The US Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Foundation was held this year on March 31, 2006 at the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution. The program included awards and commendations for work on behalf of the maritime industry and reports on various Foundation projects and fundraising efforts. 

The keynote was delivered by Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta who commented that ‘merchant mariners have helped chart the course for America’s national and economic security since the earliest days of this great republic” and called the US Merchant Marine Academy one of the crown jewels of the Transportation Department.

Secretary Mineta announced the appointment of Academy alumnus Jack Brooks as a Rear Admiral in the United States Maritime Service and presented him with a plaque commemorating the special honor. Mr. Brooks served in World War II while an Academy cadet, has been active in community affairs, and heavily involved in alumni activities. The USMMA stadium and field house are named after Jack Brooks.

Also featured during the evening was a tour of the popular transportation and commerce exhibit at the museum, “America on the Move”, given by William Withunn, curator of that exhibit and a progress report by Paula Johnson, project director of a future maritime segment of the exhibit entitled “On the Water: Stories From Maritime America”.