Naval Academy News

Interview: Dr. Catherine Warner, Director, NATO CMRE

At CMRE, it’s not just about the science. It’s about building trust and confidence in resilient systems. An interview with Dr. Catherine Warner, Director, NATO Center for Maritime Research and Experimentation, La Spezia, ItalyTell us a little about yourself and CMRE. What does CMRE do, and how do you see your mission evolving?I came here from the Pentagon, where I was the science advisor for the director of operational test and evaluation. My experience has been working with operators on systems that they’re getting ready to field.

CODA Elects Plumb to Board of Directors

Coda Octopus Group, Inc. (CODA) (Nasdaq: CODA), a leader in real-time 3D sonar technology and real-time subsea intelligence, announced the election of J. Charles Plumb, Captain, USNR (Ret.) to its Board of Directors. Captain Plumb was elected at the company’s annual meeting of stockholders.Captain J. Charles Plumb is a retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot and former Vietnam Prisoner of War. He retired from the United States Navy after 28 years of service, and his military honors include two Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the P.O.W. Medal.

Shipbuilding Interview: Ron Baczkowski, VT Halter

VT Halter in Pascagoula, MS has been on a strong run, capped by its winning the high-profile contract to build the U.S. Coast Guard’s next generation of icebreakers. Maritime Reporter recently spoke with Ron Baczkowski, President and CEO, VT Halter Marine, for insights on the shipyard’s recent success and future prospects. Globally, the shipbuilding industry has gone through some ‘interesting’ times of late. How has it looked from your perspective?The shipbuilding market and activity at VT Halter during the past 12 months has been dynamic.

Roughead Joins Fincantieri Marinette Marine Board

Former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead was elected as the chairman of the board of directors of Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corporation July 10.Roughead was the 29th Chief of Naval Operations from 2007 - 2011, after holding six operational commands. He is one of only two officers in the history of the Navy to have commanded both the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.Roughead served in several key positions aside from his sea duties, most notably as the commandant of the U.S.

Huntington Ingalls Appoints Joseph E. Tofalo as VP

America’s largest military shipbuilding company Huntington Ingalls Industries announced today that Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo has been named corporate vice president of program integration and assessment.The U.S. Navy, Ret. will report directly to Mitchell B. Waldman, executive vice president of government and customer relations.Tofalo will be responsible for working with federal entities, academic institutions and industry associations that are engaged in shaping future architectures and capabilities.

Hepburn and Sons Appoints Crone as Director

Hepburn and Sons LLC team has welcomed CAPT Timothy Crone as its newest Director. CAPT Timothy Crone, USN (Ret) will serve as Hepburn’s Director, Advisory Services.CAPT Crone, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the US Naval Academy and completed a Master of Science in Justice, Law and Society from American University. He has also received a Master of Arts in National Security Policy and Strategic Studies from the U.S.

Kings Point Alumni Release Commemorative Video

Video marks Academy's 75th year and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.Alumni of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) released an inspiring video to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the institution and memorialize midshipmen who have died in service to the nation. Over the summer, the USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation (USMMA-AAF) has been executing a multi-faceted campaign to mark the federal academy's decades of service and the foundational role it plays…

USMMA Names Academic Dean and Provost

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point (USMMA) announced today that John R. Ballard, Ph.D., has been named the new Academic Dean and Provost at the federal service academy. In this position, Dr. Ballard will serve as the chief academic officer and principal advisor to the Superintendent in all matters relating to the academic program and faculty. He will also co-chair the educational priority working group for the recently released USMMA strategic plan.Dr. Ballard served as a Marine Infantry officer immediately following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Vecchiolla Takes the Helm at VT Systems

ST Engineering announced the appointment of Tom Vecchiolla as President & CEO (Designate) of its US Headquarters, VT Systems. He will take over as President & CEO from General (Ret.) John Coburn on 1 December 2018, who will relinquish his CEO position but remain as non-executive Chairman of VT Systems.Gen. Coburn has been at the helm VT Systems for 17 years since it was set up in 2001 to support the Group’s overseas expansion. Today, the US is the Group’s single largest market outside of Singapore…

USMMA Class of 2022 Sworn into USNR

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point welcomed the Class of 2022 into the U.S. Navy Reserve Saturday in a parade and ceremony at Tomb Field on the Academy grounds. The Class was sworn in on behalf of the U.S. Navy by Capt. Steven Urwiller, USMMA ‘94, the Director of Military Sealift Command’s Reserve Affairs and Military Manpower.The parade and ceremony marked the end of formal activities for Parents Weekend 2018, with eligible Plebes and Midshipmen heading off the Academy for liberty.

