FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 24, 1998
Contact: John Swank
Telephone: (202) 366-5807
MARAD 2-98
Stewart Named Superintendent
Of U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced the selection of U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Joseph D. Stewart as the next superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He will succeed Rear Adm. Thomas T. Matteson, who will retire on Aug. 1, 1998.
The academy, located at Kings Point, N.Y., educates and trains young men and women to become officers in the American merchant marine. It is operated by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration.
"General Stewart stands ready to instill the finest traditions of America’s seafarers into those who will lead the American merchant marine into the 21st century," Secretary Slater said. "His personal pursuit of his goals and aspirations will serve as a shining example of excellence."
Since July 1996, General Stewart has served as the Marine Corps deputy chief of staff for installations and logistics. In that position, he was the senior staff officer in the U.S. Marine Corps responsible for worldwide installation and logistics management. General Stewart also served as commander, Marine Corps Logistics Bases and in that capacity was responsible for supporting Fleet Marine Force operational units around the globe. He was also responsible for providing housing, training, education, security and food services to more than 15,000 military and civilian personnel at three separate installations.
During his career, General Stewart has served as an instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he taught mathematics, calculus, and differential equations. He also coached varsity and junior varsity lacrosse and contributed to the moral, mental and physical development of future U.S. Navy and Marine Corps officers.
John E. Graykowski, acting maritime administrator, said, "General Stewart is exactly the right person to lead our academy into the next century. We are, indeed, fortunate to have someone with his experience and enthusiasm on our team."
General Stewart is from Severna Park, Md., and is a 1964 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He holds master’s degrees in operations research and management from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and Salve Regina College. As a seasoned management professional and strategist, General Stewart is responsible for Marine Corps coordination and execution with the U.S. Transportation Command of Logistics Support for Marine Corps’ maritime prepositioning program, which places naval power projection assets at strategic locations around the world.
General Stewart, who will retire from the U.S. Marine Corps Sept. 1, 1998, is the recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.
General Stewart and his wife, the former Kathleen Fitzpatrick of Seattle, have two children. They reside in McLean, Va.
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