The officers and crew of four American-flag vessels were recognized for heroism at sea at the United Seamen’s Service’s 54th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award. The event held on on December 1, honored Mark W. Barker, President of Interlake Maritime Services; George Pasha IV, President and CEO of The Pasha Group and Adam Vokac, District and National President of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.).

The Honored Seafarer AOTOS Mariners/ plaques went to:

MV Midnight Sun
Port of Tacoma Harbor
September 2022

In September 2022, an electrical fire broke out on the deck of the MV Midnight Sun caused by faulty vendor equipment. Despite having a limited crew, the team worked cohesively to put out the fire efficiently.

Chief Mate Matthew Huyter was first on the scene, followed by a team of four firefighters led by Bosun Thomas Macgregor. Ship Captain Daniel Severino and Second Mate Daniel Warren took control of a fire hose from the bridge wing, while Third Mate Aaron Scott, Third Assistant Engineer Brian O’Connell, and OMU Rohmy Butler suited up to join their efforts. Third Mate Tony Milam, ABG Gamal Muflahi, and ABG Arturo Galaura manned two fire monitors on the flying bridge.

Chief Engineers Brian DeBord and Joseph Woods swiftly increased the engine power to uphold water pressure, aided by First Assistant Engineer Joseph Murphy, First A.E. Jake Tomlinson, Second A.E. Adam King, and Third A.E. James Bannister.

The crew used five fire hoses to put out the fire in just 20 minutes, faster than the local fire department's arrival time.

Having just returned from a run from Anchorage, the crew of the MV Midnight Sun demonstrated their alertness and rapid response, effectively ensuring the safety of everyone on board the 836-foot-long vessel.

USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205)
Military Sealift Command
Pacific Ocean
December 12, 2022

Upon receiving an emergency radio transmission, the Military Sealift Command fleet oiler swiftly responded to a distressed vessel situated 210 miles off the California coastline. The USNS John Lewis promptly redirected its efforts towards locating the sinking sailboat.

Despite strong winds, the crew from the Seafarers International Union managed to rescue the lone sailor. Master Dan Glazier showcased his exceptional skills by deftly maneuvering the 746-foot USNS John Lewis alongside the sailboat, lowering a pilot ladder to allow the victim to climb aboard.

On the USNS John Lewis, the sailor received a warm meal, shower, medical examination, and new clothes before transferring to San Diego. The sinking sailboat couldn't be towed due to rough waters, prompting the oiler’s navigator to post a Notice to Mariners, warning other ships about the abandoned and adrift vessel.

Manned by civil service mariners, the USNS John Lewis represents the first of a new class of fleet replenishment oilers capable of carrying 162,000 barrels of diesel and other fuels. This ship holds the distinction of being one of the latest additions to the Military Sealift Command`s fleet, having been christened in 2021.

New York Waterway Ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt
New York Harbor
December 22, 2022

On December 22nd, 2022, the crew of a New York Waterway ferry displayed their vigilance and emergency training by swiftly responding to a devastating deck fire that engulfed a sister ferry.

An engine room fire started on the Staten Island Ferry Sandy Ground, rendering it inoperable with passengers stranded. The New York Fire Department asked for help and the New York Waterway Ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt quickly arrived to offer assistance.

Although a new and smaller vessel, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt skillfully maneuvered alongside the distressed ferry. Captain Beckedorff said, ‘‘The credit for the successful passenger transfer belongs with my exceptional crew members and the skilled crews of the two tugs that enabled us to safely bow up to the SIF Sandy Ground.”

Seafarers International Union Deckhands Elio Pineda, William Capko, Jonathan Lowman, and Amer Abouzeid dedicated evacuated passengers for over 90 minutes, with only five injuries. Sandy Ground crew quickly contained and put out the fire even before NYFD arrived.

New York City's Deputy Mayor for Operations, Meera Joshi, commended the crews of the Roosevelt, the Sandy Ground, and other responding vessels for their speedy and selfless service.

Staten Island Ferry Sandy Ground
New York Harbor
December 22, 2022

A fire broke out in the engine room of a newly built ferry, causing panic among the crew and passengers aboard the Staten Island Ferry Sandy Ground.

The crew sprang into action, with two urgent tasks at hand: evacuate the 868 passengers as quickly as possible and contain the blaze. Chief Marine Engineer Trevor Gherardi and his team sealed off the area, deploying the Novac system to extinguish the fire before first responders even arrived on the scene.

At the same time, Sandy Ground’s Captain Joseph Ajar along with other members of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.), Masters, Mates and Pilots (MMP) crew rushed to their stations to begin the massive evacuation. The SIU crew of NY Waterway's ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt also joined in the rescue efforts, safely evacuating all 868 passengers with only five injuries.

The Sandy Ground crew's rapid response and immediate Coast Guard alert received high praise from Frank Leeb, the Deputy Assistant Chief of the FDNY. Sandy Group Master, Captain Joseph Ajar and his crew were commended for sealing the engine room, evacuating the area, and diligently following protocols to extinguish the fire.

Since the start of the AOTOS Award in 1970, USS has honored more than 300 American vessels and individual seafarers for heroism, also called “the brotherhood of the sea.”