Sector Houston-Galveston, ABS honored

Held at the Marriot Marquis Houston on Nov. 8, 2023, the event raised more than $758,000 for Coast Guard Foundation programs that support members and families nationwide.

ABS Chairman and CEO Chris Wiernicki accepted an award on behalf of ABS’s contributions to maritime safety and prosperity and its more than $1 million in support to the Coast Guard Foundation.

"As geopolitical tensions make for more uncertain seas and technology creates a dynamic new risk environment for us all to navigate, the deep understanding and shared sense of mission between ABS and the Coast Guard is only going to become more fundamental to our continued security," said Wiernicki during his comments.

“Success is a team sport. Safety is a shared responsibility and the mantra of our industry, and people are the real heroes. I believe that together, and only together, we can deliver a modern U.S. waterborne transportation system and safer, cleaner seas for all."

Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the Coast Guard, provided the keynote address, where she thanked attendees for supporting Coast Guard Foundation programs.

"Every day our crews do difficult work," said Fagan. "We’re always read to protect, defend, and save the people we serve. But our Coast Guard families serve alongside us. We recruit individuals but we retain families. So the work you do as the Coast Guard Foundation is so critical, not just to supporting our members but to supporting their families as well."

The Coast Guard Foundation would like to thank dinner sponsor, Kirby Corporation, and major sponsors, ABS, Cheniere Energy, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Excelerate Energy for their generosity, as well as the support of all the sponsors and attendees that made the event possible.

Title Picture: Capt. Keith Donohue, commander of Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston, accepts an award on behalf of the sector and partner units. Also pictured are (left to right) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Heath Jones, Coast Guard District Eight Commander Admiral David Barata, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan, Coast Guard Vice Commandant Admiral Steve Poulin, and the Coast Guard Foundation chairman and president, Tom Allegretti and Susan Ludwig.