New MARAD Administrator

Retired Navy Admiral Sworn in as Maritime Administrator

U.S Secretary of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao administers the Oath of Office to
Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby (USN- Ret.) as Maritime Administrator as Mrs. Mark (Gina) Buzby looks on.
Photo/U.S. Department of Transportation

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao swore in Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby (USN- Ret.) as Administrator of the Maritime Administration at a ceremony in Washington on August 14. Among the invited guests was AAPA President Kurt Nagle.

Prior to his appointment, Admiral Buzby served as president of the National Defense Transportation Association.
As Maritime Administrator, Admiral Buzby will lead an agency tasked with promoting the use of waterborne transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system; and the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced U.S. merchant marine. The Maritime Administration also oversees the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

"I grew up on the water, piloting vessels from the time I was nine years old, and have a lifelong love for the sea," Admiral 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 U.S. Merchant Marine, and ensure our nation continues its maritime leadership."

A career Naval officer with over 34 years of service, Admiral Buzby has an extensive background in maritime transportation and leadership, having served on the staffs of the Sixth Fleet, the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and as commander of the Military Sealift Command.

During his career, he also 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, he served on 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.

He graduated in 1979 from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a BS Nautical Science and a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License. He is also a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and holds master’s degrees in strategic studies and international relations from the U.S. Naval War College and Salve Regina University, respectively.

"With Adm. Buzby’s experience and background, he is well aware of the vital role maritime commerce and America’s ports play in the economy, jobs, and national security," said Mr. Nagle.  "We look forward to working with Adm. Buzby to ensure our ports are in a position to continue to help grow the economy and enhance America’s international competitiveness."