Worley assumes Kings Point command

Worley assumes Kings Point command Rear Adm. Allen B. Worley, a former U.S. Navy officer who most recently headed a maritime college in Texas, assumed command of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy on Friday as the federal maritime school’s 10th superintendent.
   The official orders appointing Worley to his new post were read at a ceremony in the presence of the entire regiment of midshipmen, its faculty and staff.
   Among the officials at the event was Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which operates the academy in Kings Point, N.Y.
   “Rear Adm. Worley and his wife, Margena, are welcome additions to the Kings Point family,” said Connaughton, a 1983 graduate of the school. “His leadership and vision displayed throughout his career as a public servant will ensure that the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy continues to be the premier merchant marine officer training program in the world.”
   Worley, a 1974 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served in various aviation, seagoing and shoreside billets during a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. In recent years he has served as Superintendent of the Texas Maritime Academy in Galveston.
   “I am looking forward to joining the team of professional faculty and staff of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in continuing to train the future leaders of the global maritime community,” said Worley. “I consider this a great honor and the highest responsibility of my career to provide the leadership of this important national asset.”
   Worley succeeds Vice Adm. Joseph D. Stewart, who retired in September after 10 years at the academy’s helm.