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Galveston Campus to Host Open Dock Party     

May 4, 2023

Attendees of the 2022 Galveston Campus dock party enjoy ship tours, games and more as they learn about maritime education and training.
Attendees of the 2022 Galveston Campus dock party enjoy ship tours, games and more as they learn about maritime education and training.

By Rebecca Watts, Executive Director

GALVESTON, TX: Texas A&M University at Galveston invites the public to learn more about maritime education and training with two campus events in June. Participants can tour the training ship, interact with sea life, meet cadets, and join a flotilla to escort cadets out of the Galveston Ship Channel as they embark on their annual summer sea term. 

Activities include:

  • Tours of the 540-foot training ship the TS Kennedy
  • Tours of the Sea Life Facility
  • Face Painting
  • Yard Games
  • Ice Cream
  • Flotilla
  • And more!

Dock Party festivities will occur on the west side of the Galveston Campus alongside the campus pier on Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests should arrive early to secure tour time slots for both the TS Kennedy and the Sea Life Facility. Close-toe shoes are required for both tours. 

The Sail Away Flotilla will occur on Wednesday, June 7, at 1 p.m. Boaters may gather at the Pelican Island Bridge and follow the TS Kennedy through the Galveston Ship Channel. Vessels must maintain a 1,000 ft. distance from the TS Kennedy to ensure the safety of participants and passengers. 

The academy is expected to depart the Galveston Campus pier at 1 p.m. However, factors beyond the control of Texas A&M University-Galveston may influence the date and time of the flotilla. In the event inclement weather forces cancelation, notice will be provided online and through social media (@texasmaritime). 

 Details:

What: Summer Sea Term Dock Party
When: Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Texas A&M University at Galveston
Who: Open to the public
Cost: Free
Parking: Paid ($2.00 per hour up to three hours)
More information: tx.ag/SST23GAVDockParty

What: Sail Away Flotilla
When: Wednesday, June 7, 1 p.m.
Where: Galveston Ship Channel; starting from the Pelican Island Bridge
Who: Open to the public
Cost: Free
More information: tx.ag/SST23Flotilla

NOTE: Launching, recovering and docking at the Galveston Campus Dock is prohibited and vessels should maintain a 1,000 ft. distance from the TS Kennedy. Details beyond the control of Texas A&M University at Galveston may influence the date and time of the flotilla. Plan to be flexible. In the event that inclement weather forces cancelation, we will provide notice here and on social media on @texasmaritime no later than 6 a.m. on June 3. 

Additional Information:
At-sea training is critical in educating the future generation of merchant mariners who support both our national security through service in the armed forces and the maritime industry, which is a key contributor to the economic prosperity of Texas. The Texas A&M Maritime Academy is one of six state maritime academies in the country and is the only one in the Gulf Coast region.

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Media contact:

Rebecca Watts, Executive Director, Marketing & Communications
979-229-0902
rwatts@tamu.edu




Texas A&M University at Galveston is the marine and maritime branch campus of Texas A&M University which educates nearly 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students in science, business, engineering, liberal arts and transportation. It is driving the development of the blue economy in the Gulf Coast Region and is a critical contributor to Texas A&M's rare land-, sea-, space-grant mission with nearly $10 million in research expenditures.

Texas A&M-Galveston is also home to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, one of six state maritime academies and the only one in the southern United States, which trains over 400 cadets annually for maritime service and employment around the world.

Texas A&M-Galveston is located in Galveston, Texas on the Gulf Coast where it is surrounded by industry, environment and programs essential to fulfilling its special-purpose mission. Aggies are known for their deep commitment to the success of each other and their strong desire to serve.