Rockledge High School Alumni Sam Spencer Graduates From U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

By  //  July 18, 2021

Spencer graduated Cum Laude

Samuel Benjamin Spencer, son of Stephen Spencer and Kristi Spencer Cullison, of Rockledge, recently graduated Cum Laude from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. Spencer earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U. S. armed forces. (USMMA image)

BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA – Samuel Benjamin Spencer, son of Stephen Spencer and Kristi Spencer Cullison, of Rockledge, recently graduated Cum Laude from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Spencer earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U. S. Armed Forces.

He also earned a Merchant Marine officer license, qualifying him to serve as an officer on any ship in the U.S. flag merchant marine. Spencer is a graduate of Rockledge High School.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of five U.S. federal service academies. It educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers to serve the nation during peace and war.

In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their Congressman or Senator. Spencer was nominated by Congressman Bill Posey.

All USMMA graduates incur an obligation to serve the United States. The U.S. Flag Merchant Marine – manned exclusively by American mariners – is essential for securing the country’s commerce in peacetime and delivering warfighters, weapons, and military supplies in times of conflict.

The majority of “Kings Pointers” serve for eight years as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while working aboard U.S. flag vessels; others will serve on active duty in our nation’s armed forces.

By virtue of their elite training and real-world experience, graduates are ready to go on day one in service of American military strength and economic power.

As part of his four-year education, Spencer spent one-year training as a cadet aboard ocean-going vessels. Spencer will serve as a Third Assistant Engineer with Military Sealift Command and as a U.S. Navy Strategic Sealift Officer.

Former astronaut and current Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a 1986 alumnus of the Academy, gave the commencement address and told the graduates, “Your graduation comes at a particularly important inflection point in the United States history. Seapower matters now more than ever. And a big part of that is all of you.”

Dedicated during World War II, USMMA has since served the nation in both peace and war. Learn more at WeAreTheUSMMA.com. For more information about the Academy, visit USMMA.edu.

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