NStar Articles

This is our third installment of a series highlighting our most noteworthy superintendents, culled from the over 60 that have served the U.S. Naval Academy admirably over the past 177+ years. We are fortunate to have had so many exceptional leaders at the helm of our ship, skilled officers who have excelled in the military and applied these learnings to their time as superintendents. Many have received the coveted USNA Alumni Association Distinguished Graduates designation, and surely more will in the future. Our earlier two posts covered superintendents from the first (Commander Franklin Buchanan) to the 51st (and later 55th, Admiral Charles R. Larson). Here, we’re exploring the lives of Rear Admiral Ronald Marryott, the 52nd, Rear Admiral Thomas Lynch, the 54th, Vice Admiral John Ryan, the 56th and Vice Admiral Sean Buck, the 63rd (and current) superintendent. 

Welcome to the second in our series of three articles profiling some of the most notable superintendents in the U.S. Naval Academy’s 177+ years history of having superintendents. Our first post looked at the careers and contributions of a few of the earlier superintendents. They have all proven themselves to be excellent leaders both in their fields and in the role of superintendents. Many have been recognized with the prestigious Distinguished Graduate title bestowed by the USNA Alumni Association. All in all, over 60 superintendents have given their time and expertise to the Academy, and we are grateful to each for their dedication. 

USNA graduate, Lieutenant Commander and Astronaut Kayla Barron has broken barriers her entire life. As a newly minted ensign, she was a member of the first class of women to be commissioned into the submarine community upon graduation in 2010. Then in November 2021, she was part of the historic SpaceX Crew-3 flight that rocketed four people into space for 177 days. Her passion for exploration is evident. In an interview for NASA, Barron notes, “I think the thing that’s most important to me is the inspiration of exploration. I think we all have this innate sense to explore — whether you’re the one who actually gets to step on the Moon or not. I think it changes all of us to know that we can actually do things that would be unimaginable to the generations that came before us.” Her path has certainly honored that — and while her achievements are just beginning, Barron has already proven what it takes to be a USNA  Notable Graduate — and we are proud to highlight her career here.