U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta welcomed Captain William G. Schubert to the U.S. Department of Transportation as the Senate unanimously A former maritime industry consultant and Maritime Administration official, Captain Schubert brings 27 years of professional maritime experience to his new post.
“During these extraordinary times it is important to have someone like Bill Schubert on our team at the Department of Transportation,” said Secretary Mineta. “His years of experience, including his years at sea, government service, and expertise gained as a maritime consultant will be invaluable to us as we move forward to secure our nation in the months and years ahead.”
Captain Schubert underscored the important role the Maritime Administration and the U.S.-flag merchant marine will play in the nation’s war against terrorism.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial to have a strong, viable and commercially competitive merchant fleet to support our troops as the nation’s fourth-arm-of-defense,” Captain Schubert said. “As Maritime Administrator, I will do all I can to assure the nation that our commercial fleet will continue to be the best in the world. Our citizens deserve no less.”
Captain Schubert stressed the need to coordinate policy with the maritime industry, labor community, and government agencies in order to ensure the security of all U.S. ports and vessels entering U.S. ports. Maintaining shipbuilding and repair facilities and efficient intermodal transportation systems will be vital in supporting the nation’s war efforts.
“In view of our tremendous mission that lies ahead, it is important that the government, private industry and labor communicate on a regular basis and I thank President Bush for entrusting me with this crucial mission,” said Captain Schubert. “Everyone must do their part to ensure safe transportation as the U.S.
moves forward with her allies.”
Captain Schubert is a 1974 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He is married to the former Gail Marlene Becker. They have two children, and reside in Pinehurst, Texas.
After graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in
Kings Point, New York, in 1974, Captain Schubert sailed as a licensed deck officer with
Reynolds Metals Company for 10 years. Between 1984-1986, he worked as Master and Installation Manager at three offshore drilling platforms.
He began his 10-year career at the Maritime Administration in 1986 as a Special Assistant to former Maritime Administrator John Gaughan. Between 1990-1995, he served as the agency’s Regional Representative for the Southwestern United States.
Prior to his confirmation, Captain Schubert was president of the Houston, Texas-based International Trade and Transportation, Inc., a maritime consulting firm.