MAY 14, 2013 — The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY, says that Gen. William M. Fraser III, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has been chosen as this year's commencement speaker to be held at USMMA on Monday, June 17, 2013.

USTRANSCOM is a major consumer of U.S. Merchant Marine services.

"The United States Merchant Marine Academy is honored to have General Fraser as our commencement speaker. He epitomizes the ideals of our Academy. He is an outstanding role-model for our graduates who are about to embark on a lifetime of service and leadership," said Rear Admiral James A. Helis, superintendent.

"It is my honor to address the graduates of the Merchant Marine Academy. Graduates have an outstanding reputation in all branches of military service and our civilian U.S. flagged commercial fleet which we at USTRANSCOM rely on in accomplishing our global mission," said General Fraser

General Fraser has extensive wartime, contingency and humanitarian relief operational experience. During Operation Enduring Freedom he led an intelligence fusion organization that provided direct support to the warfighter.

Prior to assuming his current position, General Fraser was the assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and served as Commander, Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va., and as Air Component Commander for U.S. Joint Forces Command.