New on the Women Offshore Podcast, Rear Admiral Jack Buono shares his new role as superintendent at the US Merchant Marine Academy.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), located in Kings Point, New York, is one of the five United States service academies. It was dedicated on September 30, 1943, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who stated, “the Academy serves the Merchant Marine as West Point serves the Army and Annapolis the Navy.”
USMMA trains officers for all branches of the military, in addition to the transportation industry. Students are referred to as midshipmen and study marine engineering, navigation, ship’s administration, maritime law, personnel management, international law, customs, and many other subjects for operating a vessel.
This year, USMMA found itself under new leadership. A 1978 graduate and CEO of Seariver Maritiime, Inc, RADM Jack Buono is the new superintendent. Prior to his appointment, RADM Buono also chaired the Board of International Marine Transportation Limited, an ExxonMobil subsidiary in Great Britain, and chaired the ExxonMobil Global Marine Center providing operations guidance to ExxonMobil affiliates worldwide.
Upon his graduation in 1978, RADM Buono joined the Marine Department of Exxon Company USA, a predecessor organization of SeaRiver Maritime, Inc. Between 1978 and 1986 he served as deck officer aboard various sized crude and chemical tankers before being promoted to Master Mariner. In 1991, Buono transferred ashore where he progressed through the management ranks before retiring as President and CEO of SeaRiver Maritime in 2016.
“Women have already made a powerful and positive impact on the maritime industry. If you can think it, you can do it.” – Rear Admiral Jack Buono, USMMA Superintendent
Among his many accomplishments, RADM Buono received awards and citations including the USMMA Meritorious Service and Outstanding Professional Achievement Awards, the Seafarers International House 2017 Honoree Award, the Seamen’s Church Institute 2016 Safety Leader Award, and the North America Marine Environmental Protection Association 2016 Environmental Leader Award. RADM Buono was also listed among the Top One Hundred Most Influential People in Shipping 2012–2015 by Lloyd’s List.
Today on the Women Offshore Podcast, RADM Buono shares his experience transitioning into the superintendent role, his vision going forward for the academy, and how the culture has changed post sea year stand down. Listen below.
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:28 — 44.6MB)
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The Women Offshore Foundation is an online organization and resource center for a diverse workforce on the water. Its mission is to propel women into meaningful careers through access to a worldwide community and professional development resources, while raising awareness amongst industry leaders and decision makers about issues affecting women on the water. Contact Women Offshore today: [email protected].
Really enjoyed listening to RADM Buono. His positive attitude towards everything, his balanced opinion about what it was and what ot can and will be regarding women participation in the Maritime field. Also, to have someone as experienced as him who played a great role in the private industry and now in the USMMA wow…! You’re just very lucky to have him there.
Thanks Women Offshore Community.