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Naval Academy Breaks Ground on Wesley Brown Field House

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060328-05
Release Date: 3/28/2006 3:27:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Matt Jarvis, U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- The U.S. Naval Academy honored one of its pioneers with the March 25 groundbreaking of the Wesley Brown Field House, a 140,000 square-foot athletic facility named for the Academy’s first African American graduate.

Lt. Cmdr. Wesley A. Brown was the sixth African American to enter the Naval Academy, and in 1949, he became the Academy’s first African American graduate.

“This world is changing very quickly,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen, guest speaker at the groundbreaking ceremony. “But when you think about change with respect to diversity in our Navy and in our nation and you hearken back to the time when Wesley came to the Naval Academy, what a heroic step, what a courageous move, and what a long lasting and historic contribution he made.”

Brown, who served in the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps for 20 years, is the namesake for the new field house that will contain facilities for physical education, varsity and intramural athletics, club sports and personal fitness. It will also offer a centralized medical facility within proximity to outdoor fields.

Brown said the groundbreaking was one of three special days in his life, including the day he married his wife, in 1941, and his graduation as an ensign from the Naval Academy, June 3, 1949.

“It doesn’t happen very often, to have a building named for you while you are alive,” said Brown. “And for that I certainly am thankful. I decided as a matter of perseverance that I would last until the building was completed.”

The mission of the U.S. Naval Academy is to develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically to prepare them to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government. U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Rodney P. Rempt believes athletics play a key role.

“It teaches teamwork, leadership, determination, and all those characteristics that we are looking for in young officers,” said Rempt. “It teaches our Midshipmen how to be combat leaders and how to persevere in the fate of a good leader. It is fitting that this new field house be named after a man who epitomizes the spirit of perseverance.”

“This building represents the continued dedication of the academy to promote diversity and also the promotion of the physical mission,” said Midn. 1st Class Yasmin Sauls. “I am honored to be able to witness this momentous part of history. Congratulations, Cmdr. Brown. I will always appreciate the opportunity you have given me to be a Midshipman as part of the Naval Academy.”

The $45 million construction contract was awarded to Hensel Phelps Construction Company of Chantilly, Va. The project will take approximately two years to complete.