enhancing national security.
The NSMVs, featuring advanced training environments, will each accommodate up to 600 cadets and 100 faculty members, significantly elevating the educational experience by providing modern facilities aimed at preparing the next generation of mariners. And as Vice Admiral (Ret.) Michael J. Dumont, Interim President of Cal Maritime noted, the NSMV V is not just a ship; it symbolizes innovation and resilience. This is particularly significant for the California State University Maritime Academy, known as the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast.
As construction continues on the remaining vessels, the shipyard plans to provide regular updates on the NSMV program's developments. This initiative not only signifies a commitment to maritime education but also reflects the U.S. maritime industry's dedication to innovation and sustainable practices in shipbuilding.
The NSMV program is more than just about education; it embodies a vision for the future of maritime operations and disaster response. It stands as evidence of what can be achieved through collaboration, forward-thinking strategies, and a shared commitment to excellence within the maritime industry. With each keel laid, America moves one step closer to reinforcing its maritime capabilities for generations to come.
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