VADM Albert J. Herberger

Vice Adm. Albert Joseph Herberger (United States Navy, retired) passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, in Potomac Falls, Va. Albert was born in Albany, N.Y., on April 28,1931. He graduated in 1949 from the Vincentian Institute, a Roman Catholic high school in Albany.

He attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y., and sailed as a Merchant Marine with both Grace Lines and US Lines. He was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy upon graduation from Kings Point, in February 1955. That same month, he married his beloved high-school sweetheart Rosemary C. Blair. They were married 48 years, prior to her passing in 2003.

He served in the Navy for 35 years. If prompted, he would share great stories of his extensive sea voyages. One favorite of his grandchildren was his narrative about pirates unwisely attempting to board a U.S. Navy ship under his command in the Straits of Malacca. He was the first United States Merchant Marine Academy graduate to attain the rank of Vice Admiral.

After retirement, he served as administrator of the Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the Department of Transportation from 1993 until 1997. After MARAD, Adm. Herberger served as an industry consultant for many years, and co-authored a book (Global Reach) on the important role of U.S.-flagged commercial vessels in support of the U.S. military.

Adm. Herberger received numerous accolades throughout his military and civilian service. He was humbled with gratitude and proud to serve his country. He led by example, was generous, extremely thoughtful of others (even in his final days), loved Irish parades and family beach vacations with an abundance of morning donuts and famous ice cream sundaes. He loved life but loved his family more, and will be forever missed. He was a member of Post 270 in McLean, Va.

Survived by his four children, Jeffrey Herberger, Mary Terese Young, Bethann Craft and Jon Herberger; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. His family extends its heartfelt thanks for the care and kindness of TheKey Homecare.

Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.