(WASHINGTON) — Carleen Lyden-Kluss, co-founder and executive director of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association, was presented with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Public Service Commendation Award on May 22. The award was presented by Ben Strong and Vice Adm. Charles Michel of the USCG at the National Press Club.
The AMVER Awards Dinner recognized over 150 companies for their participation in the Coast Guard’s Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) system. AMVER is a USCG-managed search and rescue program in which merchant ships make themselves available for maritime emergency response on a volunteer basis.
The Coast Guard Public Service Commendation is intended primarily to recognize personal and beneficial contributions to the Coast Guard’s responsibilities. The Public Service Awards recognize private citizens, groups or organizations for helping the Coast Guard carry out its missions.
At the close of the evening, Lyden-Kluss was recognized for her exceptional contributions to the USCG and its AMVER program. Ben Strong of the USCG pointed out Lyden-Kluss’ “profound commitment to the safety of life at sea.” Strong, on behalf of the commandant of the USCG, stated, “Ms. Lyden-Kluss has provided countless hours to restore the AMVER Awards program in the United States and thereby ensures well-deserved recognition of the many voluntary participants in this international lifesaving initiative.”
Beginning in May 2009, through North American Marine Environment Protection Association and its dedicated sponsors, Lyden-Kluss has brought recognition to more than 800 ships managed or operated in the United States.
“With Ms. Lyden-Kluss’ boundless enthusiasm and untiring commitment, she helped publicize the importance of this life-saving program relied upon by the maritime community and search and rescue authorities throughout the world. Her dedication and devotion in supporting the AMVER program are most hardily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the public service,” stated Strong.
