USS AOTOS 2014 Award Winners Named

The United Seamen's Service (USS) informs that 2014 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF); Joseph J. Cox, President/CEO, Chamber of Shipping of America; and Frederick J. Harris, President of  American shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO.

The awards will be presented at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City, on November 7, 2014. Recognition will also be given to American Seafarers for specific acts of bravery and heroism while at sea.

In announcing the recipients, General Kenneth Wykle, USA(ret.), Chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee, said: "This year's recipients represent greatly diverse sectors of the maritime industry. Stephen Cotton oversees a significant labor group whose mission is the well-being and fair treatment of the world's seafarers. Joe Cox is well-regarded in international transportation circles and is greatly involved in safety issues. Fred Harris' company has designed and built innovative tonnage for America's sea-going fleet. We anticipate a good turnout for these three gentlemen."

General Wykle, who is also President of the National Defense Transportation Association, will be presented with an AOTOS Recognition award at this year's event.

The recipients
Stephen Cotton has taken over the duties of General Secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), an international association of more than 700 transportation-related unions from 150 countries. Mr. Cotton had served as the ITF's Maritime Coordinator until he was appointed Acting General Secretary in October 2012.

Joe Cox is president and CEO of CSA which is recognized as the definitive organization representing owners, operators and charterers of U.S. and foreign flag ocean-going vessels, before U.S. and international regulatory, legislative and administrative entities.

Frederick J. Harris became president of General Dynamics NASSCO and a vice president of General Dynamics Corporation on January 1, 2006. For more than four decades, Harris has worked to foster innovation and realize excellence in shipbuilding.
 
AOTOS
Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. merchant marine, seafarers of all nations, and U.S. government and military overseas.

For AOTOS 2014, Michael Sacco, President of the Seafarers International Union, is Dinner Chairman. F. Anthony Naccarato of American Maritime Officers Service and John L. Degurse, Jr., Esquire, USS Legal Counsel, will be serving as National Committee Co-Chairmen.

Edward Morgan is President and Roger Korner is Executive Director of USS. Information about the gala, tickets and advertising journal is available from USS AOTOS Coordinator, Barbara Spector Yeninas at [email protected] or (732) 817-0400 x 16. To contact USS directly, call (201) 369-1100.