KINGS POINT, N.Y., August 23, 2017 - On Tuesday, United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Alumnus, Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, USN (Retired), Class of 1979, visited USMMA for the first time since being sworn in as Administrator of the Maritime Administration (MARAD) earlier this month.

After arriving by boat, Administrator Buzby met with Faculty, Staff, Midshipmen and the USMMA Alumni Foundation in Ackerman Auditorium. Admiral Buzby was greeted with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation by the exuberant audience.

Following a brief recap of his command experience, the Administrator explained how his close friend and classmate, the late Arturo Diaz, encouraged him to consider the position, adding, “I feel very privileged.”  He went on to outline his three personal priorities as Maritime Administrator. He said, “these are the same three priorities I have used every time I have commanded, from my very first ship,  Navy destroyer, USS CARNEY, all the way through to today.  In accomplishing our mission we must put our people first. I expect everybody to be a professional, and I expect everybody to be a good shipmate.”  He briefly explained what he meant by each, stressing the latter, “Being a good shipmate is what binds true professionals together. Being a good shipmate is pretty fundamental – it’s taking care of each other. We must be professional and we must be good shipmates. Taking care of your people, being professionals and being a good shipmate - those are the only three things I’m really asking of you.”

Rear Admiral James A. Helis, Superintendent, said, “We were honored to host Administrator Buzby on the first of what we hope will be many visits to Kings Point.”

During his career, Buzby commanded destroyer USS CARNEY (DDG 64), Destroyer Squadron THIRTY-ONE, Surface Warfare Officers School Command, and Joint Task Force GUANTANAMO BAY.  As a junior officer, Buzby served in USS CONNOLE (FF1056), USS ARIES (PHM 5), USS YORKTOWN (CG 48), USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 53) and USS SHILOH (CG 67) primarily in operations and combat systems billets.  In 1985, he was the Atlantic Fleet Junior Officer Shiphandler of the Year.

Ashore, he served on staffs of SIXTH Fleet, US Fleet Forces Command, the Navy staff, and the Joint Staff.   Buzby served as the Commander of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command from October 2009 to March 2013.

Upon graduation from USMMA, Admiral Buzby earned his Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License. He is also graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and Salve Regina University in Strategic Studies and International Relations respectively.

His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards), Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (five awards) and various other unit and campaign awards.