Photo: Captain Ben Tidwell receives American Maritime Officers Mariner of the Year Award for 2022

Captain Ben Tidwell received the American Maritime Officers Mariner of the Year Award for 2022 during an observance of National Maritime Day in Norfolk, Va. on May 19. The presentation of the Mariner of the Year Award is an annual event sponsored by and unique to the Port of Norfolk. Congratulating Captain Tidwell on his receipt of the award were AMO National Secretary-Treasurer Bob Rice and Military Sealift Command Chief of Staff Capt. Janice Smith. Tidwell's career at sea began in 1973 after completing the trainee program at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. In March of 1982, he became the first graduate of Piney Point's Third Mate course, leading to his earning an officer's license. In 1985, he began sailing as a member of MEBA District 2, which later became AMO. From that time forward, he has sailed onboard several AMO-contracted vessels, including aboard the Cape May for 22 years. Tidwell departed the Cape May as captain in 2019 and has continued his career aboard the USNS Bob Hope, USNS Kocak, and Cape Arundel, on which he sails as captain.