The United States Merchant Marine Academy ended its nearly nine-month long search for a new superintendent this week by appointing former U.S. Army War College department chair James Helis to the post.
During a conference call with reporters on Monday, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood touted Helis for his military and academic experience.
“Colonel Helis is an ideal fit for the academy,” LaHood said. “His extensive military and academic experience reflects the Academy’s mission of both training and educating its students to support our country’s maritime needs.”
Helis replaces former Superintendent Rear Adm. Philip H. Greene Jr., who was reassigned in October to become the National Defense University’s transportation chairman.
Greene, who was the Merchant Marine Academy’s third superintendent in three years, was previously director of the U.S. Navy Irregular Warfare Office.
“I am deeply honored and very excited about the opportunity to serve at Kings Point,” Helis said. “I am eager to join the team of faculty, staff, and most of all midshipmen, all of whom daily live by the values of honor, service and excellence.”
Since 2004, Helis has served as head of the Department of National Security and Strategy at the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania.
After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Helis earned masters degrees from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, along with the University of Pennsylvania.
Helis later received a Ph.D. in philosophy in international relations from Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
During 30 years of service in the U.S. Army, Helis served as an Army Ranger and master parachutist and was a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, where he served as chief of plans for the NATO International Security Assistance Force.
“A proven warrior, teacher and leader, the selection of Jim Helis as superintendent at Kings Point is a great day for the nation and all the young men and women that will benefit from his mentorship,” said retired Army Gen. David McKeirnan, who was Helis’ commander in Afghanistan.
“He will lead by example and imbue all those leadership values we cherish and expect from those wearing a uniform in service to our great nation.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration was responsible for overseeing the hiring process for the Merchant Marine Academy’s superintendent.
Martime Adminstrator David Matsuda said the process included input from Merchant Marine Academy “faculty, staff, midshipmen, parents and alumni.”
“We have identified a true leader in Colonel Helis,” Matsuda said. “As superintendent for Kings Point, he will bring energy and experience to our team and will help ensure that the academy continues to chart a course for future success.”
Former U.S. Army War College Commandant David Huntoon worked with Helis at the military academy from 2003-08. He credited Helis for being “an outstanding leader with exceptional operational experience and demonstrated scholarship.”
“Jim has always been focused on accomplishing the mission to the highest standard while taking care of his team,” Huntoon said. “We wish him the very best.”
Helis will take over as superintendent of the Merchant Marine Academy in July.
In March, LaHood met with students, faculty and a Merchant Marine Academy steering committee to launch a strategic plan he then said was aimed at taking the Kings Point service academy “to a higher level.”
LaHood’s speech nearly three months ago focused on updating facilities at the Merchant Marine Academy, finding a new training vessel and the search for a new superintendent.
A federal report filed in 2010 outlined the need for $300 million in repairs to the academy’s facilities.
But renovations to the Merchant Marine Academy’s mess hall, pier and electrical grid will be made through $54 million in “capital improvement” funds appropriated by Congress.
Then in April, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced it would cease operation of the Merchant Marine Academy’s Global Maritime and Transportation School.
Although the Kings Point institution has dealt with set backs over the past year, Merchant Marine Academy Dean of Academics William Johnsen said Helis’ appointment is a step forward.
“While I regret that the U.S. Army War College will lose a superb department chair, Kings Point is gaining a proven leader and soldier scholar,” Johnsen said. “I wish Jim every possible success, and know that the Merchant Marine Academy will greatly benefit from his leadership, initiative and drive.”
