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MODIFIED OPERATIONAL STATUSDUE TO SNOW – MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026

To ensure the safety of our staff and midshipmen, the Academy campus will be in a Modified Operational Status on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to inclement weather. Employees with an approved situational telework agreement in CASTLE are expected to work remotely unless they are taking approved leave. Employees who do not have an approved situational telework agreement in CASTLE shall use unscheduled leave (e.g., annual leave or other approved time off). For those who are at a critical level with respect to leave time, there may be a way to still telework on Monday, 26 January 2026; If OPM declares a closure and has the government operating under a Continuity of Operations Plan, emergency telework can be used. Please work with your supervisors to ensure you are using “Safety” as your ultimate guidance with respect to the Academy’s intent to modify operations this Monday. All scheduled classes (first through eighth periods) will be conducted virtually. We will seek to keep the library open depending on the availability of staff to provide student study space or connections to virtual class. Faculty will communicate directly with students regarding the status of their classes. The Seafarer, Navy Exchange and the Navy Federal Credit Union will be closed. Please note that additional emergency notifications may be sent to contacts on file. For the latest updates on the Academy’s operating status, visit www.usmma.edu.

 
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Academy Mourns VADM Joseph D. Stewart

Ninth Superintendent passes away at 76

KINGS POINT, New York, May 3, 2019 – The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy lost one of its own this week. Vice Admiral Joseph D. Stewart, USMS, the ninth superintendent of the Academy passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76. Stewart served as the Superintendent at USMMA from 1998 to 2008.

“It is with great sadness that I must inform you of the passing of our ninth superintendent, Vice Admiral Joseph D. Stewart,” said Rear Admiral Jack Buono, the thirteenth superintendent in a note to all Academy personnel.

VADM Stewart graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964 and served for 34 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring in 1998 at the rank of Major General. After his graduation from USNA, and during his 34-year career as a Marine leader, he not only served in combat in Vietnam, but he earned Master’s degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School, Salve Regina College and the U.S. Naval War College. His decorations included the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

Shortly after retiring from active duty, VADM Stewart assumed duties as the ninth USMMA Superintendent where he forged a reputation as a caring and energetic leader.

 “While at Kings Point, VADM Stewart touched many lives and those who encountered him remember him fondly,” said Buono. “His passing is a great loss to our legacy, but we are lucky to have had him at the helm of the institution. We will miss him tremendously.”

The memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., May 9, 2019, at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, MD. Interment will follow at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium.

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ABOUT USMMA

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y, educates and graduates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. The Academy, which was established under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, was dedicated as the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is administered by the Maritime Administration under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.

On the web: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

On Facebook: @USMMAOfficial

On Twitter: @USMMAo

Admrial Stewart at the helm of HERCULES, with midshipman Peete Must '05. (Credit: KP Waterfront)

Photo credit: Kings Point Waterfront Facebook Page
Last updated: Friday, May 3, 2019

Applications for the Class of 2030 open on 1 May 2025

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