People
MMA Alum
Recognized
by the Royal
Institution of
Naval Architects
By Xenon Alidag,
Communications Specialist,
NASSCO
April24,2013­London,England­The
Royal Institution of Naval Architects
(RINA) presented Maine Maritime
Academy (MMA) alumnus Fred Harris `67
with its highest professional honor, the William
RINA President Peter French (Left) and former RINA President Peter Usher (Right) present NASSCO President Fred Harris
Froude Medal, which Harris accepted at the
(Center) with the William Froude Medal
institution's 2013 annual dinner.
The William Froude Medal is awarded to
that is made [to] look easy for him only by his
and commercial ships at NASSCO. He also
a person of any nationality who has made
ability." Easton continues, "He is clearly held in
mentioned that Harris has dramatical y raised the
some conspicuous contribution to naval
the highest regard in many sectors of the U.S.
bar for shipbuilding excellence, and his emphasis
architecture and/or shipbuilding and whose
Navy, Royal Navy, and industry international y."
on developing people, processes, and tools has
services and personal achievements merit
"Assistance to Astute, the revolution of
built a lasting legacy.
special consideration. The award is reported to
NASSCO and his contribution to a 2012 review
have only 24 other recipients since RINA was
of a Royal Navy shipbuilding programme are just
"
founded in 1860. William Froude was an English
three episodes from Fred's remarkable career,"
engineer and naval architect who formulated the
wrote Vice Admiral Sir Robert Walmsley KCB
Assistance to Astute,
Froude number, which is used to determine the
FREng, Chairman, Major Projects Association. "I
resistance of a partial y submerged object moving
cannot think of a more appropriate nomination
the revolution of
through water.
for the William Froude Gold Medal in
NASSCO and his
With respect to his career and achievements
recognition of his outstanding contribution to
(see page 17 of MARINER/2013-No.1), "Fred
shipbuilding."
contribution to
Harris has become an acknowledged leader,
"I have been fortunate to know several
frequently called upon to offer his perspective
outstanding, world-class leaders in designing
a 2012 review
to revitalize the maritime industry," said RINA
complex, mega projects. Fred is one of the
President Peter French as he introduced Harris
best-especial y as a great champion and delivery
of a Royal Navy
during the annual dinner.
expert for shipbuilding," were the words of Mike
shipbuilding
Supporting Harris' nomination for the award,
Nichols, Founder and Chairman of the Nichols
Murray Easton, CBE, DUniv, CEng, FRINA,
Group, who worked with Harris to review a
programme are just
FREng, MSc, BSc (hons), wrote about his
program to deliver two new carriers to the Royal
interaction with Harris on the United Kingdom's
Navy.
three episodes from
Astute Attack Nuclear Submarine Program: "I
Upon Harris' receipt of the award, French
came to recognize the integrity and excellent
completed his speech noting how Harris has
Fred's remarkable
judgement that is Fred; he applies the utmost
instilled a culture of innovation and continuous
career.
quality of governance, at the same time as being
improvement that has resulted in a world-class
so very helpful; a difficult professional balance
learning curve with both naval auxiliaries
"
mainemaritime.edu
15
Mariner 2013.3.indd 15
11/22/13 11:19 AM

---