Captain Michael Zarycki receives the United States Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal from MARAD Deputy Administrator Mark Johnson.
American Maritime Officers member Captain Michael Zarycki received one of the highest honors a merchant mariner can receive when the U.S. Maritime Administration awarded the Maersk Yorktown master with the United States Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal on Monday.
Zarycki was honored for his exemplary leadership in support of Operation Epic Fury – proving once again the dedication and value of the U.S. Merchant Marine in peace and in war.
As a military conflict over control of the Straits of Hormuz broke out with Iran in February, the Maersk Yorktown quickly pivoted from its commercial assignment in the Middle East to answering the call of MARAD as part of the Maritime Security Program, a fleet of commercial vessels that can be called upon by the Department of War for military use.
And for two months, Maersk Yorktown ferried important military assets and cargo within the region, oftentimes under threat of enemy fire in an active contested area. Under Zarzycki’s leadership in conjunction with Department of War objectives, Maersk Yorktown was able to successfully complete missions assigned to it and ensure the entire crew returned home safely.
Captain Zarzycki is congratulated by AMO National Vice President, Government Relations, Christian Spain.
Honored guests who witnessed Captain Zarzycki receive his citation included Maersk Line Limited President and CEO Patrick McCaffery and Maersk Chief Operating Officer Ed Hanley.