Chief Warrant Officer Warrant Officer Hugh Mulzac was a prominent figure in Black history as the first African-American to be appointed as a Warrant Officer in the United States Merchant Marine during World War II. Mulzac served in the Merchant Marine for over 20 years and became the first African-American Master of a U.S.-flagged merchant ship, the SS Booker T. Washington. He played a crucial role in breaking barriers for Black seafarers and advocating for equality and fair treatment in the maritime industry. Chief Warrant Officer Hugh Mulzac's pioneering achievements paved the way for future generations of African-Americans in the Merchant Marine and beyond.