WORLD SHIP SOCIETY

On Sunday, April 14, 2024, 26 PONY Branch members and guests were welcomed by the State University of New York Maritime College in the Bronx, NY, for a tour of their new state-of-the-art training ship, the EMPIRE STATE (VII). Built by Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, PA, she is the first of five new government-owned National Security Multi-Mission Vessels that will serve a dual purpose as floating classrooms for the nation’s five state maritime academies, and as humanitarian and disaster relief platforms during times of national emergency. EMPIRE STATE (VII) can accommodate 600 cadets while at sea, in addition to providing modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad, vehicle roll-on/roll-off capability, and the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people during humanitarian missions.

After touring the ship, those attending enjoyed lunch in the college’s “Mess Deck” and then had an opportunity to visit the impressive Maritime Industry Museum housed in historic Fort Schuyler on the campus.