US Navy Gains 26,000-Ton Training Ship for Middle East Mission
MARAD orders the 160-metre Empire State to Norfolk for flight-deck certification ahead of undisclosed naval operations.
The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has directed the Empire State, a 26,000-gross-ton training vessel, to depart from its home port at SUNY Maritime College in New York next week. The ship will sail to Norfolk, Virginia, where it will undergo flight deck certification before supporting upcoming U.S. Navy operations.
In a letter released on September 24, Rear Admiral John Okon, president of SUNY Maritime College, confirmed the sailing order. The Empire State is scheduled to leave the college’s Fort Schuyler campus in the Bronx on September 30 and arrive in Norfolk on October 1. It will remain in Virginia through October 30 for maintenance and activation work under MARAD’s supervision.
Impact on cadet training and academic schedules
The deployment has raised concerns at SUNY Maritime College, as the Empire State serves as a critical training platform for cadets. While docked at Fort Schuyler, the vessel functions as a floating classroom with accommodations for up to 600 cadets, faculty, and crew. It also plays a key role in the mandatory Summer Sea Term, a hands-on training requirement for students.
MARAD has indicated the mission could last approximately 170 days, potentially disrupting the academic calendar. Okon emphasized the need for the ship’s return by February 12, 2027, to ensure the Summer Sea Term 2027 proceeds as planned. In his letter, he stated that the decision to activate the vessel was made by MARAD for national security purposes, not by the college.
“Maritime College recognizes that Empire State is a federal vessel and understands the importance of supporting our nation’s requirements. Our institution has always answered the call when our country and our fellow citizens need us, and we are proud that Empire State is capable of supporting national missions.”
— Rear Admiral John Okon, President of SUNY Maritime College
Capabilities and role of the Empire State
The Empire State is one of five National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs) built under a MARAD program to modernize training ships for state maritime academies. Designed for both education and federal missions, the vessel features a Ro-Ro ramp, cargo crane, container capacity, and a helicopter deck. At 160 meters (525 feet) long and with a top speed of 18 knots, it is equipped to support humanitarian relief and military operations.
While the exact nature of its upcoming mission remains undisclosed, the ship’s deployment underscores its dual role in maritime education and national defense. This will be the first time the Empire State has been away from its campus since its delivery in 2023, aside from routine training cruises.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
