The following was excerpted from a United Seamen’s Service press release. Brother Tellez is the Seafarers International Union representative on MTD’s Executive Board:
NEW YORK, August 6, 2024 — The United Seamen’s Service (USS) announces the 55th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards will be presented to Tim Nolan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the TOTE Group, Augustin “Augie” Tellez, Executive Vice President of the Seafarers International Union (SIU) and Daniel J. Thorogood, Chief Executive Officer of Fairwater.
A Special AOTOS Recognition Plaque will be presented to ILWU Local 142 and Hawaii Longshore Division for their response to Maui being hit by a catastrophic wildfire that spread throughout the Community of Lahaina in August 2023.
The traditional silver statuette of Christopher Columbus – the first Admiral of the Ocean Sea – will be presented at a gala dinner and dance on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. American seafarers will also be recognized for heroism and bravery during the event.
For more than 50 years, USS has presented the AOTOS Award, widely regarded as the most prestigious accolade in the maritime sector, to individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of seafarers and the U.S. maritime industry.
LTG Kenneth R. Wykle, USA, (Ret.), USS AOTOS Committee Chairman, noted, “We are proud to announce our three very deserving AOTOS Award honorees, all of whom have made significant contributions to the maritime industry. As the leader of TOTE, Tim Nolan is playing a critical role in the Jones Act trade with TOTE Maritime Alaska and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico. For nearly 50 years, Augie Tellez has been an active leader with SIU and has been dedicated to protecting the well-being of seafarers throughout his entire career. Dan Thorogood is committed to ensuring Fairwater operates at the highest standards and prioritizes safety for seafarers, employees, cargo and the environment. These industry leaders have shown an unwavering commitment to advancing the maritime industry and protecting our seafarers’ best interests.”
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Augustin “Augie” Tellez, Executive Vice President of the Seafarers International Union (SIU), has dedicated his entire career to ensuring the well-being of SIU members and to the preservation and growth of the U.S.-flag maritime industry. His collaborative approach was critical during the height of the pandemic when all segments of the American maritime community worked together during unprecedented circumstances. He remains a valuable, insightful liaison with SIU’s colleagues within government, the armed forces, management and other maritime labor unions.
Mr. Tellez has worked his way up the ranks to his current position, to which he was elected in 2005 and has subsequently been re-elected multiple times. He joined the SIU in 1975 after graduating from the entry program at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He has been involved in many facets of the SIU during his nearly 50-year career, including contract implementation, education and training and collective bargaining to secure benefits for SIU members.
Mr. Tellez has participated on many committees that have focused on the seafarer’s well-being. He has spearheaded initiatives across multiple aspects of the industry, including shipboard safety, leading to innovative safety programs at Paul Hall Center as well as training, which led to the Coast Guard-accepted training document designed to help facilitate compliance with complex international maritime regulations. Mr. Tellez’s commitment to the prosperity of the SIU members has been demonstrated throughout his nearly five-decade career.
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The ILWU Local 142 and Hawaii Longshore Division is recognized for their response in August 2023 as Maui was hit by a catastrophic wildfire that spread throughout the Community of Lahaina. The ILWU upheld its tradition of answering our nation’s call on the days following this tragedy. America’s ILWU workers responded with life-saving supplies and humanitarian support that helped save lives and restore hope and dignity to the stricken population.
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 members overseas. For AOTOS 2024, David W. Heindel, President of the Seafarers International Union, will serve as Dinner Chairman. F. Anthony Naccarato of American Maritime Officers Service and Joseph J. Cox, Cox Maritime LLC will be serving as National Committee Co-Chairmen. USS is led by President Edward R. Morgan and Executive Director Roger T. Korner.
For inquiries regarding the gala, tickets, and advertising in the journal, please reach out to the USS AOTOS Coordinators Lisa Aurichio or June Chin at aotos@bsya.com or (732) 817-0400. To directly contact USS, kindly call (201) 369-1100.