United States Merchant Marine Academy - Midships Yearbook (Kings Point, NY)

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MIDSHIPS ‘00 DEDICATION -Every Year, one special FACULTY OR STAFF MEMBER IS CHOSEN TO BE HONORED FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO THE Academy and its Midshipmen. We have chosen Peter Rackett, CLASS OF 61 AS THIS YEARS HONOREE, AND WOULD LIKE TO SINCERELY THANK HIM FOR HIS DEVOTION AND LOVE FOR this Academy and its MIDSHIPMEN. IT IS THROUGH PEOPLE LIKE Pete who truly make THIS ACDEMY SPECIAL. THE CLASS OF 2000 WILL BE HONORED ON JUNE 1 9TH TO JOIN THE TIGHT BROTHERHOOD OF THE ALUMNI OF THIS ACADEMY, AND BECAUSE OF ALUMNI LIKE YOU, PETE, WE CAN THEN CALL YOU OUR BROTHER. 24

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SUPERINTENDENT UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY KINGS POINT. NEW YORK 1 1024-1699 To the Class of 2000: Congratulations! You have earned the right to be very proud of your accomplishments in completing the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's rigorous and demanding program. Over the last four years, you have worked together to reach your goals and to make Kings Point the very best. You graduate with my sincere congratulations for a job well done. Your education and training at the Academy have prepared you to successfully meet the challenges and responsibilities that are ahead of you. I am confident that you will serve the Nation well and bring honor and pride to your class and to your alma mater. God steer thee well, 2000! 23

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'N PETER J. RACKETT '61 Peter Rackett, Class of 1961. has been the Vice President of Alumni Relations at Babson Center tor seven and a half years. Pete has brought to the Alumni Association a great deal of energy and strong sense of being part of a team. He has demonstrated a tireless interest in all matters pertaining to the alumni, the midshipmen, and the Academy. In the words of the Academy's Director of External Affairs (and Plebe-year roommate), Captain Bob Safarik. also from the Class of 1961. Pete never really left Kings Point. He has been involved with the Academy in one way or another since his student days, when he displayed leadership as a Company Commander and excelled scholastically. Later, he served the Alumni Association in various capacities, including President of the Long Island Chapter. Secretary of the National Alumni Association, and National Vice President for several terms. He was also appointed President of the Blue and Gray Club and a Director of the USMMA Foundation. He was instrumental in establishing the by-laws of the Athletic Hall of Fame and the guidelines for the annual Alumni Awards. In recognition of his work. Pete has received the Meritorious Alumni Service Award (1976) and Distinguished Service Award (1986). The Class of 1995 honored him for distinguished Service in a non-teaching role with the Captain Joe Prosser Award. Following graduation from Kings Point. Pete spent several years on active duty in the U.S. Navy. He completed his Navy retirement in the Reserve Naval Control of Shipping Program, attaining the rank of Commander. He joined New York Telephone in 1967, serving in several field and staff management positions. In 1988 he joined the marketing staff of NYNEX. where he developed new operator services products. Before his retirement in 1992, he established the Directory Assistance Call Completion program for NYNEX. Pete became an avid runner at the age of 40, and continues to compete in local road races. Although he claims to be slowing down as he moved into the 60 age group, he has finished first in the Homecoming 5K Run three times. He has now become “hooked on triathlons and biathlons which he competes in during the summer months. His big goal is to qualify for the Hawaii Ironman” Tri, when he really retires. For relaxation. Pete bareboat charters in the Caribbean during the winter and sails Eastern Long Island waters in the summer. Pete hasn't missed a Kings Point football game in over 20 years and can be seen on the sidelines of all Mariner Varsity teams throughout the year. He is still single and commutes 130 miles round trip from his condo in Carmel. NY. According to Pete, the drive is well worth the effort to be back at the place that gave me the start to a rewarding career.” His return to his roots and the chance to interact with the midshipmen and the alumni is the highlight of his life. 25