Military Sealift Command Named a Premier Partner of 2026 Secretaries’ Cup
September 15, 2026 | The United States Merchant Marine Academy and United States Coast Guard Academy are proud to announce Military Sealift Command (MSC) as a Premier Partner of the 2026 Secretaries' Cup, set for Saturday, November 14, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
The annual Secretaries' Cup rivalry brings together two of the nation's federal service academies as a celebration of competition, tradition and service. Military Sealift Command's partnership further strengthens the game's connection to the maritime community and highlights a shared commitment to developing the next generation of maritime leaders.
"Our support of the Secretaries' Cup and our partnership with the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Coast Guard Academy represent an investment in the future of America's maritime workforce," said RADM Benjamin R. Nicholson, Commander, Military Sealift Command. "These talented young men and women will become the leaders who shape our industry for generations to come. As one of the nation's largest employers of mariners aboard U.S.-flagged vessels, Military Sealift Command is proud to support these academies, strengthen our connections with their cadets and alumni, and advance our shared commitment to maritime service." As a Premier Partner, Military Sealift Command will have a prominent presence throughout the 2026 Secretaries' Cup and its surrounding events, providing opportunities to connect with cadets, midshipmen, alumni, families and supporters from both academy communities.
"We're proud to welcome Military Sealift Command as a Premier Partner of the 2026 Secretaries' Cup," said Kris Schnatz, United States Merchant Marine Academy Director of Athletics. "Many Kings Point midshipmen experience that partnership firsthand, serving as cadets aboard MSC vessels during Sea Year. We're excited to join with MSC and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy to celebrate the service, leadership and maritime mission that unite us all." The partnership reflects the strong connection between Military Sealift Command, the two academies and the broader maritime community. Through its support of the Secretaries' Cup, MSC will help showcase opportunities within America's maritime workforce while supporting the cadets and midshipmen preparing to become the next generation of leaders in maritime and military service.
About Military Sealift Command
Military Sealift Command directs and supports operations for approximately 140 civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea, conduct specialized missions, preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, perform a variety of support services, and move military equipment and supplies to deployed U.S. forces. MSC's workforce includes approximately 6,000 Civil Service Mariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and reserve military personnel.
For more information about Military Sealift Command, visit https://www.msc.usff.navy.mil/.
About the Secretaries' Cup
The Secretaries' Cup is the annual football rivalry between the United States Merchant Marine Academy and United States Coast Guard Academy. The matchup celebrates the competition, tradition and shared commitment to service that unite the two federal service academies while showcasing their cadet-athletes on a national stage.
The 2026 Secretaries' Cup will take place Saturday, November 14, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
