The following is an excerpt from a press release issued by the United Seamen’s Service on August 12.
The United Seamen’s Service (USS) proudly announces that the 56th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards will honor three champions of American maritime: Captain Willie Barrere, National President of American Maritime Officers; Edward F. Hanley, Chief Operating Officer of Maersk Line, Limited and Vincent J. Marino, Chief Executive Officer of CMC-ITI-CCS.
A Special Recognition plaque will be presented to Edward R. Morgan in honor of his extraordinary leadership as President of USS. Serving in this role for more than 20 years, Mr. Morgan helped guide the organization with steady vision and deep commitment, ensuring that seafarers and their families received the vital support and services they depend on. The plaque will be presented by F. Anthony Naccarato, the newly elected President of USS. With more than 56 years of experience in both maritime management and labor, including a distinguished tenure at Crowley Maritime Corp., Mr. Naccarato also serves as President of American Maritime Officers Services. He brings deep industry insight and unwavering dedication to continuing the legacy of service that Mr. Morgan helped build.
The coveted AOTOS Award, represented by the iconic silver Columbus statuette, will be presented at a black-tie gala on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. The evening will also include tributes to American seafarers honored for acts of heroism and bravery, reinforcing the core mission of USS: uplifting those who serve at sea.
For more than half a century, the AOTOS Award has recognized individuals whose leadership, integrity, and vision have advanced the U.S. maritime industry while upholding the welfare of the American seafaring workforce. This year’s honorees reflect those values and more, standing as tireless advocates for safety, progress, labor, and the strength of the American-flag fleet.
“These are leaders who never forgot where they came from. They have built trust with crews, strengthened labor partnerships, and fought to keep the American maritime workforce resilient, respected, and ready. Their unwavering dedication to seafarers and to the values that define our industry makes them ideal recipients of this prestigious award,” said LTG Kenneth R. Wykle, USA, (Ret.), Chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee. “We are proud to honor Ed Morgan, whose integrity, honor, and dedication made him a trusted steward of USS’s mission, leading with purpose, advancing seafarer welfare, and strengthening the organization’s service to the maritime community.”
Captain Willie Barrere, National President, American Maritime Officers
Captain Willie Barrere is a mariner’s mariner – an accomplished captain, seasoned union leader, and steadfast champion of U.S. maritime labor. A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, he spent 27 years at sea, many as captain aboard Crowley and Maersk vessels, before bringing his deep-sea experience ashore to lead with the same discipline, resolve, and purpose that defined his time on the water.
Since taking the helm of American Maritime Officers, Captain Barrere has emerged as a formidable negotiator and unapologetic advocate for his members. He has led from the front, securing stronger wages, better benefits, and building critical recruitment pipelines. His leadership has delivered tangible wins, including new tonnage, expanded contract fleets, and safeguarded jobs for U.S. officers in a volatile industry climate. He brings persistence, clarity, and strategic insight to every negotiation, fighting not just to maintain ground, but to advance it.
Respected for his steady leadership and commanding presence at the table, Captain Barrere is known for getting results. He combines credibility with conviction, navigating complex challenges with calm determination and an unshakable focus on those he represents. Whether leading a ship or shaping the future of maritime labor, his compass remains fixed: To serve, to strengthen, and to secure the future for American mariners.
Proceeds from AOTOS benefit USS’s global network of seafarer support services, which provide aid and facilities to American mariners, allied crews, and U.S. military personnel overseas.
David W. Heindel, President of the Seafarers International Union, will serve as Dinner Chairman, with F. Anthony Naccarato of American Maritime Officers Service and Joseph J. Cox of Cox Maritime LLC as National Committee Co-Chairmen. USS is led by President F. Anthony Naccarato and Executive Director Roger T. Korner.