Mark Jackson – a 24-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard with extensive experience in nautical engineering, maritime repair and refurbishments, and ship operations – has been named vice president – technical operations at Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator.

In this capacity, Jackson will oversee all technical marine functions across Carnival Cruise Lines’ 24-ship fleet, including repair and maintenance, refurbishment projects, and related technical services. Jackson joins Carnival April 1, reporting to Martin Landtman, senior vice president – marine operations.

Jackson most recently served as commanding officer of the United States Coast Guard base in Miami Beach, Fla., with responsibilities that included naval and electronics engineering, procurement, finance, human resources, and port operations. He was also commanding officer of the Naval Engineering Support unit in Miami overseeing a team of 100-plus engineers and served as lead instructor for shipboard stability and firefighting at the U.S. Navy Warfare Officers School. Jackson also served on several U.S. Coast Guard vessels, earning the rank of chief engineer.

Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering from the United States Coast Guard Academy and two master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology — one in naval architecture and another in mechanical engineering.

“As Carnival continues to enhance its technical operations function, Mark is the ideal candidate to oversee this critically important aspect of our business, possessing wide-ranging knowledge and experience in all areas of ship operations and nautical engineering,” Landtman said.