US Merchant Marine Academy leadership steps down day after Duffy speech

Leadership at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, underwent a sudden change this week after a high-profile commencement address by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.

Vice Adm. Joanna M. Nunan and Rear Adm. David M. Wulf resigned from their USMMA leadership roles on June 24, 2025—just one day after Secretary Duffy delivered a commencement speech emphasizing faith and reflecting on recent controversies at the academy, the Christian Post reported.

Nunan, who became the first woman to lead the academy in December 2022, stepped down alongside Deputy Superintendent Wulf, though the length of his tenure was not specified. The Department of Transportation confirmed the leadership transitions in a formal announcement Tuesday.

New interim superintendent named

Capt. Anthony J. Ceraolo, a retired U.S. Marine and veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard with more than three decades of service, has been appointed interim superintendent. Ceraolo had served as USMMA’s chief of staff since 2023 and will guide the institution during the transition period.

Nunan was initially selected to lead USMMA by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Her time as superintendent included multiple initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion, similar to efforts she previously spearheaded in the Coast Guard.

However, her approach to cultural and religious issues on campus generated controversy during her tenure. In particular, the decision to move a painting of Jesus Christ, known as “Christ on the Water,” from a prominent administrative spot to a chapel basement sparked significant criticism.

Faith and tradition debated on campus

The relocation followed a complaint made by Mikey Weinstein, the founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. The painting’s placement was seen by some as an issue of church and state separation, though others considered its removal dismissive of Christian tradition at the academy.

During an April 2025 Battle Standard Dinner, Secretary Duffy publicly criticized the decision, calling for the painting to be brought “out of the basement.” His remarks were echoed in his June 23 commencement speech, where he encouraged graduates to remain committed to faith and emphasized the value of prayer.

“Never underestimate the power of prayer,” Duffy told the Class of 2025, adding that he had seen students demonstrate deep passion and perseverance despite feeling overlooked or unsupported during their time at the academy.

Graduating during uncertain times

Duffy praised the 2025 graduating class for their resilience, noting their experience of entering service academies during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also acknowledged the deteriorating condition of the USMMA campus, pledging federal support to secure funding for improvements.

Recent protests from midshipmen had also cited issues of "wokeness" under Nunan’s leadership. In 2023, students complained about rainbow imagery on uniforms and a prominently displayed LGBT mural that some believed did not reflect the academy’s military traditions.

Despite the criticism, Nunan expressed gratitude for her time at the academy. “I have been privileged to play a role in the lives of some of America's most inspiring young people,” she said in a farewell statement.

Student reactions mixed but hopeful

Responses to the administrative shift were mixed. Christian midshipman Jackson Tolle of the Class of 2026 said he was optimistic about the future, describing the leadership change as an opportunity for the community to come together around shared values.

“It is my prayer that through this change in leadership, God is glorified on campus, and we as a Christian community can move into the future as a family,” Tolle said.

The departure of both top administrators just one day after the commencement speech has led to speculation about the timing, though no official connection has been made public by the Department of Transportation.

Path forward for the academy

With a new acting superintendent in place, USMMA will navigate the next phase of its institutional leadership under increased national attention. The academy plays a vital role in training officers for service in the U.S. Merchant Marine, military, and transportation sectors.

As the Department of Transportation considers permanent leadership, discussions about values, inclusion, and tradition are expected to remain central to policy decisions on campus. With Secretary Duffy continuing to voice vocal support for faith recognition and infrastructure improvements, further changes may emerge in the coming months.

For now, attention has turned to Ceraolo, whose long military background and familiarity with current academy operations position him as a steadying influence during a time of transition.