Distinguished Service News

Mobile, Ala. shipbuilder Austal USA held a keel laying ceremony for USNS Billy Frank, Jr., marking the official start of construction on the U.S. Navy’s eleventh Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship (T-ATS 11).Ship sponsor Peggen Frank and her husband, William Frank III, authenticated the keel by welding their initials into a keel plate that will be welded to the hull of the ship. They were assisted by Brandon Auld, a four-year Austal USA veteran A-class structural fitter.Local community leaders…

On October 31, 2022, global maritime leaders of tomorrow graduated from the World Maritime University (WMU). The Class of 2022 has received the education required to contribute to maritime and ocean matters in their home countries and more broadly to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Overall, the graduating class includes 276 graduates from 70 countries, and sets a record of 94 women graduates.WMU President Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia…

Adm. Karl L. Schultz was relieved as Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard by Adm. Linda L. Fagan during a military change-of-command ceremony presided over by President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC. Fagan makes history not only as the first woman to lead the Coast Guard, but also as the first woman Service Chief of any U.S. military service.Immediately following the change-of-command, Schultz retired from the Coast Guard after 39 years of service to the nation.

Global defense and technologies company HII announced Thursday that Brandi Smith has been named vice president of the Columbia-class program at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. Smith will succeed Charles Southall, who will retire July 1 after more than 35 years of distinguished service.The U.S. Navy has identified the Columbia class as its No. 1 acquisition priority. Twelve Columbia-class boats will replace the fleet of Ohio-class nuclear ballistic submarines and take over the role of the nation’s sea-based strategic deterrent…

Master Chief Jason M. Vanderhaden was relieved as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) by Master Chief Heath B. Jones during a military change-of-watch ceremony Thursday, at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J.Vanderhaden also retired from the Coast Guard after 34 years of service to the nation directly following the ceremony and received the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal.“I’m grateful for the tremendous leadership of our senior enlisted leader corps and amazing Chief’s Mess, they are truly the backbone of our service,” said Vanderhaden.

Adm. Linda L. Fagan has taken over as vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, relieving  Adm. Charles W. Ray during a military change-of-command ceremony held Friday at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.Adm. Fagan most recently served as the commander of the Coast Guard Pacific Area, overseeing all Coast Guard operations in the Pacific, covering more than 74 million square miles of ocean, from the U.S. Western States to Asia, and from the Arctic to Antarctica.“Adm. Fagan, it is an honor to welcome you as the first woman to serve as a four-star admiral in the U.S.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. launched Dorothy Day, the third of three new Staten Island Ollis Class ferries, on Friday, March 26, at its Allanton shipyard in Panama City, Fla.The three 320-foot Ollis Class double-ended 4,500 passenger ferries are being built for the City of New York Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Staten Island Ferry Division. Designed by Elliott Bay Design Group, each ferry features four ABS Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) 12-710 at 900 rpm EPA Tier 4  marine…

A long-serving nuclear cargo vessel has made its final voyage and will be decommissioned in Scotland.Earlier this month, Oceanic Pintail set sail from Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria, for the final time, and now 98% of the 3,865-tonne vessel will be recycled by Leith firm Dales Marine Services, an EU List approved supplier of vessel decommissioning.Oceanic Pintail, operated by International Nuclear Services (INS), was launched in 1987 and has served the U.K. nuclear industry for the last 33 years.Peter Buchan…

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) launched the second of three new Staten Island “Ollis Class” Ferries for the City of New York Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Staten Island Ferry Division. The Sandy Ground was launched Friday at Eastern’s Allanton facility in Panama City, Fla.The three Ollis Class double-ended 4500 passenger ferries, are from a design provided by Elliott Bay Design Group, with each ferry featuring four ABS Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) 12-710 at 900…

It takes a thick skin to live in New York City, let alone to run its Staten Island Ferry service. James C. DeSimone, Deputy Commissioner, Ferry Division, New York City Department of Transportation, has been charged with running the ferry service for the last 16 years. We met with him for his insights on the challenges of keeping the iconic ferry running safely and efficiently.Jim DeSimone has led a maritime life, with his time equally split between the private and public sectors. His maritime affiliation is literally in his blood, as his father Guy J.

On Friday, November 15, 2019, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) launched the SSG MICHAEL H. OLLIS (Hull 219) the first of three new Staten Island “Ollis Class” Ferries for the City of New York Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Staten Island Ferry Division. The launch took place at Eastern’s Allanton facility in Panama City, Fla. with special attendance by Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis.The new Staten Island Ollis Class Ferries series are named after fallen soldier of the US Army 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, 'Climb to Glory', Army Staff Sgt. Michael H.

The Center of Excellence for Offshore Renewable Energy at the State University of New York Maritime College and the Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler, are hosting the Ocean Wind Energy Conference on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Maritime Academic Center, SUNY Maritime College.Serving as the keynote speaker is Alana Duerr, Ph.D., Director, Offshore Wind North America, DNV GL - Renewables Advisory, who will offer insight to opportunities for maritime industry support of Ocean Wind Energy development and sustainment for many years to come.

