USCG Awards Honors For Excellence In Marine Environmental Protection

On September 8, AdmiralRobert E. Kramek, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, announced the recipients of the first William M. Benkert Awards, recognizing excellence in all aspects of marine environmental protection. These awards have been established to call attention to outstanding company achievements that exceed environmental compliance with industrial and regulatory standards, in honor of Rear Admiral William M. Benkert, a distinguished USCG officer known for leadership and vision in marine environmental protection. Awards were given to companies in four categories; Kirby Corporation of Houston, Texas, won in the large vessel category; Yutana Barge Corporation of Nenana, Alaska, won in the small vessel category; Occidental Chemical Corp. of Ingleside, Texas, took the award in the large facility category; and Portland Pipeline Corp., S. Portland, Maine, won the small facility category. A total of 61 companies participated in this first annual awards program. The presentation ceremony was scheduled to take place at USCG headquarters in Washington, D.C., on September 20.