It's still important and relevant. A lot of good engineers have started at MMA. With world trade, as it stands now, there are many ships crossing the oceans all the time. Why would we want to lose out on that?

We still gotta get the goods from China. Also gotta get the windmill blades.

In response to the Editorial comments in the Bangor Daily News June 30th edition, I would like to provide the following information and observations.

Does the Academy still provide a marketable education?

The proof is in the numbers. Maine Maritime Academy’s focus on hands-on, experiential learning and leadership training has earned the school a stellar reputation for producing highly competent professionals. Because of this, our graduates’ job placement rate is in excess of 90% within 90 days of graduation. Though the struggling economy may impact those numbers to some extent this year, there is a worldwide shortage of qualified and competent deck and engineering officers and we are able to help fill that need. In addition, as the state of Maine considers the use of offshore sources of alternate energy, there will be an increased need for supply and support boats and the crew to operate them right here in the state. Our graduates work not only in the world of big container ships, ocean liners and tankers, but also in tug and barge operations, coastal shipping and the offshore supply industry. Along with the traditional majors of Marine Transportation Operations and Marine Engineering we offer a major in International Business and Logistics. Graduates of that program are employed in diverse industries where their purpose is to ensure the movement of goods which is the basis of the worldwide economy. It has been suggested that increasing oil prices may well lead to a resurgence of goods being moved by sea rather than over land. Our graduates have the necessary training to ensure that this is done safely and efficiently.

Should more disciplines be added?

We currently offer 13 majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree and three majors leading to an Associate in Science degree. We also offer a Master of Science degree with specializations in Global Supply Chain Logistics and Maritime Management. We are a fully accredited college where students can enroll in courses in the Marine Sciences, Power Engineering Technology or Small Vessel Operations as well as many other majors. Though all of our majors are in some way maritime related, they are widely diverse in their focus. We have also begun to explore the field of green energy through tidal, wave, and offshore wind technology which holds great promise for the future. Unlike many colleges in Maine and the Northeast today who are struggling with enrollment numbers, we have set an all-time record for applications from both in- and out- of- state students. What motivates these students to apply to Maine Maritime Academy? It is the return on investment that this college provides.

Do you know anyone who has attended Maine Maritime Academy and what they are doing today?

As someone who has been associated with the Academy for many years, I can honestly claim to know hundreds of our graduates throughout the state, the country and in many foreign locations. Our alumni occupy key positions in almost every power plant in New England as well as being heads of ship-building businesses, major corporations and high ranking military officers. Because of the hands-on nature of the education we provide, many of our graduates are entrepreneurs and have started up successful businesses here in Maine. I can honestly state that during my forty year tenure at the Academy (with the last 14 as President) the job market is as strong now as at any time in our history, even during these difficult economic times. One of the reasons for our high ranking in the U.S. News & World Report is our consistently high job placement figure. Again - the proof is in the numbers.

In conclusion, I would like to point out that there is a widely held belief that we are either a private school or a military establishment. This is very far from the case. We are a college of engineering, science, business, transportation and logistics and our aim has always been to provide a quality experiential education leading to a well paid job. Many of our students are the first in their families to aspire to a college education: we are able to provide them with life-changing opportunities and we are proud to be able to do so.

Len Tyler

President

Maine Maritime Academy

Where's Cool Fusion?

I know that my grandson has received a fine education at MMA. He had a job offer before graduating and is currently employed in SanDiego, Ca.. The faculty do a wonderful job teaching the students and ecouraging them to perform to the best of their ability. This is realy a no brainer.

Having graduated from MMA in 64 and having spent a lifetime at Sea voyaging the oceans...the commerce the Merchant Marine industry transports from nation to nation and port to port is the lifeblood of the World today. With technology, high speeds, enormous ship size, and a World of International Treaties and Regulations a Maritime Education is truly a Godsend. Like the 2 individuals on the Maine State Flag....Farmer and Seaman, these individuals are trained to be multi-disciplined and do well in all walks of life. I dare say that every power generating facility in the State of Maine has MMA alumni operators. But then again we have Doctors, Dentists, Lawyers, Insurance Brokers, Ministers and every other job category also......did I mention, multi-discipline? You bet! The value is certainly there. MMA has around 7000 graduates now and you tend to meet them all over the World. What a grand tie to our great State.

Larry Wade, Captain, USMS

Master, T/S STATE OF MAINE