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Thursday, March 28, 2024

United States Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent Receives Third Star

Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao promoted U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA or the Academy) Superintendent, Rear Admiral Jack Buono to Vice Admiral in the U.S. Maritime Service (USMS) at a small ceremony in the Department of Transportation headquarters, Washington, D.C.

“Vice Admiral Buono deserves this third star – he’s been a great leader, especially during COVID-19, and has put USMMA at Kings Point on a solid foundation to develop our country’s future maritime leaders,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

Vice Admiral Buono will continue to lead at USMMA, where he has been stationed since joining the Academy in November 2018. The promotion makes Vice Admiral Buono the first USMMA graduate to serve in this position at this rank.

Prior to his appointment as Superintendent, Vice Admiral Buono had nearly 40 years of maritime experience in the private sector. He retired from his last private sector employer in 2016.

“This well-deserved promotion is an indication of the trust and confidence we have in Vice Adm. Buono’s leadership in the critical role of preparing our Nation’s next generation of leaders – afloat and ashore,” said Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby. “His steady hand on the wheel continues to steer Kings Point fair.”

Vice Admiral Buono is a Master Mariner and a 1978 graduate of the Academy. During his tenure as Superintendent, he has been responsible for implementing the Academy’s strategic plan which includes updating institutional culture, governance, communications, infrastructure, academics and athletics. More recently, Vice Admiral Buono has guided the Regiment of Midshipmen and the Academy community through the global health crisis while maintaining a strong focus on accomplishing the mission of the Academy.  His inspirational leadership has rallied the entire Academy family – students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.

“I am truly humbled and honored by this promotion, and I look forward to continuing to develop the future of this national treasure we call USMMA,” said Vice Admiral Buono. “We will continue to press forward with our mission: developing leaders of exemplary character committed to serving the national security, marine transportation and economic needs of this great Nation.”

Other recent and significant accomplishments at USMMA under the guidance of Vice Admiral Buono include: the first-ever semi-virtual graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020, the pivot to distance learning during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency, maintaining at sea training experience for Midshipmen aboard U.S. Flag merchant ships and two state maritime academy training vessels, and the milestone achievement of sending the Regiment of Midshipmen home for the recent holiday break COVID-free.

Read more at MARAD

United States Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent Receives Third Star Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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