U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has appointed Sang H. Yi as the Acting Maritime Administrator, according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Yi will lead the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) in efforts aligned with President Trump’s April Executive Order, focusing on domestic shipbuilding and restoring maritime dominance.
Yi’s responsibilities will include maintaining and modernizing infrastructure crucial for commercial shipping and military sealift operations. He will also spearhead initiatives to enhance the maritime workforce, encourage innovation, and expand collaboration across industries to strengthen the maritime transportation system.
“It’s an honor to serve my country and be a driving force behind a renewed era of U.S. Maritime strength on the global stage,” said Acting Administrator Sang Yi. He emphasized the importance of the Merchant Marine in national security and economic growth, noting that industry partnerships are essential for a resilient maritime future.
Before his role at MARAD, Yi led congressional oversight and investigations for three committees in the U.S. House of Representatives over nearly 15 years. His background includes service in the intelligence community, graduation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a commission as an officer in the Navy Reserve, and academic credentials including an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a J.D. from George Washington University Law School.
