Chairman, President and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation

Thomas B. Crowley Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation, was honored with Mystic Seaport’s third annual America and the Sea Award at a gala dinner held at the Rainbow Room in New York City, Wednesday, October 29.

The annual award recognizes an individual or organization whose contributions to the history, arts or sciences of the sea best exemplify the American spirit and character.

“This award honors and celebrates America’s relationship to the sea and the spirit of exploration, adventure, creativity, competition and freedom that inspires us all,” said Mystic Seaport President and Director Douglas Teeson. “Tom Crowley has demonstrated unparalleled professional achievement while guiding Crowley Maritime Corporation into the 21st century. He has expanded upon his father’s and grandfather’s vision, providing both domestic and international patrons with marine transportation services of the highest caliber.”

Crowley began his role as CEO of the family business in 1994 at the age of 27. Under his leadership, the company’s annual revenues have exceeded $1.5 billion and the corporation has become one of the largest United States flag marine transportation companies, the leading container shipping line in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin and the world’s largest tug and barge operator. With corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, FL, the worldwide diversified maritime company has expanded to more than 4,100 employees and operates a fleet numbering more than 210 vessels. Crowley continues to develop the business his grandfather founded in 1892, focusing on the corporation’s expertise on water while also maximizing opportunities for growth in new areas of business.

In fact, the company now has the following lines of business: Puerto Rico/Caribbean Liner Services, Latin America Liner Services, Logistics Services, Petroleum Services, Marine Services and Technical Services. Offered within these operating lines of business are the following services: liner container shipping, logistics, contract towing and transportation; ship assist and escort; energy support; salvage and emergency response; vessel management; vessel construction and naval architecture; government services, and petroleum and chemical transportation, distribution and sales.

Crowley Maritime Corporation’s 116 years of growth and success have facilitated its leadership role within the industry as it relates to corporate social responsibility. In addition to environmental and charitable outreach initiatives, a key area of focus has been education. The company has given tens of thousands of dollars to deserving college students from Alaska to Central America and points in between in the name of Tom’s father, Thomas B. Crowley, Sr., who guided the company to extraordinary heights before passing away in 1994.

In 2002, Crowley established the Crowley Maritime Corporation Scholarship and the Crowley Maritime Corporation Summer Internship, both of which benefit students attending the Williams-Mystic Program at Mystic Seaport who demonstrate superior academic performance and financial need. Each fall, Crowley hosts the Williams-Mystic students onboard one of his ocean-going tugs in San Francisco Bay. Every spring, he provides students with a seminar tour of the Seattle harbor.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author and Historian

On Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at the Rainbow Room, New York City, David McCullough was honored with the second annual America and the Sea Award presented by Mystic Seaport. The award recognizes an individual or organization whose contributions to the history, arts or sciences of the sea best exemplify the American spirit and character. The Award honors and celebrates those who embrace the scholarship, exploration, adventure, aesthetics, competition and freedom the sea inspires.

David McCullough has been widely acclaimed as a “master of the art of narrative history, and a matchless writer.” He is two-time winner of the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. He has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and has received more than 40 honorary degrees. In December 2006, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award.

His books have been praised for their scholarship and vibrant prose providing unique insights into American life and character. Mr. McCullough’s most recent book, 1776, was the number one New York Times national bestseller in both hardcover and paperback, and has been called, “brilliant…powerful, a classic.” His previous work, John Adams, remains one of the most critically acclaimed and widely read American biographies of all time. In March 2008, John Adams will be made into an HBO mini-series, produced by Tom Hanks and starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney as John and Abigail Adams.

Among the guests expected to be on hand to honor McCullough will be Ric Burns, documentary filmmaker. Dr. William M. Fowler, Jr., the distinguished professor of history from Northeastern University will make remarks prior to the presentation of the Award.

Most successful and admired yacht designer of the 20th century

Olin Stephens II was named the first recipient of the America and the Sea Award presented by Mystic Seaport, the nation’s leading maritime museum.

Widely recognized as the most respected, successful and admired yacht designer of the 20th century, Stephens was recognized at a dinner in his honor November 15 at the St. Regis Hotel in New York.

Mystic Seaport Chairman of the Board Bill Forster and Gary Jobson, master of ceremonies at the event, presented the award to Olin Stephens III, who accepted on behalf of his father, who was unable to attend the event.

By creating the Award, Mystic Seaport President and Director Doug Teeson said the Museum recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the maritime world.

“This award honors and celebrates America’s relationship to the sea and the spirit of exploration, adventure, creativity, competition and freedom that inspires us all,” Teeson said. “Olin Stephens embodies unparalleled personal and professional achievement. From America’s Cup boats to the Lightning class, Olin’s boats appeal to many and his scope is international. He has inspired a whole generation of boat designers–proving he is equal part designer and teacher.”

Stephens, who began his design career as an apprentice to Philip Rhodes at 19, joined his brother, Rod, and Drake Sparkman in 1929 to establish Sparkman & Stephens. When Dorade, his first ocean-racing yacht, captured the 1931 Trans-Atlantic Race, Stephens attributed it simply to luck. More so, it was a sign of things to come.

Two-time America’s Cup winners Intrepid and Courageous were designed by Stephens, as were Freedom, Constellation, Columbia, and Ranger, the first America’s Cup yacht developed through model testing in a towing tank.

While Stephens may be best known for his Cup designs, as well as other vessels like Finisterre, Brilliant and Stormy Weather, his Lightning class design has had a significant impact on the world of sailing. The Lightning class is a mainstay of many youth sailing programs. It was also designed as an affordable family day-sailor and racing boat. More than 15,000 have been built, making it one of the most popular and competitive one-design classes in the world. More importantly, the Lightning class changed sailing in the 20th century from a sport for the privileged to a sport available to all.