WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today celebrated the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s authorization of a new National Security Multi-Mission vessel (NSMV) to replace an aging training vessel at Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston. Sen. Cornyn supported appropriations for this new vessel in the Senate, fighting for more than $300 million in federal funds.
“A new vessel for maritime students in Galveston will improve training and fortify our status as a seafaring nation,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Today’s announcement highlights my commitment to make sure students in Texas have the best resources possible.”
The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and have space for up to 600 cadets in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea. State maritime academies graduate approximately 70 percent of all new officers each year—the merchant mariners who help keep cargoes and our economy moving. Many also support U.S. national security by crewing military sealift vessels.
The NSMV is also a highly functional national asset that includes modern medical facilities, a helicopter pad, the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need, and roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief missions.