The United Seamen’s Service (USS) in early October announced the recipients of this year’s Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards. Slated for the honors are George Pasha IV, president of The Pasha Group; Adam Vokac, president of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA); and Mark W. Barker, president of Interlake Steamship Company.
The 54th annual awards dinner (scheduled to take place Dec. 1 in New York) also will recognize mariners who were involved in at-sea rescues, though those honorees hadn’t been selected at press time. Several SIU crews have been nominated by the union.
“For more than half a century, the United Seamen’s Service has annually presented the AOTOS Award, widely regarded as the most prestigious accolade in the maritime sector,” the USS said in a news release. “This award acknowledges exceptional contributions made by individuals and organizations towards the advancement of American seafarers and the United States’ maritime industry.”
Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Wykle, USA (Ret.), who serves as chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee, stated, “We are proud to acknowledge the AOTOS awardees from the American maritime industry. Mark Barker has a strong sailing background in the trans-Atlantic trades and advocates for maritime interests at both state and national levels. George Pasha IV has made significant contributions to the maritime industry, especially in the Hawaii market. Adam Vokac has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a dedication to protecting the rights of merchant mariners during his MEBA career. They are an outstanding group of individuals who represent strength, leadership and commitment to the advancement of the American maritime industry.”
The Pasha Group owns several SIU-crewed vessels operating in the Jones Act trade.
Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine, mariners of all nations, and U.S. government employees and military members overseas.
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