The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) presented its latest American
Maritime Hero Award to someone whose name does not immediately conjure
the waterways industry when heard.
Actor Tom Hanks, a member of the Screen Actors Guild, has portrayed
the ship’s captain captured by Somali pirates during their April 2009
attack on the Maersk Alabama in the movie “Captain Phillips,” has
narrated a moving documentary about the efforts of U.S.-flag vessels
large and small in evacuating Manhattan following the terrorist attack
on September 11, 2001, in “Boatlift – An Untold Tale of 9/11
Resilience, and now is appearing on Apple TV+ as a U.S. Navy commander
escorting a merchant convoy across the North Atlantic during World War
II in “Greyhound.”
“Tom Hanks’ work throughout his career reflects a deep respect for
those who serve,” said AMP President Mike Roberts. “This includes
American mariners responding to the 9/11 attacks in New York, dealing
with piracy off the coast of Somalia, and keeping our allies supplied
during World War II.
“We are grateful for his work and his passion in telling the stories
of these unsung maritime heroes,” Roberts added.
AMP is a coalition of hundreds of American maritime unions, shipping
companies and others fighting to preserve and strengthen the U.S.-flag
fleet. Several MTD affiliates are among its members.