Training Ship Begins Inaugural Training Cruise

The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Training Ship, State of Michigan, which began its first training cruise on May 22, will call at Ludington, Mich.; Muskegon, Mich.; Port Huron, Mich.; Detroit; Cleveland; and Sault Ste Marine, Mich., before returning to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) on June 3. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) assigned the 225-ft. vessel to the academy at Traverse City, Mich. The vessel, formerly known as the U.S. Navy Ship, Persistent, operated for two years as a drug-interdiction support ship for the U.S. Coast Guard before it was decommissioned and made available for transfer. “This training cruise is a benchmark even for Great Lakes Maritime Academy,” said Superintendent John Tanner. “Our faculty, staff, cadets and alumni could not be more proud. It is our goal to educate people throughout the Great Lakes to become aware of the Merchant Marine and GLMA. This vessel illustrates how the federal government and colleges can work together toward a common goal.”