September 2017
Two positions of great significance to the American maritime industry recently were filled.
In early August, the U.S. Senate confirmed Lt. Gen. John Broadmeadow as the new deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). Then, on Aug. 14, Rear Adm. Mark Buzby (U.S. Navy, Ret) was sworn in as the top official at the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD).
Headquartered at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, USTRANSCOM oversees eight combatant commands and five related component commands, including the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Its commanding officer is Gen. Darren McDew, an outspoken advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Broadmeadow previously served as the commander of Marine Corps Installations Command, and also was the assistant deputy commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities), and commanding general, Marine Corps National Capital Region. Previously, he was vice director J4, Joint Staff. Before that assignment, he served as commanding general, Marine Corps Logistics Command from July 2013 to May 2015.
A 34-year career Marine, Broadmeadow is the fifteenth deputy commander at USTRANSCOM. In an informal message announcing the confirmation, McDew enthusiastically cited Broadmeadow’s leadership and experience.
Meanwhile, Buzby is the new maritime administrator, taking over a Department of Transportation agency tasked with promoting the U.S. Merchant Marine (among other responsibilities involving the American maritime industry).
He needed no introduction to the key issues facing maritime; Buzby was MSC’s commanding officer from 2009 until he retired from Naval service in 2013, capping a 34-year Navy career. He had been serving as president of the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) since November 2014.
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao spoke at Buzby’s swearing-in ceremony in the nation’s capital. SIU President Michael Sacco and Executive Vice President Augie Tellez attended the gathering.
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