Jack J. Buono, a longtime executive at ExxonMobil Corporation, took command as the 13th superintendent for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point on Nov. 9, taking over from Rear Admiral Susan L. Dunlap, acting superintendent.
The presiding officer for the change of command was Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, maritime administrator, who administered the oath of commissioning to Buono and presided during
his commissioning.
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored naval tradition. Custom has established this ceremony to carry out the formal passing of responsibility, authority and accountability of command from one officer to another, vital to any organization.
“As a Kings Point graduate who spent his entire career in maritime leadership roles, Buono will help educate and inspire the next generation of maritime cadets,” said Buzby.
Following his graduation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Buono worked his way up from a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Third Mate to an unlimited Master Mariner with ExxonMobil Corporation. In 1991, he transferred ashore and, after rising through several management positions, was elected to president and CEO of SeaRiver Maritime, Inc., where he served until his retirement in 2016 after 38 years with ExxonMobil Corporation and SeaRiver Maritime, Inc.
Buono received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation with a minor in management from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1978 and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve, where he served honorably for 11 years.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, one of the five federal service academies, celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Dedicated in September 1943, it provides the nation with a steady source of highly trained merchant marine officers and naval reserve officers, who serve not only in the commercial merchant marine, but also on active duty in all branches of the armed forces.
“Jack Buono is the ideal candidate to take the academy to the next level,” said Buzby. “He has impeccable credentials on the waterfront and, as an alumnus, fully understands the academy’s mission to provide its students with the highest caliber of training and education needed to lead afloat and ashore.”
