Five Acts of Seafarer Heroism Honored at USS Aotos Event

NEW YORK (Nov. 9, 2011) -- Five separate episodes of heroism and bravery on the high seas were recognized at the 42nd annual United Seamen's Service Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) dinner. The AOTOS event itself honored James L. Henry, Chairman and President of the Transportation Institute; General Duncan J. McNabb, USAF, former Commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and Robert D. Somerville, Chairman of ABS (formerly the American Bureau of Shipping).

The maritime industry's most prestigious awards since 1969 were presented at a gala industry dinner and dance for more than 700 people at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City. A special AOTOS recognition plaque was given to Captain George Quick, former President of the Association of Maryland Pilots.

In addition, American ships and American seafarers performed acts of courage that were also honored. Two awards were presented to vessels and crews who participated in Operation Tomodachi, which followed the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan last March. These awards were presented by Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, USN Commander of Military Sealift Command.

To the master and crew, USNS BRIDGE, Military Sealift Command, in support of Operation Tomodachi in Japanese waters, from March 13 - April 12, 2011. The plaque read:

The ground trembled March 11th across the eastern Japanese coast as a 9.0 earthquake rumbled, then triggered a wave of devastating tsunamis that left 12,000 dead or missing and damaged nuclear reactors at the country's Fukushima No. 1 Power Plant.

The combat support ship, operating as part of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, was sailing toward Korea when the call came to divert to Japanese waters to assist the island nation in dealing with the devastation. The civilian-crewed USNS Bridge was the first MSC vessel on scene to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in an American military operation quickly dubbed Operation Tomodachi. No one was certain how much danger the damaged nuclear reactors posed during the initial hours and days, the USNS Bridge pressed through dangerous, uncharted debris fields at sea while conducting search and rescue operations close to the coast to best provide vital lifesaving logistical support.