Merchant Marine Academy's class of 2011

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point. 205 graduating midshipmen, plus two graduates of the Master of Marine Engineering Program.

Among the undergraduates

David Dinota, 22, East Islip. Major: Marine engineering systems

"I'm really not sure. I'm going to try to upgrade to first engineer or chief engineer, then I plan on going back to school and getting my master's in some sort of engineering, hopefully architectural engineering."

Cristina Fernandez-O'Toole, 21, Washington, Conn. Major: Marine transportation

"I'm going to sail as a third mate. I'd like to work my way up to chief mate and master's license and then probably go shoreside from there to the maritime industry. . . . . I'm looking possibly at the [UN] International Maritime Organization, but that's a long way."

Daniel Lagomarsino, 23, San Mateo, Calif. Major: Logistics and intermodal transportation

"I'm joining the U.S. Air Force . . . I hope to fly an F15 or an A10."

Nicole Barriga, 22, Bayside, Queens. Major: Logistics and intermodal transportation

"I plan to join the Coast Guard. I hope to join an emergency response team. I did an internship with the Coast Guard and I enjoyed it."

Julian Culton, 23, Dallas. Major: Logistics and intermodal transportation.

"I've got a job with Kirby Marine down in Houston. I will be a steersman, like a tug and barge company. I like that -- as opposed to deep sea -- you do a lot of maneuvering and lot of ship movement."

Valedictorian Warren Tucker

"It was a little over four years ago, about this time, as I was getting ready to head out here, I left my small hometown of Madera, Calif. . . . It's been quite a journey. There were good times, . . . visits to New York City. And the bad times, with those all-nighters . . .

"We lived, partied and studied for the past four years. Now we're going into the real world. Everything is about to change. . . . I wish you all the best of luck and thank you."

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg had been scheduled to be the commencement speaker, but canceled due to the death of his mother. His comments were read to the audience by Rear Adm. Philip Greene Jr.: "Whether you're going into active duty or entering the reserves and joining the maritime industry, you have a critical role to play in defense of our freedoms and the protection of our economic security. I hope that you experienced your education on the doorstep of New York City. The freest city in the freest country in the world has given you a unique understanding of these responsibilities, and in everything you do that you put your mind to. I wish you safe winds and following seas."

Commencement speaker U.S. Maritime Administrator David T. Matsuda, filling in for Bloomberg.

"It is my distinct privilege to welcome you to the ranks of the proud, talented, courageous men and women who serve America's maritime industry. . . .

"Many of you will leave this campus and enter active duty as commissioned military officers. Others will serve U.S. flag vessels or in other maritime industry roles. . . . No matter which direction you head in months and years to come, you will be a vital part of our national security and economic well-being."

-- COMPILED BY

WILLIAM MURPHY