Introducing RADM Philip H. Greene, USMS Superintendent, US Merchant Marine Academy

It is truly a privilege to introduce RADM Philip H. Greene, USMS, who was sworn in last September as the Superintendent of the US Merchant Marine Academy, in Kings Point, NY.

Blog readers may recall that I have a bit of a soft spot for Kings Point. But I've never met anyone as devoted to the Academy as RADM Greene.  As a Superintendent who is also an alumnus (1978), he is fortunate to be able to champion the USMMA and its value to the nation while he works to make it the best American service academy it can be.

Congratulating RADM Greene with Maritime Administrator David Matsuda

The new Superintendent comes to us after a notable service career as a U.S. Naval Officer with a number of commands.  In his last assignment in the Navy, RADM Greene was responsible for advancing the Navy’s strategic role in global maritime security capacity building.  He says that position gave him the insight a Superintendent needs into the role of the Merchant Marine and the global transportation system in ensuring our economic and national security. 

And it showed him the critical role that USMMA graduates play as leaders in transportation.

The new Superintendent really gets it.  When asked about the USMMA's relevance in the 21st century, RADM Grene said, "The ships of the Merchant Marine represent untapped resources to ease congestion, improve the environment and lower the cost of goods and services through the transport of goods across the oceans and along the coastal and inland Marine Highway."

RADM Greene gives a thumbs-up as the Regiment of Midshipment hoists the Superintendent's Trophy,
awarded annually for most head-to-head athletics wins between USMMA and the US Coast Guard Academy

So far, he seems to have adapted quite well to his new post.  Because he had served as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, he was able to hit the ground running at Kings Point. As he says, "I was familiar with the unique issues of running a federally-funded institution of higher education."

RADM Greene is quick to acknowledge the positive reception and overwhelming support he has received from the entire USMMA faculty, staff and Regiment of Midshipmen.  He credits them for showing a willingness and enthusiasm to step up their game and work together to move the Academy forward.

As he says:

"I am privileged and humbled to have been asked to serve as Superintendent, and I am here to lead the Academy forward with an emphasis on producing great leaders for our country. I also see this time as one of great opportunity for the Academy. I derive tremendous energy and inspiration from the Secretary of Transportation and the Maritime Administrator's vision for shaping Kings Point into a true jewel among service academies."

RADM Green addresses the Regiment during the Academy's annual Festival of Lights

I'm pleased that RADM Greene has made raising the Academy's profile a top goal.  By all accounts, he already seems to have had considerable success.  Alumni have welcomed the return of one of their own.  Faculty have cheered his emphasis on academic excellence.  And the Regiment of Midshipmen knows his efforts will only increase the value of their years at Kings Point.

As for what he needs to make the US Merchant Marine Academy an international leader in maritime education, RADM Greene is characteristically straightforward:

"The answer is engagement.  Whether it comes in the form of additional resources, mentoring our students, job opportunities for our graduates, or otherwise promoting the USMMA in talk and action, stakeholder engagement will help ensure that the Academy remains a vibrant institution, integral to the economy and security of the United States, and able to support the continued reliability of the nation’s transportation system."

I can assure you, Superintendent Greene certainly has my attention.

Comments

[Rich Rumsey, CFRE]

Great story. I miss working at the Point.

[Michael E. Bailey]

The Marine Highway is a critical part of moving freight (and people) further taking traffic off interstate roads and freeways and reducing pollution. Highly qualified officers are necessary to operate the ships and port facilities that will make the Marine Highway run; and Kings Point is the flagship school for turning out the best officers possible. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Anson Griffen]

My uncle went attended the academy in the 70s with superintendent Greene. The USMMA will make strides in facilitating greater levels of intrastructure fluidity with an increased awareness of an environmentally sensitive citizenry. Bravo!