Michael Hermosillo-DeBoer earns Bachelor of Science at Merchant Marine Academy

Michael Joe Hermosillo-DeBoer of Belleville earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, during June commencement exercises.
He also received a U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Assistant Engineering Officers’ License and a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
During his four years at the academy, he was able to sail aboard many different merchant vessels on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the Great Lakes.
Throughout his Sea-Year program, he was able to visit many different countries throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, as well as many seaports throughout the United States.
He graduated from Belleville High School in 2013 and received nominations to the Merchant Marine Academy – one of five federal service academies – from U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Representative David Curson.
He credits his successes to the many teachers, counselors, and coaches from the Van Buren Public School District that assisted him in the difficult and lengthy process of obtaining his appointment to the academy.
Michael plans to pursue a career in the U.S. Maritime Industry as an Engineering Officer.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers. In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their Congressman or Senator.
All USMMA graduates earn both a B.S. degree and a merchant marine license and incur an obligation to serve the United States. The U.S. Flag Merchant Marine – manned by U.S. merchant 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” will serve as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while working aboard U.S. flag vessels; others will serve on active duty in the nation’s armed forces.