William C. Baker
courtesy william c. baker
William C. Baker, president and CEO of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, will also receive the NMHS Distinguished Service Award. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is a fierce advocate that works to protect and restore this national treasure and integral part of America’s maritime heritage through advocacy, education, litigation, and restoration. Mr. Baker is focused on one goal—“Saving the Bay”—by achieving a clean, healthy, and productive estuarine system that will serve as a model for other marine conservation organizations worldwide. As the largest non-profit conservation organization dedicated solely to preserving and restoring the Chesapeake Bay, the Foundation boasts more than 200,000 members. US Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland will present the award. Will Baker takes the helm at the Volvo Spirit Race.
Donald T. Bollinger
courtesy donald t. bollinger
Donald “Boysie” Bollinger will receive the National Coast Guard Museum Association’s Alexander Hamilton Award. Bollinger is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bollinger Shipyards, Inc., a family-owned full-service marine construction and ship repair company headquartered in Lockport, Louisiana. Bollinger’s maritime career as a leading provider of quality maritime construction and services to both the US military and the commercial marine industry is well complemented by his generosity and philanthropic giving to maritime heritage preservation and organizations. His influence and dedication have benefited many groups, particularly the United States Coast Guard Foundation and the National World War II Museum. For his unwavering support, the National Coast Guard Museum Association is honored to recognize this maritime industry icon. Tom Ridge, the first United States Secretary of Homeland Security and former Governor of Pennsylvania, will present the award. Mr. Bollinger gives opening remarks for the “rechristening” of a converted diving boat for Epic Divers & Marine Company. The National Maritime Awards Dinner brings together those who love and serve the sea to celebrate, preserve, and promote America’s maritime heritage. With more than 350 maritime leaders, community members, and Washington decision makers in attendance, this event provides a great venue to advocate for funding for the numerous maritime heritage programs around the country. We extend great thanks to J. W. Marriott Jr. and Boysie Bollinger for their support as Fleet Sponsors of this event, and to Howard Slotnick for his support as Underwriter of the 2018 National Maritime Awards Dinner.
Gary Jobson, America’s Cup champion and America’s “Ambassador of Sailing,” will serve as master of ceremonies. Video introductions about the recipients will be produced by Richardo Lopes. Entertainment will be provided by the Mariners Chorus of the US Merchant Marine Academy directed by Dr. Katherine Meloan. Philip J. Webster, the event’s founding dinner chairman, recommends that guests visit www.seahistory.org or call 914 7377878, ext. 0, to make their reservations right away, as he predicts this year’s event will sell out. Tickets are priced from $275, with sponsorship opportunities available. The Mayflower Hotel is offering a block of rooms for 24 and 25 April at $359 per night, single or double occupancy, with applicable state and local taxes (currently 14.8%). This special rate is available until 5pm, 3 April, or until the block is sold out. To reserve your room, use passkey link https://aws.passkey.com/e/49584583, (this link is also posted on the NMHS website at www.seahistory.org). If you choose to phone in your reservation (toll free at 877-212-5752), be sure to ask for the block rate under the name “National Maritime Awards Dinner” to take advantage of this special event rate. SEA HISTORY 162, SPRING 2018 11