Dover’s Tolloti graduates U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Patrick Tolloti, son of Jay and Lisa Tolloti, of Dover recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, NY. Tolloti earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U.S. armed forces. He also earned a Merchant Marine officer license, qualifying him to serve as an officer on any ship in the US. flag merchant marine. Tolloti is a graduate of Dover High School.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of five U.S. federal service academies. It educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers to serve the nation during peace and war. In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their Congressman or Senator. Tolloti was nominated by Congressman Bob Gibbs.

All USMMA graduates incur an obligation to serve the United States. The U.S. Flag Merchant Marine — manned exclusively by American mariners — is essential for securing the country’s commerce in peacetime and delivering warfighters, weapons, and military supplies in times of conflict. The majority of “Kings Pointers” serve for eight years as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while working aboard U.S. flag vessels; others will serve on active duty in our nation’s armed forces.

By virtue of their elite training and real-world experience, graduates are ready to go on day one in service of American military strength and economic power. As part of his four year education, Tolloti spent one year training as a cadet aboard ocean going vessels.