Bud Darr and Coast Guard Puerto Rico Units Honored in Florida

The Coast Guard Foundation held its Annual Salute to the Coast Guard in Florida on April 17 at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, raising funds for programs to support members and families

by Ron LaBrec

April 20, 2026

The Southern Command color guard kicked off the evening where members from Coast Guard Sector San Juan represented the Sector and Air Station Borinquen, which were recognized for the rescue of a surfer who had been missing for nearly 30 hours. Retired Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Heath Jones delivered the keynote address, where Coast Guard Southeast District Commander Rear Admiral Adam Chamie also provided remarks.

Watch the thrilling story of how a Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH‑60 Jayhawk helicopter crew demonstrated exceptional airmanship, judgment, and operational excellence during the January 9, 2026, rescue of a 68‑year‑old male surfer who had been stranded off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, for nearly 30 hours.

Coast Guard Foundation Chairman Thomas Allegretti presented Bud Darr, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association, with an award for his service to the maritime community and the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard Foundation President Susan Ludwig thanked sponsors and attendees for enabling the Foundation's education, morale, and emergency relief programs, which support thousands of members and their families. Dinner Co-chairs Patrick Collins and Alex Anagnostis-Irons led a volunteer committee that raised more than $541,000 to support the Foundation.

Learn more about the event and sponsors

Dinner Program

Coast Guard members and attendees from the local maritime and business communities enjoyed a social hour, dinner program, and after party at the 30th annual Coast Guard Foundation event in Florida.

The Coast Guard Foundation is grateful to cocktail reception sponsor Carnival Corporation, after party sponsor Total Marine Solutions, and Defender sponsors American Maritime Officers, King Ocean Services, and Port Everglades for their generous sponsorships. The Foundation also thanks all the sponsors and attendees who helped make the evening a success.

by Ron LaBrec

Featured Partner

A long-time support of the Coast Guard Foundation, Carnival Corporation has pioneered innovative vacation experiences for more than a half century. Carnival owns a portfolio of world-class cruise lines and is one of the largest leisure travel companies in the world.

Featured Partner

Total Marine Solutions is a longtime supporter of Coast Guard Foundation programs and tribute events. For more than 20 years Total Marine Solutions has provided the cruise, commercial, offshore, and yacht industries with MARPOL compliant environmental solutions and service.

Featured Partner

Anchor Sponsors generously support our events and programs at leadership levels annually. To learn how to become an annual Anchor Sponsor, contact Sr. Director Jean Brown at jbrown@coastguardfoundation.org.

Anchor Sponsors and Program Partners