James Harvey Tomb
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| James Harvey Tomb | |
|---|---|
| - September 23, 1946 | |
 Captain James. H. Tomb, Commanding Officer of USS Aroostook (ID # 1256), shakes hands with Lieutenant Commander Patrick N.L. Bellinger (May 1919) |
|
| Place of death | N/A |
| Allegiance | USN |
| Rank | Captain |
| Commands | Superintendent, US Merchant Marine Academy |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
Captain James Harvey Tomb was the first Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Captain Tomb was appointed Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy on April 15, 1942.
Contents |
[edit] US Navy and Merchant Marine
His background features the successful blend of two maritime careers - 27 years as a naval officer and 15 years as an educator of Merchant Marine Midshipmen. An Annapolis graduate and expert marksman, Captain Tomb had a distinguished naval career that included command of the former coastal liner Aroostook during the laying of the “North Sea Mine Barrage,” which bottled up the German fleet in World War I. Retiring from service in 1925, he was named head of the New York State Nautical School.
[edit] New York Maritime College
As a member of the 1930 Committee on Training of Merchant Marine Officer Personnel, he strongly supported the need for a national shoreside training facility. In 1939, when the U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet Corps was searching for an Atlantic Coast location, he allowed the cadets to stay temporarily at the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler in the Bronx.
[edit] Superintendent of the US Merchant Marine Academy
Captain Tomb's experience as a marine educator and administrator made Capt. Tomb the Academy’s choice as the first Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1942. Arriving at Kings Point by boat from Fort Schuyler on April 15, 1942 at the age of 66, he immediately tackled the crucial task of overseeing the physical construction of the Academy. He relinquished command of the Academy on October 16, 1943, just over two weeks after the school was dedicated. He retired to private life and died on September 23, 1946.
The football and lacrosse game field at Kings Point, set inside the Academy's track, is named for Captain Tomb.
[edit] Military awards
Captain Tomb's personal decorations include:
[edit] Dates of rank
[edit] References
- Original Text Saga of Fort Schuyler
- United States Merchant Marine Academy Athletics Official Website USMMA biography
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| Preceded by None |
Superintendent,
US Merchant Marine Academy |
Succeeded by Rear Admiral Arthur B. Engel, USCG |
