Saratoga Native Graduates from U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Frank Leavenworth Connard IV graduation photo provided by the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, Inc.
KINGS POINT — Frank Leavenworth Connard IV of Saratoga Springs recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York. Connard 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.
The USMMA 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. Connard was nominated by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
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 the armed forces.