Hilo High grad appointed to US Merchant Marine Academy board

Benjamin Inouye, a 2003 graduate of Hilo High School, was named to serve a two-year term on the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Advisory Board.

Inouye graduated magna cum laude in 2010 from the Merchant Marine Academy. He is the son of Katherine and Gordon Inouye of Papaikou and grandson of Benjamin and Lily Inouye.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao recently announced the appointment of Benjamin Inouye and six other new members to the advisory board, which serves as an independent body with a primary purpose to examine the course of instruction and management of the academy to further the accomplishment of its mission, execute its strategic plan and help advance the midshipmen’s professional knowledge and skills.

“The department is dedicated to providing midshipmen with the finest possible education and preparing them to excel as mariners and military officers,” Chao said.

The board advises the maritime administrator and the academy’s superintendent on innovation in the maritime industry, emerging trends in shipping and maritime operations and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s overarching goals of safety, infrastructure, innovation and accountability.

“We look forward to working with the new advisory board members to incorporate best practices that will better prepare our midshipmen as professional mariners and officers in the armed forces,” said USMMA Superintendent Rear Adm. Jack Buono.

The seven board members are appointed for terms of up to three years, are eligible for reappointment and must include one individual who recently graduated from the academy.

The six other new board members are chairman Henry S. Marcus, Martha R. Grabowski, John D. Noonan, Brian D. Starer, Allison M. Cedeno and Raymond F. Fitzgerald.