VIDEO: More than 200 Attend MCOE Commissioning Celebration
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association (USCGAAA) and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (Academy) “commissioned” the 20,000 square foot Maritime Center of Excellence (MCOE) along the Academy’s waterfront on October 12, 2022 in front of more than 200 supporters, including local and state dignitaries, donors to the MCOE campaign, and members of the Academy community. This celebration coincided with the Academy’s Homecoming weekend that welcomes more than 700 alumni and their families back to the Academy for their reunions the weekend of Oct. 14-15.
“This $25 million project will leave an indelible mark on our waterfront for generations to come,” said President of the USCGAAA CAPT Andrea Marcille, “and will similarly leave an indelible mark on our Association - proving the amazing loyalty our alumni have for our alma mater combined with the gracious generosity of so many families, friends and partners. This is by far our largest and most complex campaign and project to date, and I feel so privileged to honor to acknowledge this incredible milestone."
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Almost exclusively funded through private donations via the USCGAAA, the MCOE embodies the institutional heritage of America’s oldest sea-going service through its innovative architecture and multi-purpose mission to support all facets of cadet development. Hundreds of individual donors, more than 40 alumni classes and 11 corporate partners supported the historic campaign totaling more than $23,500,000 in donations, with the final $1,500,000 being provided through federal funds.
“Today is a historic day for our Alumni Association,” said Jamie Smith, Chair of the USCGAAA Board of Directors, “and a further testament to the notion of ‘standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.’ I cannot overlook our two founding donors, Jim Tyler (CGA ’58) and Randy Hogan (CGA ’77) who provided the critical and initial pledge support to put a project of this magnitude on a clear path to success.”
The MCOE is the culmination of steady philanthropic support to the Academy by the USCGAAA starting in earnest in 2005 with the construction of the Alumni Center, followed by the 2014 $8,000,000 Leadership 44 Campaign. Completed in 2019, the $32,000,000 comprehensive All Present campaign resulted in many enhancements to the Academy such as the Emlen Tunnell Strength & Conditioning Center, the Cyber Lab and the Leamy Student Center to name a few. The campaign for the MCOE began in 2018.
In May of 2021 the USCGAAA awarded A/Z Corporation of North Stonington the construction contract, demolition of the old structure began in mid-July followed by a groundbreaking ceremony on July 29, steel framing went up in December and the Topping Off Ceremony was held on April 7, a custom that documents when the highest point of a building is completed. Finishing touches will continue through the end of November, with the building being gifted by the USCGAAA to the Academy at that time.
The building is anticipated to be fully functional by the 2023 Summer Training period.
“This LEED-certified, multi-purpose facility will be a space where young women and men can gather to learn and grow,” said RADM Bill Kelly, Academy Superintendent. “I am certain it will enhance an appreciation for the water and all its power and beauty, and ultimately play an important role in helping us instill a liking for the sea and its lore.”
This 20,000 square-foot facility boasts a contemporary design by the architectural firm SmithGroup that is expressive of sleek hull shapes, vessels under full sail, and wooden hulls. Its curvilinear vaulted roof, wooden decks, and true north orientation harmonize with the waterfront landscape to create awe-inspiring spaces unlike any other at the Academy. The MCOE includes formal and informal learning spaces that will offer seminar space for up to 150 people.
“The MCOE now serves as the maritime front door for the academy, inspiring current cadets with interactive high-tech classrooms and labs directly at the waterfront,” said Randall Hogan, Chair for the Maritime Center of Excellence Campaign and former Chairman and CEO of Pentair PLC. “It will also enhance leadership development for numerous academy initiatives such as cadet summer programs, boat and ship handling training, coastal sail training, cadre development, and swab summer sail training.”
The MCOE has met ambitious, resilient, and sustainable design goals, in support of the Coast Guard’s mission to protect the environment. It is the Academy’s first LEED-certified project (targeting LEED Gold). All interior spaces have access to daylight, views, and natural ventilation, minimizing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning. Double-height spaces for vessel maintenance, offices, and the atrium promote natural ventilation. The exterior palette features durable, resilient materials that are easily maintained.
