World War II Merchant Mariner Bill Balabanow, a distinguished veteran of three wars and over three decades at sea, presented the official acceptance certificate into the Merchant Marine Academy to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet 2nd Lt. Colby Smith of Lancaster on June 2.

The ceremony was held at the Jesse Jones Composite Squadron 304 and honored Smith's future as a Merchant Mariner. Balabanow, a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal in May 2022, shared his experience serving during World War II, Korea and Vietnam and discussed the role of the U.S. Merchant Marines in the defense of the United States.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is a federal service academy that enrolls people of strong character who choose to serve the nation through marine transportation, economic development and national security. The USMMA is a very challenging academic program. The graduates are licensed Merchant Marine officers with a Bachelor of Science degree. Graduates have the option to commission into any branch of the U.S. military.

Smith graduated summa cum laude from Veritas Academy with a 4.19 grade point average. He has two varsity letters in cross-country; played baseball; started a robotics club; and was in an honors society named the Society of St. Jerome, where he dedicated his time as a tutor for other classmates, CAP cadets and even some college students.

Smith has been an accomplished CAP cadet officer. He served two years in color/honor guard, is part of the National Geospatial Team and was a leader of his cadet competition team that went to second place in the regional competition.

After graduating from the Merchant Marine Academy, Smith's goal is to attend the United States Navy flight school and serve as a naval aviator.

Smith joins two other Squadron 304 cadets who are also beginning their military careers this summer. Cadet 2nd Lt. Trevor Jones has joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Landin Pryzbylkowski has enlisted for active duty in the Army.

Jesse Jones Squadron 304 meets each Monday except holidays at 7 p.m. in the Venture Jets hangar, which is located at the Lancaster Airport near the intersection of Lititz Pike and Millport Road. Visitors are welcome.

The Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. To learn more, visit http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com or http://www.cap.news. People may also follow CAP on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.