MEEKER | Midshipman John Carl “JC” Henderson, son of Kristen and George Henderson of Meeker, was recently selected as Regimental Commander at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York. Henderson was nominated to the elite federal service academy by Congressman Scott Tipton and is a graduate of Meeker High School.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers. In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their Congressman or Senator.
It is one of five federal service academies, which include the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.
All USMMA graduates earn both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Merchant Marine Officer license, and incur an obligation to serve the country as an active or reserve officer in the U.S. armed forces.
The U.S. Flag Merchant Marine—manned by U.S. merchant 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” will serve 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.
As part of his four-year education, Henderson spent one year training as a cadet aboard ocean going vessels. USMMA is the only federal academy where students train on commercial vessels traveling around the globe.
Last year marked the 75th anniversary of the dedication of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (1943-2018). Dedicated in wartime, USMMA has served the nation in both peace and war. As the first federal academy to admit women, USMMA also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the first women to graduate from any federal service academy. Learn more about the 75th Anniversary at www.WeAreTheUSMMA.com
Special to the Herald Times
Jc Henderson
Awesome!!!
Congratulations to a great young man. Thank you
Congratulations, JC! Thank you for your service!
Impressive, congratulations
Congrats JC!!!
Congratulations JC! We are proud of you!
Congrats ????????????????
Congratulations JC!!!
Congratulations JC we are so proud of you.!!!
Congratulations !
Wow, thanks everyone! Its been a journey! I couldnt have done it without my parents and being raised in my hometown! Your roots never leave you. Sending my best wishes to you all, thank you. Also, thank you to Rio Blano Herald Times.
Congratulations JC! That is very impressive.
Way to go JC!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!!!
We are very proud of you JC!