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.
Rear Admiral Ronald F. “Ron” Marryott
Served as Superintendent: August 19, 1986 - August 18, 1988 (52nd)
Ronald Marryott served as battalion commander in the spring of 1957, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. This kicked off a life in leadership. He was a naval aviator in 1959, flying anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol aircraft, and also active in quarantine operations in the Cuban missile crisis. Marryott went on to work with NASA as the assistant and chief Project Mercury Recovery officer for the first three manned space flights. In 1985, he became President of the Naval War College, where he drew on the skills and experience he had acquired through tours in Vietnam and Cold War locations. He served as Commander of the Iceland Defense Force and had a number of tours at the Pentagon.
After his work at the War College, Marryott returned to the Naval Academy to assume the role of superintendent in 1986. He was just one of three officers to have served in both lofty leadership positions, and his work at the Academy was instrumental in decreasing the female attrition rate by focusing on candidates strong in science and athletics. Although he retired from the Navy in 1990, Marryott continued his service, working as President and CEO of the George Marshall Foundation. He was also President and CEO of the USNA Alumni Association and helped start the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, where he became its first president. Rear Admiral Marryott also amassed numerous awards, including two Legion of Merit awards, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. In 2004, Rear Admiral Marryott was named a USNA Distinguished Graduate.
Rear Admiral Thomas C. Lynch
Served as Superintendent: June 15, 1991 - August 1, 1994 (54th)
This Class of 1964 graduate might have left his mark on the football field with three varsity letters and a captainship, but he didn’t stop there. Lynch was also known for earning the title of Brigade Heavyweight Boxing Champion in 1962 and 1963, even returning in 1969 to referee as a Lieutenant. He graduated with distinction and was given the NAAA Sword and the Cooke Memorial Fund Award. Following this start, it’s no wonder his career was also distinguished. Lynch went on to serve three tours and filled a number of billets at USNA, rising from ensign to admiral.
On the seas, Lynch served as Commanding Officer of USS TRUET (FF-1089) from 1977 to 1980 and Commander of Destroyer Squadron TWENTY SIX from 1985 to 1987, as well as Commander of Cruise Destroyer Group TWELVE from 1989 to 1991. He was Commander of the Eisenhower Battle Group during Operation Desert Shield. Then, from 1991 to 1994, he returned to USNA as the 54th superintendent, where he made many important contributions to the Academy. After his term, it was off to the Pentagon as Director of the Navy Staff through 1995. He then headed to the private sector, working at Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. and then at The Staubach Company, with former classmate Roger Staubach (Class of 1965). Lynch has continued to serve as a board member for a number of public, private and non-profit organizations, including as a Trustee of the Naval Academy Foundation, Chair of the Athletic and Scholarship division of the Foundation. Rear Admiral Lynch has played an integral role in the Army-Navy Games on their Committee and as vice chairman of the Philadelphia Sports Congress. In 2010, he was recognized as a USNA Distinguished Graduate.
Vice Admiral John R. Ryan
Served as Superintendent: June 4, 1998 - June 7, 2002 (56th)
While Class of 1967, John Ryan’s naval career started out as a naval aviator and flew P-3 Orions in 1968, this led to a string of high-profile and high-impact leadership positions in the Navy and in the higher education world. He was the first in his class to be promoted to flag officer. He also commanded the Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force, U.S. Sixth Fleet and the Fleet Air Mediterranean and Maritime Air Forces, Mediterranean, where he oversaw operations for six naval bases in three countries, three military hospitals and all U.S. Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance forces in the Mediterranean.
Ryan later had a historic tenure at the Naval Academy, where the Faculty Senate unanimously resolved to request he add another four-year term to his first; this was the first time in Naval history. At the Academy, Ryan created a strategic plan that helped the $254 million Leaders to Serve the Nation campaign become wildly successful, thus raising the level of excellence in academics, character development, leadership, admissions, athletics and unrestricted support. Upon retirement, he served as Chairman of the Naval Academy Foundation Board of Directors and entered higher education. His “tour” there included President of State University of New York Maritime, Interim President of the University at Albany and then Chancellor of State University of New York, the nation’s largest university. He now channels his energies into the Center for Creative Leadership, a global provider of executive education. Vice Admiral Ryan was honored as a USNA Distinguished Graduate in 2012.
Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck
Serves as Superintendent: July 26, 2019 - Present (63rd)
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We are currently under the leadership of Vice Admiral Sean Buck, our 63rd Superintendent, who took office on July 25, 2019. A Class of 1983 graduate, Buck became a naval flight officer in 1985 and flew the P-3C Orion with the “Fighting Marlins” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 40. His department head tour was with the “Tridents” of VP-26 and commanded VP-26 and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11.
Prior to major command, Buck completed an interim assignment with the National Reconnaissance Office. Among many, his leadership positions include service as Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force with U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets, Fleet Air Forward, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group; Chief of Staff, Strategy, Plans and Policy (J5), the Joint Staff; Director, 21st Century Sailor Office. He has also served as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, and is a member of the Navy’s Space Cadre.
Buck pursued extensive education as he grew his military career, earning a Master of Arts in International Security Policy from The George Washington University and completing studies at the College of Naval Command and Staff, U.S. Naval War College, and the Armed Forces Staff College. He completed a fellowship with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seminar XXI: Foreign Politics, International Relations, and the National Interest.
As Superintendent, Vice Admiral Buck has worked tirelessly to continue the tradition of excellence at the Academy. Prior to taking the helm at the Academy, he had received the Distinguished Service Medal, two Defense Superior Service Medals, five Legion of Merit awards and a number of other personal, unit and service awards.
Just the Beginning
As we reflect on the gifts that each of these superintendents has bestowed upon the Naval Academy, we are struck by the sacrifices they endured, their persistent pursuit of excellence and their ability to inspire those that worked with them. You can feel their presence as you walk the Yard; each has left his imprint in some important way.
Now is a great time to visit the Yard where this magic happens. The flowers are blooming and the midshipmen have an extra spring in their step. We’re excited to welcome you onto the Yard to enjoy our dining experiences, fascinating tours and shopping; each gives back to the Brigade. See where history unfolds every day, and where the future superintendents may be walking these very pathways now!
