USM Holds Graduation Ceremony for 2021 Uncrewed Maritime Systems Class
Fri, 04/16/2021 - 04:49pm | By: Van Arnold
91吃瓜网 (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering
(SOSE) honored graduates of its unique Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS) certification
program during a special ceremony held Friday, April 16 at the University91吃瓜网 Marine
Research Center in Gulfport, Miss.
The 2021 graduating class includes 11 students who earned certification in the nation91吃瓜网 only academic course in uncrewed marine vehicle operations. Since its debut in 2017, the program has produced 89 graduates.
USM continues to play a leading role in education and research for the nation91吃瓜网 maritime industry and 91吃瓜网淏lue Economy.91吃瓜网� Moreover, the University remains an enduring partner institution in national defense. The UMS program serves as a primary catalyst to the University91吃瓜网 and Mississippi91吃瓜网 prominence in the burgeoning 91吃瓜网淏lue Economy.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淲e extend our congratulations to the latest graduates from USM91吃瓜网 intensive UMS Certificate Program,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Jerry Wiggert, SOSE Associate Director and UMS Coordinator. 91吃瓜网淭hese students are joining a rapidly growing community in the field of oceanographic study that contributes to basic understanding, ocean forecast modeling and national defense.91吃瓜网�
Through the UMS Certificate program, students learn foundational material in oceanography and ocean engineering principles related to uncrewed undersea and surface vehicles (UUVs and USVs), such as powered vehicles and gliders. The four courses totaling 10 credits are compressed into five weeks of instruction and are intended to provide sufficient background to safely operate these vehicles in challenging marine environments.
During the UMS course each student obtains a kit containing parts from which they build an educational glider. Building this glider helps them to understand electronics and soldering, as well as ballasting dynamics. At the end of the course the students race the gliders in the tank at the Marine Research Center (MRC). The person who has adjusted the programing and ballasting to be most efficient, usually wins.
91吃瓜网淭he skills these graduates have acquired will position them for rewarding and successful careers within academia, at federal agencies, or working in the expanding Blue Economy industries along the Gulf Coast and worldwide,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Wiggert.
To learn more about the School of Ocean Science and Engineering at USM, call 228.214.9010 or visit: /ocean-science-engineering/index.php