JANUARY 29, 2013 — The United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y., welcomed its new Deputy Superintendent during a Town Hall meeting that was held at Ackerman Auditorium last week.

Susan L. Dunlap was commissioned into the United States Maritime Service as a Rear Admiral by Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari in the presence of administration, faculty, staff and the Regiment of Midshipmen.

Maritime Administrator David Matsuda also attended the commissioning ceremony along with Marlise Streitmatter, chief of staff for the Department of Transportation.

Admiral Dunlap, an experienced and highly decorated 28-year Navy veteran, holds a master's degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College and Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University. Admiral Dunlap most recently served as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, director Africa Engagement Group, where she provided direct oversight of all maritime theater security cooperation with Africa, including the internationally-recognized Africa Partnership Station program. During her years of service, she was awarded the Legion of Merit (three gold stars), the Meritorious Service Medal (three gold stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three gold stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various other campaign and service awards.

"Thank you all for having faith in choosing me for this position. I assure you I am the right one; I am going to work hard to justify your faith in me," said Admiral Dunlap. "Let me get off this stage and get to work."

NOTE: The U.S. Maritime Service originated was established in 1938 under the provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 and played an important role in the World War II build up of the U.S. Merchant Marine. These days within Marad and its only visible function seems to be to provide Superintendents, administrators and instructors of the seven maritime academies with a rank and the right to wear a uniform that is that of the U.S. Navy, but with distinctive USMS insignia and devices. It was not always so.