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Carl Brashear Memorial - Events & Tributes

The life of Carl "Maxie" Brashear was immortalized in the movie "Men of Honor" which starred Cuba Gooding, Jr. to assist people to better understand the man himself  as he continues to be recognized for not only his spirit and drive to achieve his dreams but also as a humble man who wanted to serve his country and make a difference. Though Carl passed in July 2006, the tributes to him continue.

This page serves as landing point for you to reference the different events being done to remember Carl and the attributes he stood for in life.

Tributes / Events

National Society of Black Engineers – 34th Annual National Convention March 19th-23rd
The Carl Brashear Foundation was on site in Orlando, Florida during the 34th Annual National Convention of the National Society of Black Engineers in March 2008. By way of a special invitation of the United States Navy, Phillip Brashear was on hand to display vintage photos and video footage of his father to thousands of convention participants. Inside the convention halls, the name and legacy of Carl Brashear echoed the values of diversity that the US Navy was sharing with the thousands of college, high and middle school students that were in attendance. In the adjacent parking lot outside the center, onlookers marveled at the Navy dive team underwater tank setup. A few of the NSBE's high ranking members, including NSBE National Chair Darryl A. Dickerson and NSBE Executive Director Carl B. Mack, dared to join the divers in the underwater environment. NSBE was successful again in bringing their ability to bring many Fortune 500 companies, national associations, and high-level government agencies together to offer opportunities to the crowds of top-notch minority students.

Phil with Admiral Williams and NSBE Director Carl Mack in the tank
(between them) with a Navy safety diver.

Phil with LtJG D.J. Holmes who was key in bringing the Carl Brashear legacy to the NSBE Convention.
Black History Month Celebration – Bureau of Naval Medicine
The Bureau of Naval Medicine celebrated Black History Month on February 19, 2008, with an observance in Washington, D.C. On hand as the keynote speakers were Vice Admiral Adam M. Robinson, Jr., and CW4 Phillip Brashear. Vice Admiral Robinson spoke about his life experiences and the importance of “staying grounded” in achieving your goals. Phillip gave insight to the type of father Carl Brashear was, and the influence his dad had on him in reaching his goals. Afterwards, many had the opportunity to ask Phillip questions ranging from the movie, “Men of Honor”, to key tips of advice left to Phillip by his dad.
The Black History Showcase – Pennsylvania Convention Center
February 16 and 17, 2008, marked the fifth annual Black History Showcase at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia. Dawayne and Phillip had a wonderful display of their father, the late Master Chief and Master Diver Carl M. Brashear. Historic pictures, video clips, and even an authentic diver’s helmet awed the spectators as they viewed the display area. Information was also on display about the newly created foundation and the goals it will try to achieve. Everett Staten, Founder of the event, met Phillip Brashear during the event in 2007. Phillip was just returning from duty in Iraq and was out-processing at nearby Fort Dix in New Jersey. Upon their meeting and follow-on conversation, the offer was extended by Mr. Staten to have Carl Brashear added to the showcase.
Patriot Guard Riders in Hampton Roads, VA: Special Mission - Tribute to Carl Brashear
In honor of the life of Carl Brashear, the Patriot Guard Riders would like to present the Brashear Family and Estate a Patriot Guard Riders Honor Plaque. Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Phillip Brashear, USANG, will be on hand to accept the plaque as well as deliver present a United States Flag that was flown with Phillip while serving with the ARNG in Iraq.
American Association of Community Colleges
April 14-17, 2007 - 87th Annual Convention, Tampa Florida

On April 16th, 2007, Master Chief Boatswain's Mate, Master Diver Carl Brashear was honored as an outstanding alumni of the American Association of Community Colleges at the Waterside Marriott ballroom during the Gala Dinner in Tampa, Florida. Brashear was nominated for this award by both Tidewater Community College of Virginia and the College of Southern Maryland. This was the first time an outstanding alumnus was nominated by two different schools at the same time. Receiving the honors on the behalf of their famous father was two of his sons, Dawayne and Phillip. Phillip, who just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq a month prior to the Gala activities, also has academic ties to Tidewater Community College in Virginia.

For more information visit: www.aacc.nche.edu
The National Great Blacks In Wax: Building a Legacy Reception
On September 19th, 2007, at Morgan State University, a ceremony was held to announce a major expansion effort being undertaken by The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum in Baltimore, MD.  During the ceremony, Dr. Joanne M. Martin, Co-Founder of The National Great Blacks In Wax, announced that as a part of their expansion a robust display will be constructed for Carl Brashear to ensure that his legacy of courage can live on for many years and generations to come.   The National Great Blacks In Wax will have a profound impact on the East North Avenue corridor in Baltimore, as through this expansion initiative effort will be spent on a beautification and physical renewal of the Oliver Community.  This area will serve as a site of inspiration to the city as the key African-American icons in history are on display to inspire all visitors to believe in the possibilities of a better tomorrow.  The Brashear Estate is proud to partner with The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum and look forward celebrating the opening of the expansion with the unveiling of the Carl Brashear display.  Stay tuned for updates and start planning your visit as you will not want to miss this event.
Carl Brashear display announcement
Dr. Jo Ann Martin of the Great Blacks in Wax addresses the crowd about her dream for a Carl Brashear display in the museum.
14th Annual Khaki Ball - Groton Area Chief Petty Officer Association September 29, 2007 - Groton, Connecticut
On September 29th, 2007, the Groton Area Chief Petty Officer Association held its annual Khaki Ball honoring the accomplishments and induction of the Navy's newest Chief Petty Officers for the entire Submarine Base. This year the committee met and decided to honor the most distinguished member of the class with a new Master Chief Carl Brashear Award. This award was given to Chief Petty Officer Gordon A. Smith for his exceptional valor and fortitude he exhibited during his E-7 qualification course to wear the uniform of a Navy Chief. Presenting this award to Chief Smith was two of Master Chief Brashear's sons, Dawayne and Phillip. Phillip, who is a Chief Warrant Officer Four in the Army, was in uniform as he addressed the crowd before the presentation of the award. The Chief Petty Officer Association sponsored the trip for Dawayne and Phillip to be present for this annual event. Dawayne and Phillip also donated historic Carl Brashear memorabilia to the Chief's club which is presently under construction at the Groton Submarine Base for their Carl Brashear display case.

Dedication of Carl Brashear fireboat
October 24, 2007 - Hampton Roads, VA
The fire department received a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to purchase the 33-foot boat which cost almost $400,000, the release says. The Virginia Port Authority and state Department of Fire Programs also contributed.
The boat is capable of going 37 knots and has a pump that can squirt up to 2,400 gallons of water a minute on a fire, the release says. The Carl Brashear also has side scanning sonar, a thermal imaging system and global positioning satellite technology.

Divers exit the Carl Brashear for duty in the James River

Fireboat Carl Brashear displays its fire-fighting muscle during a display on the James River