After thirteen years as chair of the NMHS Board of Trustees, the time has come for new leadership. Ron is staying on as a trustee and will serve as chair of the Education Committee. The board has elected Ron chairman emeritus and we are fortunate that fellow trustee CAPT Jim Noone has been elected to serve as Ron’s successor.
CAPT Noone retired from the US Navy in 2001 after 39 years of service, and subsequently enjoyed a varied career in journalism, law, and public affairs until his retirement in 2017. Jim began his career as a reporter with the Scranton Tribune in 1964 while still in college. He later worked as a copy editor with the Washington Post and became a reporter with the National Journal news magazine. He subsequently served with the US Information Agency as a news correspondent in Washington, DC, and as a press officer in Brazil before transferring to the Washington office of the ITT Corporation in government relations. After earning a law degree from American University in 1984, Jim practiced in Washington, DC, and eventually transitioned to lobbying on Capitol Hill, where he represented counties, states, and large and small companies. In 2017 he retired from National Maritime Awards Dinner Co-Chair Jim Noone (center) with Gary Jobson (left) and Bob Ballard at the 2017 event. SEA HISTORY 178, SPRING 2022
Jim Noone warmly greets guests at the 2017 National Maritime Awards Dinner at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Mercury Public Affairs LLC, a nationwide government relations and public affairs firm, where he had served as managing director since 2010. Jim has served on the board of the Naval Historical Foundation and is past president and board member of the US Navy Public Affairs Association. A member of the National Press Club for more than forty years, he serves as commander of the Press Club’s historic American Legion Post 20, founded in 1919. In 2015, we recruited Jim to serve as the co-chair of the National Maritime Awards Dinner, which he did through 2017 with calm panache; he was always organized, resourceful, and savvy in using his influence to augment the events. If the past helps us predict the future, he will lead the Society with the same skill, passion, and resourcefulness. As Jim says, “It’s a great honor to chair the foremost maritime history organization in the United States. I look forward to working with the NMHS crew in telling the unending story of our country’s proud heritage of seafaring.” I know you join me in welcoming him aboard. —Burchenal Green, NMHS President
photo by vernon young jr.
courtesy james noone
Jim Noone retired from the US Navy Reserve in 2001 after 39 years of active and reserve service. Active duty posts included service in Vietnam in 1969 with the Navy Seabees, Mobile Construction Battalion 58. He was later recalled to active duty during the first Gulf War in 1991, retiring as Captain in 2001. His naval service has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
photo by vernon young jr.
CAPT James A. Noone, USN (Ret.)
11