U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the appointment of seven members to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Advisory Board. The USMMA Advisory Board serves as an independent body whose purpose is to examine the course of instruction and management at the Academy and advise the USMMA Superintendent and Maritime Administrator to ensure the best possible educational atmosphere for all midshipmen. “The Department is committed to providing every midshipman at Kings Point the highest-quality education possible,” said Secretary LaHood.