NYC Economic Development Corp. Signs on as Event Sponsor.The Center of Excellence for Offshore Renewable Energy at the State University of New York Maritime College and the Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler, proudly announce their partnership in hosting of the Ocean Wind Energy Conference on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 9 a.m. in the Maritime Academic Center, SUNY Maritime College. Featured presentations by industry leaders such as Keynote Speaker Dr. Alana Duerr, Director of DNV GL…

The decommissioned USS Doyle (FFG-39) has concluded her final voyage from Philadelphia to New Orleans, where she will now be disassembled and recycled after 28 years of service in the U.S. Navy.The retired 4,050-ton Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate will be dismantled by Southern Recycling, part of EMR. Work to recycle the 453-foot-long and 47-foot-wide vessel will take approximately six months to complete.The decommissioned USS Doyle, also nicknamed the Valiant Mariner, was the 30th vessel to be constructed in her class and received her namesake from Vice Admiral James Henry Doyle…

Adm. Paul F. Zukunft was relieved as commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard by Adm. Karl Schultz during a military change-of-command ceremony held Friday at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.Zukunft also retired from the Coast Guard after 41 years of service to the nation as part of the same ceremony and received the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal from President Donald J. Trump."Truly, Mr. President, you honor the men and women of the United States Coast Guard serving around the world today as 2018 was the largest appropriation ever for the Coast Guard," said Zukunft. "But it’s not about the money or the platforms, it’s the people who serve in them. The work they do could not be more relevant. We couldn’t do our job without them.”Zukunft became the 25th commandant May 30, 2014.

Canadian shipbuilder Seaspan Shipyards together with the Government of Canada announced that work will begin soon on the Joint Support Ships (JSS) for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).These purpose-built vessels are being constructed as part of a strategic partnership between the Government of Canada and Seaspan under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). The vessels will meet the nation’s domestic and international obligations and will fully meet the operational needs of the RCN.“Seaspan Shipyards is a proud partner to the Government of Canada under the National Shipbuilding Strategy…

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul F. Zukunft will be relieved by U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Commander Vice Adm. Karl L. Schultz on June 1, 2018, at 1100 hours at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen announced the nomination by President Donald Trump of Vice Adm. Karl L. Schultz to be the 26th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard in March. Vice Adm. Schultz, the commander of the Coast Guard's Atlantic Area, previously served as the operational commander for all Coast Guard missions from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf, spanning across five Coast Guard Districts and 40 states. Zukunft will retire following the change of command. "Vice Adm.

Adm. Charles D. Michel was relieved as vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard by Adm. Charles W. Ray during a military change-of-watch ceremony held Thursday at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters. Michel, who also retired from the Coast Guard after 33 years of service to the nation as part of the ceremony, received the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal from the 25th Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Paul F. Zukunft. “The Coast Guard has given me everything I wanted and more: a world-class education, a profession dedicated to providing salvation to those in peril at sea, patient leadership that had faith in me, and a group of friends and colleagues that have lived our core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty,” said Michel.

A new fireboat was officially welcomed into service Wednesday at the Port of Long Beach, representing a significant leap forward in protecting the harbor and the flow of trade through the nation’s second-busiest seaport. In a dockside ceremony attended by 100 invited guests, the fireboat named “Protector” was dedicated in memory of Donald Domenic DiMarzo, a former Long Beach Fire Department captain. DiMarzo served as a fire marshal aboard the USS Intrepid in the Pacific during World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service for leading efforts to save the aircraft carrier after an attack that set it ablaze on Nov. 25, 1944.

General Darren McDew, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, visited State University of New York Maritime College February 1. During the visit McDew toured the campus and Maritime College’s Training Ship Empire State VI, where he spoke with cadets about their experiences on the training ship and Military Sealift Command ships. “SUNY Maritime College, along with the other state maritime academies, is responsible for producing 70 percent of the unlimited tonnage licensed mariners that keep our nation safe and economy strong,” said RADM Michael Alfultis, president of the college.

U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Charles Michel formally assumed the role of vice commandant of the Coast Guard during a ceremony at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters Monday. As vice commandant, Michel will oversee the Coast Guard’s operations, strategic development, organizational governance and management of the service’s more than 58,000 employees and 30,000 volunteers. "I am humbled and honored to be given this important opportunity to further serve the American people and the men and women of the United States Coast Guard,” said Michel. Michel became the 30th vice commandant of the Coast Guard after serving as the service's deputy commandant for operations…

The Navy will commission its newest fast attack submarine, the future USS John Warner (SSN 785), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, at Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, VirginiaVa. The event will be live streamed at http://navylive.dodlive.mil under webcast. John Warner, designated SSN 785, honors Sen. John W. Warner for a lifetime of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to the United States of America as a trusted leader, statesman and public servant. He wore the uniform of our nation as both a Marine and sailor and served as the 61st Secretary of the Navy, 1972-1974. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert, will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Jeanne Warner, wife of Sen. Warner, is serving as the ship’s sponsor.

Vice Adm. Nora Tyson relieved Vice Adm. Kenny Floyd as commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet during a change of command and retirement ceremony held on Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) while pierside at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego July 24. During the ceremony, Floyd retired from active duty after 35 years of honorable naval service. He assumed command of U.S. 3rd Fleet in May 2013. Under Floyd's strategic vision, 3rd Fleet expanded its influence and contributions across all maritime lines of operations, theater security cooperation, experimentation, disaster relief, and joint operations. At sea, Floyd served in several F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft squadrons…