2018 Gala Photos 

The National Maritime Historical Society and the National Coast Guard Museum Association honored three distinguished individuals at their National Maritime Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at the elegant and historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.  This illustrious event brought together in one place those who love and serve the sea—leaders of the military sea services, maritime authors, artists, scientists, sea explorers, competitive yachtsmen, boat designers and builders, cruise operators, maritime educators, museums, philanthropists and government officials who have supported America’s maritime heritage.  Dinner co-chairs Dr. Timothy Runyan and Denise Krepp and founding chairman Philip Webster gratefully acknowledge Fleet Sponsors J. W. Marriott Jr. and Donald T. “Boysie” Bollinger, and Underwriter Howard Slotnick for their generous support of this event!

John Warner, former senator of Virginia and a past NMHS Distinguished Service Award recipient, joined us to help welcome several colleagues from the Capitol: Rep. Joseph Courtney of Connecticut; Wisconsin’s Rep. Mike Gallagher; Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware; and, from Louisiana, Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, and Representatives Garret Graves, Clay Higgins, Steve Scalise, and former senator David Vitter. Joining this esteemed group of national legislators past and present was former Connecticut state senator Cathy Cook.  Chief Warrant Officer W. Scott Epperson, USCG (Ret.), represented our partner in hosting the dinner, the US Coast Guard Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association.

Former Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge presented the Alexander Hamilton Award to Boysie Bollinger for his support of the new National Coast Guard Museum being built in New London, Connecticut.  Admiral Robert J. Papp, 24^th Commandant of the Coast Guard, highlighted Boysie’s unrelenting dedication to this effort.

The NMHS Distinguished Service Award was presented by Maryland’s Senator Benjamin Cardin to William Baker, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, for his and the organization’s unremitting work to keep the Bay alive.

Admiral Jonathan Greenert, USN (Ret.), former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), gave the final tribute of the evening in presenting the NMHS Distinguished Service Award to J. W. Marriott Jr.  who empowers his personnel to align with the Navy’s creed: put people first, pursue excellence, act with dignity, embrace change, and serve our world.

Master of Ceremonies Gary Jobson guided us through the evening with his incomparable wit and grace. Highlights of the evening included the annual Live and Silent Auctions that offered an array of incredible collectibles, sails, resorts and more.

This year’s dinner also featured the Washington Invitational Marine Art Exhibition.  Through the leadership of acclaimed artist Patrick O’Brien, a select group of contemporary masters from the American Society of Marine Artists displayed their work.   Incredible video introductions of the honorees were presented by award winning-documentarian and NMHS vice chairman Richardo Lopes and photographer/editor Alessandro Lopes.  See the awardee videos for J. W. Marriott Jr., Donald T. “Boysie” Bollinger and William C. Baker.

Photography by Andrew Snow Photography and Joseph Rudinec captured the best moments from the evening — you can view the online image gallery 

We thank everyone who contributed to making the 2018 National Maritime Awards Dinner a spectacular success!