The following is text of a news release from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd):
(NEW YORK) — On Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s maritime administrator, Mark Buzby, presented MarAd's Gallant Ship Citation Award and U.S. Merchant Marine Medals for Outstanding Achievement to the crew of the U.S.-flag ship M/V Green Lake. The awards were given for the crew’s unprecedented rescue efforts in response to the horrific fire aboard the foreign-flag vessel M/V Sincerity Ace in the northern Pacific Ocean on Dec. 31, 2018. Buzby presented the award to Green Lake’s owner, Waterman Transport Inc., and its captain and crew at a ceremony in New York City.
“Today, as we honor the crew of a great American ship, we again see the value of the Maritime Security Program to our country,” said Buzby. “Green Lake was there to respond in the time-honored tradition of mariners coming to the aid of fellow mariners. This American-trained crew highlights the professionalism and valor of our nation’s mariners, whether conducting humanitarian aid missions or providing vital sustainment to the U.S. armed forces.”
Green Lake’s heroic actions began on New Year’s Eve when the U.S.-flag vehicle carrier responded to a disaster unfolding 1,800 miles northwest of Hawaii. Sincerity Ace, a 650-foot vehicle carrier, caught fire, forcing its 21-man crew to abandon ship. Arriving on the scene, Green Lake encountered a daunting task – locating Sincerity Ace crewmembers floating in unforgiving seas spread out across several miles. Green Lake fought 17- to 20-foot waves and turbulent winds, making lifesaving attempts even more dangerous and challenging. The rescue effort lasted 18 hours, with Green Lake’s entire deck crew working tirelessly to get the survivors on board. The crew and officers of Green Lake saved seven Sincerity Ace crewmembers.
The Gallant Ship Award dates back to an executive order issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II to recognize excellence and bravery in merchant mariners. Between 1944 and 1994, only 41 ships received Gallant Ship status, with the last award presented in 1994. The award is presented “to any United States vessel or to any foreign vessel (merchant, Coast Guard, Navy, or other), the crew of that ship, or other individuals or organizations participating in outstanding or gallant action in marine disasters or other emergencies for the purpose of saving life or property.” Ships and crews receiving Gallant Ship status must have encountered substantial danger during rescue and lifesaving efforts while demonstrating efficiency, discipline, and expertise in conducting such operations.
The Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement is awarded to U.S. merchant mariners who have participated in an act or operation of humanitarian nature directly aiding an individual or group of individuals.
Green Lake is part of the MarAd Maritime Security Program fleet. Created in 1996, the Maritime Security Program maintains a fleet of 60 modern U.S.-flag ships, active in international trade, yet available on-call to meet U.S. Department of Defense transport requirements.
