By VOICES Staff.
On September 9, 2024, the U.S. maritime community gathered at Philly Shipyard for the christening of the newest National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV), Patriot State. The ship is the second of five training ships and will be delivered to Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a prestigious institution that has been training leaders of the U.S. Merchant Marine and Navy for generations.
The event brought together Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, Congress members and Massachusetts Maritime Academy leaders. At the heart of this celebration was a shared commitment to the burgeoning U.S. maritime industry, creating skilled jobs, and continuing the proud maritime traditions that date back centuries.
This new vessel will enable cadets to gain hands-on experience preparing for careers vital to the nation’s security and economic stability. Many will go on to work in the domestic maritime industry thanks to the Jones Act, a critical piece of legislation that grows U.S. jobs and ensures that ships operating between U.S. ports are built, owned, and crewed by Americans.
Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who spoke at the christening, emphasized the importance of the NSMV program in preserving the U.S. maritime tradition:
“America is a proud maritime nation, a global power largely because of our relationship with the seas,” Buttigieg said. “Today, we celebrate the christening of the Patriot State, a vessel that symbolizes both the progress of our shipbuilding industry and the opportunities it creates for skilled workers in Philadelphia.”
Strengthening the Shipbuilding Industry
Philadelphia has long been synonymous with shipbuilding. Dating back to when the U.S. Navy opened its first shipyard, Delaware River, during the early days of the Republic, generations of workers have crafted vessels for both commerce and defense.
Philadelphia is now once again at the forefront of U.S. shipbuilding. This is thanks in no small part to the NSMV program, as well as a host of new orders for Jones Act ships. The U.S. Maritime Administration’s investment in domestic shipbuilding and training the next generation of merchant mariners at the state academies have created over 1,450 jobs from the NSMV program. This Pennsylvanian manufacturing resurgence owes much to the Jones Act, which continues to keep these shipbuilding jobs in the United States.
Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services, which serves as the “Vessel Construction Manager” for the program, added “These vessels not only represent a critical U.S. investment in the future of our maritime industry but exemplify what is possible when we leverage the right expertise and resources to the benefit of our country and the next generation. Serving as the vessel construction manager for these ships is a reflection of TOTE Services’ 49-year history as a leader in the American maritime industry.”
This vessel construction management program is the kind of public-private partnership that underscores the importance of the Jones Act in maintaining a robust American shipbuilding industry for our national security. By ensuring that vessels like the Patriot State are constructed in U.S. shipyards, America safeguards not only good-paying, skilled jobs but also the strategic capacity to produce and maintain a fleet that can support America’s national security.
A Maritime Tradition That Endures
Massachusetts has long been central to America’s maritime story. From the first whalers to the towering clipper ships of the 19th century, Massachusetts has contributed to the maritime strength of the U.S. Now, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is training the next generation of mariners aboard the Patriot State, a vessel equipped with cutting-edge technology that will serve both the academy and the nation for decades to come.
The NSMV Patriot State is also designed to assist in disaster relief efforts. Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, President of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, emphasized the vessel’s dual role. “This vessel will equip our cadets with hands-on experience and stands ready to serve the nation in times of crisis,” McDonald said.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Secretary Carlos Del Toro stated, “Building Patriot State and enabling its mission to train Massachusetts Marine Academy cadets will advance our Maritime Statecraft for decades.”
Looking Forward: A Bright Future for American Shipbuilding
As Philly Shipyard continues to build more vessels under the NSMV program — including three more NSMVs and additional projects, such as container ships and vessels for offshore wind energy — the shipyard is once again demonstrating that the U.S. shipbuilding industry is a vital force for both economic and national security. And with the Jones Act at the core of this success, America’s maritime strength is assured for the future.
The christening of the Patriot State isn’t just a celebration of a single ship — it’s a testament to the resilience and renewal of America’s maritime tradition. From the bustling shipyards of Philadelphia to the maritime academy of Massachusetts, the future of our seafaring nation is being built and trained by Americans.
Come Aboard
"*" indicates required fields
