The training ship Empire State is setting sail at the direction of the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) for federal operations. The ship is scheduled to depart from the University of New York campus in the Bronx towards Norfolk, Virginia, on September 30, 2026, and is expected to arrive there on October 1.
Travel Details and Activities
The training ship Empire State will remain in Norfolk until October 30 to carry out necessary preparations for subsequent operations. This ship is designed as a federal transport vessel and will operate in support of the United States Navy. According to reports, the ship may also head to Diego Garcia.
The Empire State is the first of five multi-mission training ships built and is equipped with a complete training bridge and classrooms. This ship has the capacity to accommodate up to 600 students, instructors, and crew members and is typically used as a training platform for students while docked.
Impact on the University and Students
The university president, Admiral John O'Connor, emphasized in a letter to the academic community that the university is reviewing the implications of this deployment and the duration of the Empire State's absence from the campus. One of the main concerns is the impact of this voyage on students' summer training, which is considered a mandatory part of their education. MARAD has informed the university that the mission duration is expected to be around 170 days.
O'Connor also noted that the Empire State must return to the university campus by February 12, 2027, to accommodate the 2027 summer session in the schedule. This ship is designed as an educational and support vessel for national missions, and the university continues to emphasize the importance of supporting the country's needs.
Finally, SUNY has announced that apart from training voyages, this is the first time the Empire State has left the campus since its delivery in 2023.
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