President Trump to Nominate Mark Buzby, Former MSC Commander, as Maritime Administrator

aRear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, then commander of Military Sealift Command, boards the Military Sealift Command high speed vessel (HSV 2) Swift, February 13, 2013. U.S. Navy Photo

President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Mark H. Buzby of Virginia to the position of Maritime Administrator at the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD).

Rear Admiral Buzby is a retired Navy Rear Admiral with 34 years of experience serving in at-sea billets, primarily in cruisers and destroyers. During his career, Buzby commanded the USS CARNEY (DDG 64), Destroyer Squadron Thirty-One, Surface Warfare Officers School Command, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, and the Military Sealift Command. He has also held key positions on the Navy Staff, the Joint Staff, and several fleet staffs. He is a recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star, as well as other personal and unit awards.

Buzby graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York in 1979, having earned his Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License. He also holds Masters degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and Salve Regina University.

Rear Admiral Buzby currently serves as President and CEO of the National Defense Transportation Association, and sits on the boards of several maritime industry-related corporations. He and his wife Gina reside in Norfolk, Virginia.

The position of Maritime Administrator at MARAD has remained unfilled since January following the departure of Paul “Chip” Jaenichen. Jaenichen was appointed to the Maritime Administrator role in July 2014 by President Obama, before which he served as Acting Maritime Administrator starting in June 2013. Jaenichen had been Deputy Maritime Administrator since July 2012.