KINGS POINT, N.Y. August 13, 2018 – The California State University Maritime Academy (CAL Maritime) announced on Friday that they have selected David Taliaferro as Commandant of Cadets. Taliaferro, a United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Alumnus from the Class of 2007, has served in several leadership roles on the Commandant’s staff at USMMA since 2014. He will depart the Academy almost immediately and take over as Commandant at Cal Maritime on August 20.

“I know I speak for the entire USMMA community when I say we are thrilled about David’s selection as Commandant of Cadets at Cal Maritime,” said Rear Adm. James A. Helis, USMMA Superintendent. “He has been a valued member of the Commandant’s staff here at USMMA and we will all miss him.”

Since graduating from USMMA with a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate license, and a reserve commission as an Infantry officer in the California Army National Guard, he has had a very active and diverse career. He began with General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, Calif. Within a year, he deployed to the Middle East as a platoon leader with the 81^st Heavy Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Upon his return from Iraq, he worked for Army Test and Evaluation Command in Alexandria, Va., where he helped publish guidance for deployed troops on escalation of force procedures and foreign disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations. He subsequently completed two overseas deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In between, Taliaferro led his New York City Army National Guard Unit in their response to Superstorm Sandy and made it possible for close to 300 USMMA Midshipmen to contribute to the disaster relief efforts. He also sailed on his U.S. Coast Guard license aboard the coast-wise tanker, the USNS Lawrence H. Gianella.

While on staff at USMMA, he graduated from Columbia University with a Master’s degree in organizational psychology.  He mobilized to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield (his fourth deployment), and following his return he began doctoral studies in Adult Learning and Leadership at Columbia University. Most recently he was promoted to the Academy’s Director of Leadership and Ethics.

“Cal Maritime is getting a top notch leader as their Commandant,” said Helis. “He perfectly illustrates the Academy’s mission, ‘to educate and graduate 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.’ We wish him well. ”

His personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.