Mark H. Buzby

Mark Howard Buzby
Born	(1956-10-06) October 6, 1956 Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation(s)	United States Navy rear admiral, maritime administrator
Years active	1979–2013 (Navy), 2017–2021 (Maritime Administration)
Known for	Administrator of the United States Maritime Administration; Commander of Military Sealift Command

Mark Howard Buzby (born October 6, 1956) is a former rear admiral of the United States Navy who held the position of Administrator for the United States Maritime Administration. After retiring from naval service in 2013, he became a member of the Safety & Reliability Review Board at Carnival Cruise Line. In June 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Buzby to lead MARAD, and the United States Senate confirmed his appointment on August 3, 2017. He stepped down on January 11, 2021, simultaneously with Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, in response to the 2021 United States Capitol attack.

Early life and education

Hailing from Atlantic City, New Jersey, Buzby was raised in the nearby town of Linwood. He completed his secondary education at Admiral Farragut Academy (North) in 1975. Subsequently, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nautical Science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1979, where he also acquired his U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License. Commissioned in June of that year, Buzby further advanced his education by graduating from the Joint Forces Staff College and obtaining master's degrees in Strategic Studies and International Relations from both the U.S. Naval War College and Salve Regina University.

Career

On October 16, 2009, Buzby took over command of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) from Rear Admiral Robert D. Reilly Jr., a role he fulfilled for approximately three and a half years before retiring on May 10, 2013.

During his tenure as a surface warfare officer, Buzby served on various cruisers and destroyers such as , , , and . He notably commanded the destroyer during its inaugural deployment to the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf regions.

His operational experience includes serving as assistant operations officer for the United States Sixth Fleet amid NATO’s Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. Additionally, he led Destroyer Squadron 31 as sea combat commander for the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group during missions supporting Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom.

In shore assignments, Buzby undertook significant Navy staff responsibilities including heading the Point Defense Anti-Air Warfare section within the Surface Warfare Division and acting as a development officer for the Aegis Combat System. His joint assignments feature his role as operations officer on the Joint Staff’s Joint Operations Division. Furthermore, he was appointed as the 16th commanding officer of the Surface Warfare Officers School command.

From May 2007 until he was succeeded by Admiral David M. Thomas Jr. in 2008, Buzby commanded Joint Task Force Guantanamo.

Upon promotion to flag officer rank, his positions included deputy for Surface Ships, Surface Warfare, and Expeditionary Warfare on the Navy staff; deputy chief of Staff for Global Force Management and Joint Operations at United States Fleet Forces Command; and commander of MSC between 2009 and 2013.

Among his decorations are the Defense Superior Service Medal, four awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and five instances of the Meritorious Service Medal, along with other honors.

Awards and decorations

Surface Warfare Officer insignia

Template:Ribbon devices	Navy Distinguished Service Medal (presented during MSC change of command)
Template:Ribbon devices	Defense Superior Service Medal
Template:Ribbon devices	Legion of Merit accompanied by two award stars
Template:Ribbon devices	Bronze Star
Template:Ribbon devices	Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Template:Ribbon devices	Meritorious Service Medal with four award stars
Template:Ribbon devices	Joint Service Commendation Medal
Template:Ribbon devices	Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two award stars
Template:Ribbon devices	Joint Service Achievement Medal

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