The U.S. Department of Transportation has named Rear Adm. (select) Tony Ceraolo as superintendent and Dr. Johnathan Gajdos as provost of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), according to an announcement released this week.
Ceraolo becomes the academy’s 15th superintendent, while Gajdos will oversee academic programs as provost. Both appointments come as the federal government moves forward with planned infrastructure, technology, and academic upgrades at the Kings Point, N.Y., campus.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the leadership changes are intended to strengthen the academy’s operations and educational mission.
“Rear Admiral Tony Ceraolo and Dr. Johnathan Gajdos are precisely the leaders the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy needs at this critical moment,” Duffy said. “These men bring the experience, discipline, and vision required to restore America’s maritime power and prepare the next generation of American patriots for service to our country.”
Earlier this year, the Department of Transportation signed a partnership agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to modernize academy facilities. Planned work includes upgrades to campus infrastructure, simulators, navigation laboratories, and information technology systems. DOT has also moved forward with restoration work on the Christ on the Water painting located on campus.
Ceraolo previously served as USMMA’s chief of staff beginning in 2023 and brings more than three decades of Coast Guard experience to the role.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the 15th Superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at a pivotal moment for both the Academy and our nation,” Ceraolo said. “With unprecedented focus, support, and momentum behind the maritime sector, this is an exciting time to lead.
"I look forward to working alongside our exceptional faculty and staff to educate, mentor and graduate leaders of exemplary character—men and women fully prepared to advance our nation’s national security, economic success, and marine transportation needs,” he added.
Ceraolo is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and holds a master of public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, along with a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
Gajdos joins the academy after more than 15 years in academic leadership and teaching roles at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, where he most recently served as associate provost for undergraduate education.
“When I had the opportunity for a campus visit during the selection process for this position, I was immediately impressed by the dedicated faculty, the motivated midshipmen, and the skilled staff, fully embracing the Academy’s critical mission,” Gajdos said. “As I assume the role of USMMA’s Provost, I am excited to support the work of our faculty as they educate America’s future merchant mariners and maritime leaders.”
