NCGMA Newsletter 2023 (Summer)

SECRETARIES’
CIRCLE ANNUAL
CONGRESSIONAL
BREAKFAST
Retired USCG Admiral James M. Loy, former
Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security and
21st Commandant of the United States Coast
Guard, hosted the event. He expressed his
appreciation to members of Congress and
the gathering of Museum supporters. Admiral
Fagan also gratefully acknowledged the
support from Congress and emphasized the
growing enthusiasm surrounding the museum
project. Admiral Fagan said, “It’s happening!”
And with those few simple words, Fagan
captured the palpable excitement that
many supporters of the museum have long
anticipated.
Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chairman of
the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee
on Homeland Security and a sponsor the
2022 Omnibus Appropriations bill which
secured federal funding for the museum,
was one of the event’s featured speakers. He
expressed the importance in preserving the
enduring maritime history of the Coast Guard
and the value in making their often-groundbreaking
stories accessible to the public.
Senator Murphy was joined by Senator
Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Representative
Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Representative
Joe Courtney (CT-02)—all key supporters of
the project.
Retired USCG Captain Wes Pulver, President
of the National Coast Guard Museum
Association, lauded members of Congress for
their extraordinary efforts to date. He added, “I
want to thank you, especially the Connecticut
delegation, for your critical support that—
combined with city, state, and the generosity
of more than 6,000 individuals and members
of industry—is making the dream of a National
Coast Guard Museum a reality.”
Pulver proudly announced that the first phase of
museum construction (known as bulkhead and
fill) has been completed. Looking forward, he
explained that the second phase of construction
is out for bid. Phase 2 installation of micropiles,
which are a series of load-bearing columns
anchoring the museum to bedrock, will be
awarded this summer, with the goal to have steel
rising from the ground in 2024.
The Museum Association would like to thank all
of those who were able to attend the breakfast
and looks forward to having you join us next
year, as we get ever closer to ribbon cutting.
Upper Left: Admiral Linda Fagan, 27th commandant of the United States
Coast Guard, talks to attendees at the event before briefing the room on the
Coast Guard’s continued commitment to the Nation Coast Guard Museum
as its number one philanthropic priority.
Bottom Left: Architect of the Capitol—the Russell Senate Office Building
(built 1903-1908) is the oldest of the Senate office buildings as well as a
significant example of the Beaux Arts style of architecture.
Right: Dignitaries gather and socialize before enjoying breakfast in the
Kennedy Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hall.
SUMMER 2023
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