“We wanted to create an iconic design that captures both the heritage and innovations at the Coast Guard Academy,” said Greg Mella, lead architect from SmithGroup who designed the facility. “The design draws upon naval architecture as a source of inspiration. From the broadest design gestures, like the roof, to the smallest details inside, the Maritime Center of Excellence celebrates the spirit of the Academy, its programs, and the service of its cadets - past, present, and future. This LEED-certified, modern design will bring the Academy’s waterfront into the 21st century.”
The MCOE includes a 2,000+ square foot Science and Engineering Innovation Laboratory that expands the Academy’s educational and research capacity at the waterfront. With a 3-D printing workshop, stability testing tank, a wood and metal fabrication shop, and laboratory equipment, this innovative maker space encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and foster scientific exploration.
“This impressive facility includes active learning spaces where cadets will engage in collaborative, problem-based learning,” said Academy Provost Dr. Amy Donahue. “With spaces like this, we can attract future generations of cadets by showcasing the dynamic interaction between education and innovation that happens here.”
This facility modernizes the Academy’s waterfront operations by providing year-round maintenance capability – something not possible with the old Pine Hall facility. The multipurpose boat bay can accommodate the entire fleet of vessels employed by the Academy’s sailing and professional maritime studies programs - most notably two L44 sail training vessels simultaneously.
“We have been proud to partner with the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association on this inspiring project,” said Greg Cox, President of A/Z Corporation. “We have a long history of building up our local communities and this project will help us further our mission while impacting those who proudly serve our nation.”
Quick Facts about the MCOE:
- The 20,000 square-foot building was constructed with an overall budget of $25 million: $23.5M privately funded through the USCGA Alumni Association and $1.5M federally funded.
- Designed to withstand 100-year flood, all mechanicals and utilities are raised above the 3 ft line’ in fact, all the mechanical/HVAC systems are in the attic directly above the boat bay. In addition, the facility is rated for hurricane conditions over 150 mph of wind including a 2x4 traveling at 100 mph.
- The 20,000 square-foot building features:
- A 2,000+ sq. ft. Science and Engineering Innovation Laboratory, with a 3-D printing workshop, stability testing tank, wood and metal fabrication shop, and lab equipment.
- Dock Master Office, and Boat Maintenance Shop,
- Office space, active learning classroom, and open workstations,
- Double height Atrium housing interpretive maritime heritage exhibits.
- This is the Academy’s first LEED-certified project. All interior spaces have access to daylight, views, and natural ventilation, minimizing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning.
- During construction, 160 pilings were driven about 50 ft. into the ground to stabilize the entire structure.
- There are 7,200 individual panels comprising the roof.
- The MCOE will include formal and informal learning spaces that will offer seminar space for up to 150 people.
- The building has a curvilinear vaulted roof, wooden decks, and true north orientation to blend with the waterfront landscape.
About the USCGA Alumni Association: Founded in 1887, the USCGA Alumni Association’s mission is to provide services to, and promote fellowship among, the Alumni of the Coast Guard Academy. For over 80 years, the USCGA Alumni Association has backed that mission with steady growth in philanthropic support, providing the margin of excellence needed to deliver our cadets the very best academic, professional, athletic, and leader development opportunities. www.cgaalumni.org
About the U.S. Coast Guard Academy: Founded in 1876, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. is a professional college educating future United States Coast Guard officers. It is a fully resident military cadet campus and one of the smallest United States federal service academies. www.uscga.edu.
About A/Z Corporation: A/Z Corporation is an industry-leading design, construction, and maintenance services provider, headquartered in North Stonington, CT. Their mission is to provide the highest levels of quality and value to the clients they support in technology-driven industries. This is a commitment that their firm has upheld for more than 50 years through the efforts of their dedicated team members and their unique combination of in-house resources. They understand what it takes for modern businesses to thrive in a fast-paced marketplace and are there to support their clients by adapting to their needs. www.a-zcorp.com
About SmithGroup: SmithGroup is one of the world’s preeminent integrated design firms. Working across a network of 15 offices in the U.S. and China, a team of 1,200 experts is committed to excellence in strategy, design and delivery. The scale of the firm’s thinking and organization produces partnerships with forward-looking clients that maximize opportunities, minimize risk and solve their most complex problems. SmithGroup creates exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology organizations, higher education and cultural institutions, urban environments, diverse workplaces, mixed-use and waterfront developments, and parks and open spaces. www.smithgroup.com