Military Sealift Command welcomes new Executive Director

The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command welcomed its new executive director John Thackrah Jan. 24. Thackrah – a member of the Senior Executive Service – will oversee MSC’s business operations and serve as a senior advisor to MSC’s commanding admirals.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., MSC is the ocean transportation provider for the Department of Defense – responsible for the operation of more than 110 civilian-crewed, noncombatant ships supporting military and humanitarian missions worldwide.

Thackrah comes to MSC from the Navy’s Strategic Systems Program, where he served as the principle deputy. SSP provides the nation’s sea-based deterrent missile systems. Thackrah began his Navy career in 2005 as the deputy assistant secretary for management and budget. Thackrah has also served as assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition and as chief of staff to the assistant secretary of the Navy.

“This is a huge thrill,” said Thackrah. “The reputation of this command precedes it, so being able to come here is really a treat. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a great group of people, a great command and a great mission that it accomplishes across the spectrum.”

Prior to joining government service, Thackrah was a senior executive at United Technologies Corporation.

Thackrah has a Master of Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Delaware.

Richard Haynes, who had served as MSC’s executive director since 1997, had a farewell ceremony on Jan. 21. Haynes first joined MSC in 1985 as the command’s senior legal counsel.

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