John Bowman

NORTH ATTLEBORO - Midshipman John R. Bowman, the son of Richard and Susan Bowman of Elm Street, participated in the Sept. 6 Acceptance Day ceremonies at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

The annual event marks the official acceptance of the freshman, or plebe, class into the ranks of the Academy's Regiment of Midshipmen.

A graduate of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, Bowman, with 290 other plebes, were administered the academy oath by Rear Admiral Joseph D. Stewart, the institution's superintendent. The members of the Class of 2012 were additionally sworn into the U.S. Naval Reserve by Rear Admiral Robert J. Reilly, USN, Commander U.S. Military Sealift Command.

Bowman was nominated to attend the academy by U.S. Rep. James McGovern. The plebe class reported to the academy on July 10 for a two-week indoctrination program. Since then, the class has been involved in academic and regimental education and training.