07/21/2026
Working alongside McKissack staff, our summer interns support the construction efforts on some of our biggest projects. Michael, who’s spending his summer internship with McKissack’s marine team, reflects on his experience supporting preparation for the celebrations and the opportunity to work on such a monumental project.
“On July 4, 2026, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of history while working alongside the McKissack Marine team during the Sail 4th 250 celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence. In the weeks leading up to the event, I was directly involved in preparing the site by positioning barricades and painting the barges to help ensure the safety of the public. On the day of the event, I worked with the marine team to assist with boat operations, helping provide safe and efficient access to the gangways connecting the barges and vessels. It was incredibly rewarding to seeing all the planning and preparation come together successfully. Being able to contribute to such a large-scale event gave me a greater appreciation for the amount of coordination required behind the scenes and the importance of every team member's role. One of my biggest takeaways from this experience was learning how to communicate effectively with a wide range of project stakeholders. Throughout the event, I worked alongside general contractors, military personnel, law enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, and international sailors. Seeing so many organizations collaborate toward a common goal reinforced the importance of clear communication, teamwork, and adaptability in the construction and marine industries. This experience has been one of the highlights of my internship, and it is something I will remember for years to come.”
