For students thinking about possible careers, transportation offers a wide range of opportunities. We've got roads, rails, and runways to build; safe and sustainable technologies to develop; and trains, buses, and trucks to drive. But to seize those opportunities, tomorrow's transportation leaders need to prepare themselves as students today--and that means pursuing coursework in science, technology, math, and engineering (STEM).
Maritime Administrator David Matsuda was in Baltimore yesterday discussing the importance of maritime transportation opportunities and the necessary STEM preparation with Baltimore- and Washington, D.C.-area high school students. And his "classroom" was the federal merchant ship, the Cape Washington, based in Baltimore harbor.
The Cape Washington moored in Baltimore
The Cape Washington is part of the Maritime Administration’s “Ready Reserve Force.” The ships in this force are maintained in a constant state of readiness and remain “on call” to support America’s military forces or deliver humanitarian aid. The Cape Washington is a roll-on/roll-off vessel designed to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles, military trucks, tanks, and helicopters, which can be easily driven on or off the ship for transport. Its cargo holds have the capacity to store the equivalent of 64 C-5 aircraft loads or 4,000 automobiles, and its engines are powerful enough to deliver the goods.
The students toured the ship’s bridge, engine room, decks, and cargo holds to learn about the maritime industry, which has played such a critical role in Baltimore's history. The good news for the students aboard the Cape Washington is that shipping continues to play an important role in American transportation.
Maritime Administrator David Matsuda with students aboard the Cape Washington
In celebration of Black History Month, Administrator Matsuda also talked to the students about some of the contributions to the maritime field made by African Americans. From Crispus Attucks (a merchant sailor at the time he was the first man killed in the American Revolution) to Frederick Douglass (a ship's caulker in Baltimore) and Joseph B. Williams (the first African American to graduate from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy), there's a lot to talk about. In war and in peace, African Americans have built ships and sailed the seas with distinction.
As Administrator Matsuda said, “By taking the time to honor the role many notable African Americans have played in the history of this industry, we hope to encourage more young people to pursue the kind of science and engineering education they need to participate in the future of this booming field.”
I hope the Baltimore students Administrator Matsuda hosted yesterday will take his words to heart and consider the exciting opportunities the transportation industry offers. This nation will need their skills and education as we work toward an America that's built to last.
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