Paul “Chip” Jaenichen Joins Liberty Global Logistics

Liberty Global Logistics (LGL) announced today that Paul “Chip” Jaenichen, former U.S. Maritime Administrator, has joined the Company as its Executive Vice President – US Flag. In his new position, he will be responsible for the oversight of the day to day aspects of the Company’s business relating to U.S. flag, government relations, strategic business initiatives and US cargo opportunities. Chip received his B.S. in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and his Masters’ degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

Tim Bush Promoted to Crowley VP, Deputy General Counsel

Crowley Maritime Corp. has announced that Tim Bush has been promoted to vice president and deputy general counsel. In his new position, Bush will help support the company’s growth as a provider of solutions for the U.S. government and various public-sector agencies. He will be based in Houston and report to Michael Roberts, senior vice president and general counsel. “Tim is an outstanding lawyer, and adds a great deal of value to the Crowley team,” Roberts said. Bush will continue to serve as Crowley’s lead attorney on several large projects for the U.S government…

Huntington Ingalls Promotes Two Vice Presidents

America’s largest military shipbuilding company announced that Jeanne Callahan has been named corporate vice president, internal audit, and that David “Chip” Wasson has been named corporate vice president, corporate strategy. Both promotions are effective immediately, and both report to Chris Kastner, executive vice president, business management, and chief financial officer. Callahan has served as director, business management, contracts and government compliance, since HII formed in 2011.

Netherland Hosts International Simulation-based Training Conference

Almost 200 delegates from across the world are gathered at the Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus in Den Haag, The Netherlands this week to hear about the latest developments in maritime training based on state-of-the-art simulation technology. Kongsberg Group, the Norway-headquartered international knowledge-based  company serving businesses in the maritime, defense, remote weapons and digitalization sectors, is hosting the three-day Kongsberg UC2017 International Maritime Simulation User Conference designed to bring attendees up to date on recent and planned developments in digitalization…

Danos Names Carter Coatings Operations Manager

Danos has promoted Clay Carter as coatings operations manager, a position with responsibility for all day-to-day activities of the company’s coatings service line. The appointment follows Carter’s tenure as acting coatings operations manager since 2016. A native of Sugar Land, Texas, Carter attended the U.S. Naval Academy and went on to serve six years in the Navy. He joined Danos in 2013 as a project manager, eventually moving up to senior project manager in 2016 as he began to oversee the company’s coatings operations.

Roberts Joins Foss as Chief Commercial Officer

Will Roberts has joined Foss Maritime as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), responsible for building the customer facing team to drive and sustain the company’s market share and long-term revenue generation. CCO is a newly developed position at Foss Maritime. In his role as CCO, Roberts will set out to advance Foss’ global perspective on market opportunities and lead in the assessment and prioritization of geographic and operational market segments through marketing, sales and business development activities.

Chinese University Implements Navis Training Software

China's Wuhan University of Technology (WUT) has partnered with Navis to implement the MACS3 ship loading computer and the Navis StowMan stowage planning program as educational software. In the future, prospective nautical officers will learn loading and unloading operations for container ships and bulk carriers in the segment of 76,000 dwt to 300,000 dwt (very large ore carrier), with on-board planning support provided by the MACS3 stability program from Navis. In addition, students will use the shore-side stowage planning software…

