On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Alan Robb, Port Houston Commissioner and President of the ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District, along with District Representative and International Vice President Eloy Cortez, attended a special event with Houston Mayor John Whitmire at the Houston Maritime Center and Museum.
The evening marked the Mayor’s Fleet Week VIP Kickoff Reception—an incredible celebration of Houston’s rich maritime legacy and its ongoing impact on the world.
The Houston Maritime Center shared the following on their social media page:
“Houston has always been a city that moves the world. Last night, we were honored to open our doors as the official home of the Mayor’s Fleet Week VIP Kickoff Reception — a momentous occasion that reflects everything our great port city stands for. Thank you, Mayor John Whitmire, for choosing the Houston Maritime Center & Museum as the place where Fleet Week begins. This is history, and we are proud to be part of it.”
The presence of ILA leadership at this event underscores the union’s ongoing commitment to supporting the maritime industry and strengthening relationships with port officials, policymakers, and industry partners.
What is Fleet Week?
Fleet Week is a long-standing tradition held in major port cities across the United States that brings together members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard with the communities they serve. It offers a unique opportunity for the public to tour active-duty ships, meet service members, and gain a deeper appreciation for maritime defense and operations.
In Houston, Fleet Week also highlights the vital connection between military readiness and commercial maritime strength. The inaugural event brings three U.S. Navy vessels and more than 1,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen to the city for a series of events and experiences.
To learn more about Fleet Week in Houston, visit: https://fleetweekhouston.com
About the Houston Maritime Center
Located along the Houston Ship Channel, the Houston Maritime Center and Museum serves as a hub for preserving and showcasing the region’s deep-rooted maritime history. The facility highlights the critical role Houston plays in global trade, education, and industry, while also connecting the public to the people and professions that keep our ports moving. Through exhibits, programs, and community engagement, the Center helps tell the story of the maritime workforce and its lasting impact on the local and national economy.
To learn more about the Houston Maritime Center and Museum, visit: https://houstonmaritime.org
Eloy Cortez – International Vice President, ILA | Carol Alvarado – Texas State Senator | Alan Robb – Port Houston Commissioner and South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District President, ILA | John Whitmire – Houston Mayor | Frances Castaneda Dyess – President Houston East End Chamber of Commerce and Houston Pilot Board Commission Chair | Shareen Larmond – President Of West Gulf Maritime Association | Captain Clint Winegar – Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots Association
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