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It was heartwarming to meet in person again at the historic New York Yacht Club for the first time since 2019 as the National Maritime Historical Society gathered to honor the outstanding maritime accomplishments of RADM Joseph Callo, USN (Ret.) and CAPT Sally McElwreath Callo, USN (Ret.), Steven P. Kalil, and Thomas A. Whidden. For photos of the evening, please see the online gallery.

Dinner chairs Matt Brooks and Pam Rorke Levy were joined by nearly 200 guests from diverse maritime fields—a wide-ranging group of dedicated leaders exemplifying the strength and vitality of the maritime heritage community today.  As Pam Rorke Levy poignantly remarked from the podium, “Innovators today are the people who are making history, and the four people we’re honoring here tonight certainly demonstrate that not only are they a part of our history, but that even today they are still innovating and changing the way we all sail and appreciate and enjoy and benefit from our relationship with the seas.”

NMHS chairman CAPT James A. Noone, USN (Ret.) paid tribute to the remarkable work of our president emeritus Burchenal Green,” who has been the heart of the Society since joining it over a quarter century ago.”

Erik K. Olstein, former president of the Board of the American Friends of the National Museum of the Royal Navy and former NMHS trustee, presented the 2022 David A. O’Neil Sheet Anchor Award to RADM Joseph Callo, USN (Ret.) and CAPT Sally McElwreath Callo, USN (Ret.) in recognition of their important work as NMHS global ambassadors and on behalf of the naval and maritime heritage communities. Introducing the Callos, Olstein said, “They are the epitome of excellence, grace and humility…and the personification of selfless service.”

Capt. Jonathan Boulware, president and CEO of South Street Seaport Museum, presented Steven P. Kalil with the NMHS Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding expertise, commitment, and vision that have helped steer Caddell Dry Dock to great success.  Under Kalil’s leadership, Caddell Dry Dock has continued the maritime traditions of an exceptional shipyard business founded in 1903, constructing and servicing thousands of vessels, and working on some of our most significant historic ships.

Thomas A. Whidden was presented with the 2019 NMHS Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to yachting, for his unparalleled leadership in the design and manufacture of technologically advanced sails, and for encouraging younger generations to value and participate in the sport.  Of NMHS, Tom Whidden said, “our missions are quite comparable.  We both live to promote the maritime heritage community and to share in the sport of sailing and more generally enjoying the sea, whether it be racing, sailing, or cruising, making a living on or off the water or around the sea, or just appreciating the deep history that the maritime community enjoys.”  America’s ambassador of sailing Gary Jobson presented the award.

NMHS overseer Richard T. du Moulin was our ever-charming Master of Ceremonies. Video introductions were produced by NMHS Vice Chairman Richardo R. Lopes and Alessandro Lopes of Voyage Digital Media. Entertainment was provided by the US Coast Guard Academy Cadet Chorale, directed by Director of Cadet Vocal Music Daniel McDavitt.

We are most grateful to our sponsors, including Event Marquee Sponsors Pam Rorke Levy & Matt Brooks, and Caddell Dry Dock & Repair Co., Inc.; Commodore Sponsors Atlantic Salt Company, Ronald L. Oswald, Betsy & Thomas A. Whidden, and William H. White; Dinner Journal Sponsors RADM Joseph Callo, USN (Ret.) and CAPT Sally McElwreath Callo, USN (Ret.); and Take Home Favor Sponsors VADM Al Konetzni, USN (Ret.) and Missy Konetzni and CAPT James A. Noone, USN (Ret.) and Alice Noone.