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hippers and shipbuilders, historians and authors, Navy and Coast Guard, maririme museum directors and curators, sailors and lovers of the sea and its heritage gathered together on a brisk night this past October at the glorious New York Yacht Club to pay homage to the Military Sealift Command's Admiral Brewer, author Nathaniel Philbrick, and publisher Donald McGraw. In addition, chairman emeritus Howard Slotnick presented a special Bravo Zulu award to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. This award honors their heroic and inspirational performance, in the finest tradition of the sea services, during the storm-related disasters on the Gulf Coast this past August-September. Vice Admiral Terry Cross proudly accepted the award on behalf of these service men and women. Rear Admiral Robert Papp shared a dynamic video of the Coast Guard at work in New Orleans. In his chairman's remarks, Walter Brown reminded guests that the National Maritime Historical Society is the single best institutional vehicle in the co untry Nathaniel Philbrick accepts the James Monroe/ to spread the word abo ut preRobert G. Albion Award for excellence in serving our maritime heritage. historiography from Bill White. Interest in maritime topics is on the rise. This is evidenced by the number of major films and popular books with a maritime theme, which have been produced in the last few years. In addition, new replica vessels, such as Sultana and Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay, are being planned for and built across the country. Historic vessels, Coronet in Newport, RI, and Roann at Mystic Seaport, for example, are being restored. Maritime museums are bei ng built and expanded. The sail training industry keeps growing, and tall ship regattas are (above) Captain Jim McNamara presents the flourishing. Never has Society's Distinguished Service Award to Vice the work of the NationAdmiral David Brewer, US Navy, Commander, al Maritime Historical Military Sealift Command, in recognition of his Society as our national leadership in effectively utilizing America's Mervoice been more needed chant Marine to transport equipment, foe!, supthan it is today. plies, ammunition, and troop support in war and -Burchenal Green to deliver aid in times ofdisaster.
(above) A packed house listens to the presentation of awards. Each speaker was excellent and the guests left enthralled, encouraged, and inspired. (left) Though nearly impossible to drag everyone you need away from their conversations at the same time, Dinner Chairman David Fowler was able to round up most of his committee to join him for a picture. From left: Martin Toyen, Paul Balser, Howard Slotnick, Richardo Lopes, Jakob lsbrandtsen, Brian McAllister, Clay Maitland, Peter Finnerty, James Baker, Bob Kamm, David Fowler, john McDonald, Ronald Oswald, Philip Webster, Bradford Smith, James McNamara, Richard du Moulin, and NMHS Chairman Walter Brown.
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SEA HISTORY 113 , WINTER 2005-2006