USS 52nd annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award ceremony scheduled for December 3
The following is excerpted from an article released by the United Seamen's Service.
The United Seamen's Service 52nd annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award will be presented to David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer of the Seafarers International Union of North America, AFL-CIO, and Chairman of the International Transport Workers' Federation's Seafarers' Section, representing 1.2 million seafarers worldwide; Ms. Kathy Metcalf, President and CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America; and William Woodhour, President and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited.
The traditional silver statuette of Christopher Columbus - the first Admiral of the Ocean Sea - will be accepted by the three honorees at a gala dinner to be conducted December 3, 2021 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel.
A special AOTOS Award will also be presented to Anthony Naccarato, President and Chairman of the American Maritime Officers Service, a Washington-based association comprised of some of the largest American flag maritime companies, which promotes the American flag maritime industry. In addition, the recipients will share the evening with a group of American seafarers who will be honored for acts of bravery at sea.
LTG Kenneth R. Wykle, USA, (Ret.), Chairman, USS AOTOS Committee, noted, "With such deserving recipients, we are pleased to continue the rich 52-year history of this prestigious event."
He added: "Dave Heindel is an esteemed labor leader and a true friend to USS; Kathy Metcalf has brought a solid background in maritime affairs to her role at the Chamber, and Bill Woodhour now leads the important American-flag division of Maersk."
The AOTOS Award has been presented for 52 consecutive years, including 2020 when the pandemic dictated a virtual event. COVID-19 also did not stop the industry from fulfilling its collective role as part of the nation's essential workforce.
"Despite the pandemic, the American maritime industry - management and labor - continued moving and handling world commerce despite the personal risk and danger presented by COVID-19 globally," said General Wykle. "We are expecting the industry to turn out to honor this year's leaders and the brave seafarers who will also be recognized at the event."