Dakota J. Pedersen is a 2016 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Intermodal Logistics and Marine Transportation. He has over 330 days of sea time as a deck cadet aboard various vessels including tugs, ferries, tankers and container ships. Pedersen holds several safety and operational certifications and has interned with a maritime law firm. He has held leadership roles at the academy such as Company Training Officer and Company Platoon Commander and participates in various extracurricular activities including the band and honor guard.