Joseph D Stewart News

Vice Admiral Joseph D. Stewart, Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, has announced his retirement from government service. VADM Stewart’s career spanned over 44 years of public service to the as a Marine Corps officer and member of the civilian Senior Executive Service. "After 10 years at Kings Point and over 44 years in service to our nation, Kathy and I are looking forward to retiring from public service," said VADM Stewart. "I am thankful for the opportunity the Kings Point community afforded both of us during our time here. My memories of the Regiment, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and all the friends of Kings Point will have a lasting impact on my life.

In a story reported by the NY Times, Gabriel Whitney says he did not plan to nearly suffocate President Bush in a bear hug. In fact, he did not plan to hug him at all. But when Mr. Whitney, one of 202 midshipmen to graduate from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., on Monday, stepped forward to receive his diploma, it just sort of happened. Call it irrational exuberance. But after six years of undergraduate school and 4,872 demerits, Mr. Whitney, 25, of Nashua, N.H., could hardly restrain himself. With more reason than most to be overjoyed, the 6-foot-7 midshipman stepped onto the stage to accept his degree and hugged Vice Adm. Joseph D. Stewart, the academy's superintendent. Then he raised both arms in a victorious salute as his classmates roared their approval.

President George W. Bush will deliver the keynote address at commencement exercises on June 19 for the 202 members of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s class of 2006. He will be the first sitting U.S. President ever to visit the Academy’s campus, located in Kings Point, Long Island, NY. The members of the class of 2006, who have been trained as merchant marine and Naval Reserve officers, present 34 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The class also includes six students from the Republic of Panama. Among the graduates from the New York area are 19 students from Long Island, one from Queens and one from Staten Island. During the graduation ceremony, the academy superintendent, Vice Admiral Joseph D. Stewart, will present third mate licenses to 116 members of the class.