President Biden on Oct. 14 announced the nomination of Rear Adm. Ann Phillips (USN ret.) to be the next U.S. Maritime Administrator.
According to the press release from the White House, “Ann Phillips is a leader in the field of coastal resilience and climate impact on national security at the regional, national and international level. In her current appointment as the first Special Assistant to the Governor of Virginia for Coastal Adaptation and Protection, she is building a collaborative, whole of government and community approach to address the impact of coastal flooding across the Commonwealth, including the development of Virginia’s first Coastal Resilience Master Plan. In particular, she coordinates across Federal, State, local and other partners to create equitable strategies to address rising waters and climate impact to federal, maritime, and other critical coastal infrastructure assets in Virginia.”
Phillips served nearly 31 years on active duty prior to her current appointment. She received her commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps upon graduation from the University of North Carolina in 1983. She served aboard two vessels – the USS Cape Cod and the USS San Jose – during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She was the first commanding officer aboard the USS Mustin.
As the executive assistant to the 6th Fleet Commander, Phillips was involved in the deployment of goods in support of the Pakistani earthquake relief efforts. Prior to her retirement, she was commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, which included 14 vessels and 10 subordinate commands – all part of the Amphibious Expeditionary Forces along the U.S. East Coast. Phillips retired from the Navy in 2014.
“The American Maritime Partnership congratulates Adm. Phillips on her nomination to lead the Maritime Administration, which plays a critical role in supporting our defense readiness, the domestic maritime fleet and hard-working American mariners throughout the world,” Mike Roberts, president, American Maritime Partnership, said in a statement. “We look forward to a swift Senate confirmation process, so we can begin working with Admiral Phillips to strengthen American maritime in support of our homeland and national security.”
Phillips’ nomination will go before the U.S. Senate for approval. Lucinda Lessley is the acting administrator following RAdm. Mark Buzby (USN ret.), who served during the Trump administration.
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