Politics & Government

USMMA to Welcome Newest Training Vessel to Port Friday

MV Liberty Star to arrive from Cape Canaveral, Fla.

The  newest training vessel, MV Liberty Star, will be unveiled in port Friday. 

A traditional Plaque and Key Ceremony at 4 p.m. will welcome the ship which recently made its maiden voyage to Kings Point from Cape Canaveral, Fla., where it served as one of two vessels used by NASA to recover the space shuttle’s solid rocket boosters following shuttle launches.

On hand at the ceremony Friday will be U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Maritime Administrator David Matsuda and NASA representatives.

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Following the ceremony, the 176-foot long craft will go into drydock for berthing and conversion work before becoming part of the Academy's permanent training fleet. 

The modern vessel will ensure midshipmen get a top-notch education and training needed to compete and win in a competitive global marketplace, according to release from Secretary LaHood last month.

Find out what's happening in Great Neckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The training ship will remain on call if needed for occasional NASA missions, according the Academy.


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