(NEW YORK) — The officers and crew of four American-flag vessels were recognized for heroism at sea at the 54th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards hosted by the United Seamen’s Service on Dec. 1. The plaques honored the mariners aboard the following vessels:
M/V Midnight Sun, Port of Tacoma Harbor
In September 2022, an electrical fire broke out on the deck of Midnight Sun due to 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 Capt. 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 assistant engineer Jake Tomlinson, second assistant engineer Adam King, and third assistant 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, Alaska, the crew of 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
Upon receiving an emergency radio transmission on Dec. 12, 2022, the Military Sealift Command fleet oiler swiftly responded to a distressed vessel situated 210 miles off the California coastline. USNS John Lewis promptly redirected its efforts toward locating the sinking sailboat.
Despite strong winds, the crew from the Seafarers International Union (SIU) 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 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, 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
On Dec. 22, 2022, the crew of the 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 ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt quickly arrived to offer assistance.
Although a new and smaller vessel, Franklin Delano Roosevelt skillfully maneuvered alongside the distressed ferry. Capt. Tom Beckedorff said, ‘‘The credit for the successful passenger transfer belongs with my exceptional crewmembers and the skilled crews of the two tugs that enabled us to safely bow up to the Sandy Ground.”
SIU deck hands Elio Pineda, William Capko, Jonathan Lowman and Amer Abouzeid 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 Roosevelt, Sandy Ground, and other responding vessels for their speedy and selfless service.
Staten Island ferry Sandy Ground, New York Harbor
On Dec. 22, 2022, a fire broke out in the engine room of a newly built ferry, causing panic among the crew and passengers.
The crew sprang into action, with two urgent tasks at hand: evacuate the 868 passengers as quickly as possible and contain the fire. 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 Capt. Joseph Ajar, along with other members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) and Masters, Mates and Pilots (MMP) crew, rushed to their stations to begin the massive evacuation. The SIU crew of the ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt also joined in the rescue efforts, safely evacuating all 868 passengers.
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. 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, the United Seamen’s Service has honored more than 300 American vessels and individual seafarers for heroism, also called “the brotherhood of the sea.”
– United Seamen’s Service
