Joseph Orlando Leon, son of Jorge and Daina Leon, recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York. Leon earned a Bachelor of Science degree and an officer’s 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 U.S. flag merchant marine.
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.
As part of his four year education, Leon spent one year training as a cadet aboard ocean going vessels. He is a graduate of Barbara Goleman Senior High School and was nominated by Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart.