Ninth Superintendent passes away at 76

KINGS POINT, New York, May 3, 2019 – The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy lost one of its own this week. Vice Admiral Joseph D. Stewart, USMS, the ninth superintendent of the Academy passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76. Stewart served as the Superintendent at USMMA from 1998 to 2008.

“It is with great sadness that I must inform you of the passing of our ninth superintendent, Vice Admiral Joseph D. Stewart,” said Rear Admiral Jack Buono, the thirteenth superintendent in a note to all Academy personnel.

VADM Stewart graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964 and served for 34 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring in 1998 at the rank of Major General. After his graduation from USNA, and during his 34-year career as a Marine leader, he not only served in combat in Vietnam, but he earned Master’s degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School, Salve Regina College and the U.S. Naval War College. His decorations included the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

Shortly after retiring from active duty, VADM Stewart assumed duties as the ninth USMMA Superintendent where he forged a reputation as a caring and energetic leader.

 “While at Kings Point, VADM Stewart touched many lives and those who encountered him remember him fondly,” said Buono. “His passing is a great loss to our legacy, but we are lucky to have had him at the helm of the institution. We will miss him tremendously.”

The memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., May 9, 2019, at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, MD. Interment will follow at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium.

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ABOUT USMMA

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y, educates and graduates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. The Academy, which was established under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, was dedicated as the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is administered by the Maritime Administration under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.

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