'Our maritime industry is facing unprecedented challenges in our increasingly globalized world,' Chao said. 'Administrator Buzby’s extensive naval and maritime background will serve as a tremendous asset to the Maritime Administration.'
Buzby will lead an agency tasked with promoting waterborne transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system, and the development and maintenance of a US merchant marine that's adequate to carry a substantial portion of the US waterborne commerce and capable of service in time of war or national emergency. MARAD also oversees the US Merchant Marine Academy.
'I grew up on the water, piloting vessels from the time I was 9 years old, and have a lifelong love for the sea,' Buzby said. 'It is one of the great honors of my life to serve as maritime administrator, and to start working to grow and revitalize the US Merchant Marine, and ensure our nation continues its maritime leadership.'
A career naval officer with more than 34 years of service, Buzby has an extensive background in maritime transportation and leadership, having served on the staffs of the Sixth Fleet, the US Fleet Forces Command, the Navy staff and the Joint Staff. Prior to his retirement from the Navy in 2013, Buzby served as the commander of the Military Sealift Command from October 2009 to March 2013.
During his career, Buzby commanded destroyer USS Carney, Destroyer Squadron 31, Surface Warfare Officers School Command and Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay. As a junior officer, he served in USS Connole, USS Aries, USS Yorktown, USS John Paul Jones and USS Shiloh, primarily in operations and combat systems billets.
He is a 1979 graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy and holds master’s degrees from the Naval War College and Salve Regina University in strategic studies and international relations, respectively.
His 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.
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