Captain Mikel “Mike” Stroud, USMS, was installed as commandant of midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy during a ceremony on Barney Square on May 11.
“I am pleased and honored to announce that I have selected Captain Mikel Stroud to serve as the commandant of midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy,” said Rear Admiral James A. Helis, USMS, in front of the regiment of midshipmen, faculty and staff. Helis then congratulated Stroud and thanked him for his distinguished service as acting commandant of midshipmen since October 2016.
“I am very honored and excited to have been selected for the position commandant of midshipmen,” said Stroud after taking the oath of office for United States Maritime Service. “I look forward to working with the midshipmen, staff and faculty as we work together to create men and women of exemplary character.”
Prior to serving at Kings Point, Stroud was a member of the commandant’s staff and assistant football coach at the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler. Stroud served with distinction as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. His career included challenging command and staff positions and multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and other hostile areas.
