New Deputy Superintendent to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy named Captain (ret.) Susan L. Dunlap as its new deputy superintendent. Dunlap, a 28-year Navy veteran, will begin work at the Academy in January.
“I am pleased to welcome Captain Dunlap to the senior leadership team at King’s Point,” said U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent, Admiral James Helis. “Her extensive leadership experience in key command and staff billets and lifetime commitment to service to the nation make her an ideal selection for Deputy Superintendent.“
Captain Dunlap most recently served as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Director Africa Engagement Group, where she provided direct oversight of all maritime theater security cooperation with Africa, including the internationally-recognized Africa Partnership Station (APS) program. Earlier in her career, Captain Dunlap led the Military Sealift Command, Far East, which operated an average of 48 ships that replenish fuel and supplies to U.S. Navy forces. She also commanded the only assault craft unit in the Pacific Fleet, which was tasked with operating, maintaining and providing assault craft for ship to shore movement during and after an amphibious assault.
During her years of service, Captain Dunlap was awarded the Legion of Merit (three gold stars), the Meritorious Service Medal (three gold stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three gold stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various other campaign and service ribbons. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and is a graduate of the Naval War College, where she earned her Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies with a single area focus on Africa.
“I am extremely excited at my selection for Deputy Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, to work in an academic environment at a distinguished institution in a vibrant and scenic location. Most of all, I am very pleased that I will be working with the best and brightest youth that our nation has to offer. I look forward to working with the Academy’s student mariners and sharing in their energy, intelligence and creativity. I will be dedicated to working with the Academy’s leadership to provide the midshipmen with a rich and rewarding educational experience that will provide them with the career skills they need to succeed in the maritime profession,” said Captain Dunlap.