SUNY Maritime College President Rear Admiral Carpenter, USN (Ret.) Honored at National Maritime Day Ceremonies

Photo: At the DOT Maritime Day ceremony, RADM Wendi Carpenter, USN, (Ret.), President, SUNY Maritime College, received the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement from U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, for her work during the Hurricane Sandy recovery effort.

During National Maritime Day ceremonies held in Washington, DC, on May 22, 2013, Admiral Carpenter received the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

Admiral Carpenter was recognized for her commitment to the maritime industry and for supporting the efforts of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) and FEMA following Hurricane Sandy. Under her direction, the College’s training ship served as the base of operations for more than 600 FEMA and MARAD workers who came to support post Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), who was on-hand for the arrival of the MARAD and FEMA teams, said “I witnessed her determination and dedication to duty first-hand as hundreds of relief workers poured onto the campus, prepared for the worst. Her leadership and ability to execute a working, successful plan that benefited thousands of New Yorkers, all the while maintaining control and securing the Maritime Campus, was exceptional.”

“I am intensely proud of all that our students, administrative staff, faculty and ship's crew did for almost 60 days to help support the FEMA mission and to make such positive contributions on behalf of our New York family and our neighbors throughout the region,” said Admiral Carpenter.