CASTINE, Maine — The country’s highest-ranking military officer will be delivering the commencement speech to the graduating class at Maine Maritime Academy on Saturday morning.
The commencement exercises featuring remarks by U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be live streamed online beginning at 11 a.m. via mainemaritime.edu/ streaming.
Dunford, who has served in the U.S. military since 1977, is chairman of the group of heads of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines that serve as principal military advisors to the president, National Security Council and secretary of defense.
Dunford graduated from the U.S. Army War College. He earned master’s degrees in government from Georgetown University and in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
“We are honored that Gen. Dunford will deliver the send-off to the Class of 2016,” Maine Maritime President William J. Brennan said in a news release. “As our nation’s top military advisor and seasoned Marine Corps commander, Gen. Dunford exemplifies service and leadership. Our students strive to embody both qualities — in their careers and in their lives.”
There are 265 students graduating.
For more information about Maine Maritime Academy and its 18 degree programs in engineering, management, science and transportation, visit mainemaritime.edu.