Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao has given the oath of office to Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby (USN, ret.’d), formalizing his appointment as the head of the Maritime Administration. Adm. Buzby takes over from executive director Joel Szabat, who has headed up the agency since the departure of former administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen in January.
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) promotes the use of waterborne transportation, and is responsible for supporting and maintaining a U.S. merchant marine that is capable of service in times of national emergency. MARAD also oversees the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the Maritime Security Program and the National Defense Reserve Fleet.
