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The Commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Thad Allen, discussed the state of the nation's maritime transportation system and the value it adds to the economy, how the Coast Guard works with the maritime industry to support the maritime transportation system and details about the Coast Guard Marine Safety Performance Plan at an event held in Baltimore today. Today marks the 75th annual National Maritime Day, which honors the first transatlantic voyage by the steam-powered vessel Savannah in 1819. (From left to right) John Porcari, the Maryland secretary of transportation, Adm. Thad Allen, the commandant of the Coast guard, Elaine Chao, the secretary of labor, Capt. Brian Kelley, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore and Helen Bentley, former Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Stevens.)