Posted by Marie Lerch on June 10, 2014
Last month I had the privilege to spend time at the USS Midway Museum, the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century, now a Naval aviation museum in San Diego, CA. Along with Vice Chairman Mike McConnell, I traveled west to experience Legacy Week at Midway, a series of events held over Memorial Day weekend in remembrance of American military heroes and in celebration of our nation’s military heritage. This year, Booz Allen was the presenting sponsor of Legacy Week as part of a year-long partnership between the firm and Midway in honor of Booz Allen’s 100th anniversary and the USS Midway Museum’s 10thanniversary.
In his opening remarks at the museum’s May 24 Veterans Wreath Ceremony, Midway President & CEO Mac McLaughlin noted a confluence of anniversaries: Booz Allen Hamilton’s 100th, Midway’s 10th, and the upcoming 70th anniversary of the D-day landings in Normandy. Mac’s remarks got me thinking about the many ties - personal and professional, old and new - that link our firm with the U.S. Navy.
Booz Allen’s first assignment for the Navy dates to 1940 when our founding partner Edwin Booz helped then-Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox prepare for World War II. The Navy has been the firm’s client ever since. But our connection to the Navy goes beyond office walls. Eleven years ago San Diego-based Principal Tim LaFleur, now a retired USN Vice Admiral, was Commander of Naval Surface Forces in San Diego. In this capacity LaFleur worked with Navy leadership and the city of San Diego to help create the Midway museum.
Booz Allen Vice Chairman Mike McConnell, former US Director of National Intelligence, and also a retired Vice Admiral, was recognized at the moving Veterans Wreath ceremony, which honored soldiers who have served in all branches of the military.
After the ceremony, a docent took the Booz Allen contingent on a tour of the Midway’s Ready Rooms for naval aviators. The most poignant moment of the day involved Senior Vice President Steve Soules, new head of the firm’s San Diego office. Steve was a Navy pilot, and several years ago he contributed to the Midway’s E2 Ready Room in memory of his commanding officer, who died of cancer. It was an emotional occasion as Steve matched his wild boar “Hawg Check” squadron keychain to the one on the plaque in the Ready Room. Steve’s name is also on the Greenie Board display that grades the execution of carrier landings.
The ties that bind Booz Allen to the military community are many – and we honor these connections through our client work, our community support to veterans organizations, and partnerships such as this one with the USS Midway museum. Pictures from Legacy Week events can be seen here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boozallen/sets/72157645134504273/