Seaspan Makes Leadership Moves

Steve Roth has been promoted to President of Seaspan Ferries Corporation (SFC). In this position, Steve will continue to have the primary accountability for the overall performance of the SFC business unit, including management of day-to-day operations of SFC, as well as the short and long-term strategic planning processes, including setting and fulfilling revenue and profitability targets and maintaining relationships with all stakeholders. He is also responsible for ensuring that customer service expectations are met or exceeded while ensuring the safe operation of SFC’s vessels…

Alumni Form Committee on USMMA Accreditation Status

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (AAF) has formed an advisory committee composed of Kings Point graduates and education experts to assist the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the Academy in protecting and preserving the school’s imperiled accreditation. In June 2016, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) reported that the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) underperformed in five of 14 areas including planning, leadership and governance, administrative staff qualifications, resource allocation and student services.

HMS Global Maritime Appoints Jaenichen as Chief Operating Officer

HMS Global Maritime, owner and operator of the American Queen Steamboat Company as well as 85 other U.S. flagged vessels, welcomes former Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen, Sr. of the U.S. Department of Transportation as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO). After a decorated career with the U.S. Navy and the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Jaenichen joined HMS Global Maritime on January 12, 2017. In his role as COO, Captain Jaenichen will be responsible for ensuring that HMS Global Maritime excels in every facet of transportation…

Donald Joins HII Board of Directors

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced that Adm. Kirkland H. Donald, U.S. Navy (Ret.), has been elected to its Board of Directors, effective Jan. 1, 2017. Donald retired from the U.S. Navy in 2013 after 37 years of service. In his last assignment as the director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion, he was responsible for the safe and effective operation of the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program, which today includes all submarines and aircraft carriers. After retiring from the Navy, Donald joined Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

HII Names Leonard a Corporate Director

Capt. Joseph J. Leonard (U.S. Navy, Ret.) has joined Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) as corporate director of customer affairs, large surface combatant program, the shipbuilder announced. In his new role, Leonard will provide solutions in the development and implementation of customer-focused activities for HII’s surface ship programs. He will work in HII’s Washington, D.C., office and will report to Dan Holloway, corporate vice president, customer affairs. Prior to joining HII…

Tighe Takes Charge of Information Warfare, Naval Intelligence

Vice Adm. Jan Tighe assumed the duties of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (DCNO) for Information Warfare (N2N6) and Director of Naval Intelligence (DNI) July 15 at the Pentagon. Tighe succeeded Vice Adm. Ted N. "Twig" Branch, who has submitted his retirement request following a 37-year Naval career. Branch assumed office as the DCNO for Information Warfare/DNI in July 2013. He also served as lead for the Navy's Information Warfare (IW) Community, which brings together the people and capabilities of the Navy's Communications…

Fox Named Newport News’ VP of Customer Affairs

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced that Vice Adm. Mark I. Fox (U.S. Navy, Ret.) has been named corporate vice president of customer affairs for the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. Fox, who will succeed Vice Adm. Evan “Marty” Chanik (U.S. Navy, Ret.) upon Chanik’s October 1 retirement, will be responsible for all customer outreach for Newport News’ programs. He will be located in HII’s Washington, D.C., office and will report to Mitch Waldman, HII’s corporate vice president, government and customer relations. Fox graduated from the U.S.

National Museum of the American Sailor Unveiled

The Great Lakes Naval Museum was officially renamed the National Museum of the American Sailor during a ceremony and sign unveiling at the museum July 4. The Navy's top enlisted Sailor, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens, was joined by retired Rear Adm. Sam Cox, director of Naval History and Heritage Command, North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Capt. James Hawkins, commanding officer of Naval Station Great Lakes, Jennifer Searcy, Ph.D., director of the National Museum of the American Sailor…

US Naval Academy Inducts Class of 2020

The U.S. Naval Academy welcomed the 1,184 men and women of the incoming Class of 2020 in Annapolis June 30 during Induction Day. Induction Day--or I-Day--marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, during which civilian students are indoctrinated into military life. This indoctrination period is meant to help plebes develop discipline, honor, self-reliance and organization. These attributes will provide them with the foundation they will need to be successful midshipmen and throughout their military careers.