Cornyn Celebrates Federal Authorization of New Vessel at Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston

Statement

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today celebrated the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration's authorization of a new National Security Multi-Mission vessel (NSMV) to replace an aging training vessel at Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston. Sen. Cornyn supported appropriations for this new vessel in the Senate, fighting for more than $300 million in federal funds.

"A new vessel for maritime students in Galveston will improve training and fortify our status as a seafaring nation," said Sen. Cornyn. "Today's announcement highlights my commitment to make sure students in Texas have the best resources possible."

The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and have space for up to 600 cadets in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea. State maritime academies graduate approximately 70 percent of all new officers each year--the merchant mariners who help keep cargoes and our economy moving. Many also support U.S. national security by crewing military sealift vessels.

The NSMV is also a highly functional national asset that includes modern medical facilities, a helicopter pad, the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need, and roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief missions.

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