KINGS POINT, N.Y. — The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) on Monday formally installed Rear Adm. Anthony J. Ceraolo, USMS, as its fifteenth superintendent during a ceremony in Ackerman Auditorium.

The event was led by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, who administered the oath of office and issued the promotion order elevating Capt. Ceraolo to rear admiral (upper half), United States Maritime Service (USMS).

The ceremony began with the arrival of the official party — Secretary Duffy; Dr. Anne Byrd, assistant secretary of transportation for administration; Rear Adm. (Select) Ceraolo; and Capt. Mike Stroud, USMS, acting deputy superintendent. The Regimental Band performed the national anthem, and honors were rendered to Duffy.

Byrd introduced Duffy, who highlighted the Academy’s role in national security. “America’s maritime dominance doesn’t happen unless it runs through Kings Point,” he said. “The President understands that. I understand this. And so does the whole leadership team at Kings Point.” 

He also expressed his confidence in the new superintendent, adding, “With Tony Ceraolo, we couldn’t have a better head of this Academy. Nobody is more dedicated to you, your education, and this country.” 

Ceraolo has served as acting superintendent since June 24, 2025. He previously completed a 34-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard before joining USMMA as chief of staff in 2023. His Coast Guard service included command of multiple cutters, leadership of major shore units and a deployment as commander of U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, the service’s largest command outside the continental United States. He later served as Sector Commander and Captain of the Port for San Francisco and Northern California.

At the national level, Ceraolo held senior security positions including director for maritime security and director for Arctic region policy on the National Security Council staff, senior counselor to the secretary of Homeland Security, and military and policy assistant to the Secretary of Transportation. He helped craft key national policies, including the 2013 National Strategy for the Arctic Region and the Department of Homeland Security’s first Arctic strategy in 2021. Before retiring, he served as executive assistant to the Coast Guard deputy commandant for operations.

A native of Nesconset, Long Island, Ceraolo graduated with honors from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1993. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School and a master’s degree with distinction in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He is also a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College, a permanent cutterman and an Eagle Scout. 

During the ceremony, Ceraolo spoke passionately about the Academy’s trajectory. “This is an amazing time to be at Kings Point,” he said. “We are at such a pivotal moment in the history of this Academy with a renewed national commitment to maritime strength and leadership from our President and our Secretary.” 

Ceraolo also thanked Academy and Department of Transportation leadership. “Thank you, Secretary Duffy and Dr. Byrd, for your faith in me, and for all you have done and will continue to do for this extraordinary federal service academy,” he said. 

The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Jones, CHC, USN, and the singing of the Academy’s alma mater accompanied by the Regimental Band.

Full video on YouTube: USMMA Installation of 15th Superintendent 

###

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), located in Kings Point, N.Y., is one of our Nation’s five federal service academies, along with the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy.

USMMA educates and graduates licensed merchant mariners and leaders of exemplary character who will serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is administered by the Department of Transportation.