<p>See the report of the USMMA Capital Improvement Advisory Panel at:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.marad.dot.gov/documents/USMMA_CI_Advisory_Panel_Final_Rev_7B2.pdf[/url]”>http://www.marad.dot.gov/documents/USMMA_CI_Advisory_Panel_Final_Rev_7B2.pdf</a></p>
<p>I am shocked at the deplorable conditions that exist at Kings Point. The pictures in the report are undeniable proof that we need to pump a LOT more money into the infrastructure if this institution is going to continue any longer. Urinals missing from the walls, dingy moldy-looking dorm shower facilities, leaking boilers, etc.</p>
<p>Many facilities, including several that house and feed midshipmen, are in such poor condition that they are no longer capable of meeting the needs of the regiment.</p>
<p>Comments about the report from MarineLog: - [USMMA</a> facilities “at a tipping point”](<a href=“http://www.marinelog.com/DOCS/NEWSMMIX/2010mar00115.html]USMMA”>http://www.marinelog.com/DOCS/NEWSMMIX/2010mar00115.html)</p>
<p>*"Panel members said that “after the first visit to the Academy grounds, it was evident … that the Merchant Marine Academy facilities are in dire need of significant repair and replacement.” They noted that “the deplorable conditions that currently exist did not occur overnight, and it will take a ten to fifteen year commitment to reverse the current trend.”</p>
<p>Panel members found many USMMA facilities seriously deteriorated.</p>
<p>“Academic and support buildings were inadequately maintained, basic structural elements of some buildings were failing, electrical and plumbing support had deteriorated, and engineering laboratories were outdated. The pier facilities, dining hall, athletics complex, and two of the dormitories, were in particularly poor condition.” says the report.</p>
<p>It warns that If current conditions are not alleviated and further deterioration occurs, the Academy will not continue to attract and educate a diverse and talented cadre of future maritime leaders.</p>
<p>Despite having been an early leader, the USMMA now lags behind other service academies in recruiting women. The Panel believes the poor condition of Academy facilities has contributed to this problem and says “the dilapidated condition of several of the barracks and the athletic facilities are inadequate for women’s residence and sports programs and hamper recruiting.”*</p>
<p>I sure hope they get the funding they so desperately need, and soon.</p>
<p>If not, there is no way that any candidates are going to choose to come to an academy in such disrepair.</p>
<p>Is this report after the testimony that was given to congress or before. According to testimony, all 47 GAO concerns will be dealt with by the end of fiscal 2010. Has this report uncovered even more things that need to be addressed? I only scanned this report but it looks like many of the capital improvements are being planned to begin in 2-3 years. Don they have to consider moving this up to a more expedited schedule based upon conditions that currently exist and maybe even create some temporary housing sctructures while in progress?</p>
<p>Our son received an appointment to the USMMA and I can only say I was absolutely stunned when I read the report and saw the photos. It was clear from touring the Academy grounds that it needs some cleaning up, but we were not prepared for the extent of the problems. Frankly, I wonder if the most rundown of the buildings (the two dorms and the mess hall) are even safe for occupancy. I assume Academy life is difficult enough without having to deal with water leaks, inadequate lavatories, lack of heat, etc. If anyone has some positive news about the repair and renovation process that is apparently coming up, please post it. Thanks.</p>
<p>I would not worry about it. Your son will be fine. As with most reports they sound worse than they actually are. My future daughter-in-law lived in “paid” dorms at Virginia Tech, which made the run down barracks look like the Ritz.</p>
<p>Things are on the upswing at KP. The new barracks will be open which will leave only one company left to be moved (Band). My son lived in 2Co old barracks for 3 years, and he’s sad to leave them. They may be old, run down, but through those halls walked a lot of KP history.</p>
<p>this is very good news for the future of the academy, indeed.</p>
<p>Let’s here it for 2Co!! A/C and heat are for sissy’s…</p>
<p>Oh stop whining… you have heat. You just also have steam hammers that are ridiculously loud going off in the middle of the night</p>
<p>k314 is absolutely right — all you guys are sissys — back in the day, we had to walk 3 miles backwards in deep snow in May just to find a shower with cold water— and look how good we turned out — that sort of thing instilled the drive we needed to succeed in the world after graduation; it’ll do the same for you guys — now man up and get on with it…</p>
<p>Hey Jasperdog, the Grinder is starting to look good! I am starting to miss the mud pit now that the paving stones are going in, NOT! I wonder if they have armor tech to protect them!</p>
<p>nmlcfp - I don’t know where any “grinder” is but I am glad to see that Barney Square and the Flagpole will both likely be repaired and in place for the Class of 2010’s Graduation.</p>
<p>Oh sorry, i thought Barney Square was nicknamed the “Grinder”.</p>
<p>nmlcfp: While some of the younger folk refer to Barney Squre as “the Grinder” that is a term that many of us older alums feel is not a log term KP heritage term and it is what the area where “tours” were marched at other Academies is/was called. To us, it is a term that is more properly forgotten while the correct names for on campus locations are better used.</p>
<p>You’re fighting a losing battle, old timer. 
The USMMA recognizes and uses the term on their own web site:</p>
<p>“Please arrive promptly and park on the “Grinder” (Barney Square).”</p>
<p>“…the Academy will deploy wireless access throughout the campus which will augment wireless access currently available throughout the athletic complex, Bland Library, Sea Farer Restaraunt, and the paved area known as the Grinder.”</p>
<p>:cool:</p>
<p>Jasperdog,
I promise to call the mud pit soon to be the brick yard Barney Square from now on. Our Mid (2012) who you know, has always called it the Grinder but i will correct him when he returns from Sea in November.</p>
<p>Luigi:</p>
<pre><code>It may be a “loosing battle” but it’s one I feel worth fighting for. I’ve ennumerated my underlying reasons to do so in this thread over on the Service Academy USMMA Forum.
</code></pre>
<p>[The</a> Grinder - United States of America Service Academy Forums](<a href=“http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=12186]The”>http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=12186)</p>
<p>nmlcfp: You’re probably just ribbing me and if so that’s fine. If not even better.</p>
<p>In any case, this wouldn’t be the last “lost cause” I’ve adopted in my life and from time to time I’ve been known to win a few of them. Usuaully through the determination, persistance, and just a little of the “hard headedness” that were nuturted and fortified in my being through my four years at KP.</p>
<p>My point is that the official USMMA web site uses the term, so it appears that its use has been deemed “authorized” by the KP Administration. i.e., they approve of it.</p>
<p>In any case, what’s the big deal? Every SA has nicknames for certain areas or buildings. Why should KP be exempt?</p>
<p>Yeah, I 'm just teasing you. I did not read your other post about barney Square until a few days ago! If I had, I would have said Barney Square instead of the other name which will stay unmentioned.</p>
<p>Luigi - we absolutely have and always will have nicknames for campus locations - I just don’t feel we need to “borrow” other Academy’s nicknames for our locations. Further, I’m clearly not a fan of nicknames that I believe further blur the original Mission under which the USMMA was authorized and made permenant. </p>
<p>I feel about this sort of, no totally, like you USCGA Alums feel about why you don’t want the USCGA subjected to required Congressional Nominations in the admissions process. Hey, isn’t that something required at every other SA? Why should USCGA be exempt?</p>