U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dedicates new survey vessel serving Baltimore Harbor

Photo By Cynthia Mitchell | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters, Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Houston provides remarks about the importance of the Corps of Engineers’ navigation mission and the late Harold Catlett at the dedication ceremony for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District’s new hydrographic survey vessel, Survey Vessel CATLETT Thursday morning August 24, 2017. "This vessel contributes to not only the Maryland economy but also to the prosperity of the entire nation," Houston said. "As we think about Harold, be aware of the vital mission this vessel will carry out. May the CATLETT serve to keep alive the name, memory and spirit of Harold." (U.S. Army photo by Cynthia Mitchell)  

BALTIMORE, MD, UNITED STATES

08.24.2017

Story by Christopher Gardner 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District

BALTIMORE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, dedicated its new hydrographic survey vessel, CATLETT, this morning in a ceremony in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The CATLETT will support Baltimore District’s mission of ensuring safe navigation on channels in and out of the Port of Baltimore as well as on dozens of other channels throughout the region by mapping channel depths. Keeping these channels open is critical to the region’s economy, including 34,000 jobs that stem from the cargo that transits this Port of Baltimore.

The vessel was named in honor of the late Harold Catlett, Jr., who was a hydrographic surveyor with Baltimore District for roughly 30 years prior to his sudden passing in 2014.

Baltimore District Commander Col. Ed. Chamberlayne hosted the ceremony, with remarks provided by the Maryland Port Administration’s Director of Harbor Development Chris Correale; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Houston; and Catlett’s sister, Angela Leone.

"It takes a fleet of uniquely-designed vessels, as well as experts to perform our important navigation mission," Chamberlayne said. "Today is about honoring Harold Catlett - the man, friend and teammate."

The event and the remarks during it focused on Catlett and his service to the Corps and his commitment to the Corps’ navigation mission.

“This port is a huge economic engine and Harold was right there helping to make sure that cargo could get in and out of this port,” said Correale. "He was known for his smile, graciousness and can-do attitude. He was an expert at his job and a tremendously-loyal team member. You don’t get much better than Harold Catlett."

"This vessel contributes to not only the Maryland economy but also to the prosperity of the entire nation," Houston said. "As we think about Harold, be aware of the vital mission this vessel will carry out. May the CATLETT serve to keep alive the name, memory and spirit of Harold."

Leone noted how honored her and the rest of Catlett’s family were that he was selected for the honor.

"The survey vessel was a second home to Harold," Leone said. "This is an historic and proud moment to see the Catlett name on the side of this new vessel."

• Date Taken: 08.24.2017
• Date Posted: 08.24.2017 15:17
• Story ID: 245869
• Location: BALTIMORE, MD, US
• Hometown: BALTIMORE, MD, US