NORFOLK, Va. – Awards for heroic rescues at sea will be bestowed on ship captains and crews and U.S. Coast Guard active duty, civilian and Auxiliary members at an Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., Tuesday, Jan. 13.
The Honorable Peter DeFazio, AFRAS Chairman and former Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, will welcome U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin E. Lunday and other guests.
One U.S. Coast Guard enlisted member, one U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist, one U.S. Coast Guard civilian, a team of U.S. Coast Guard active duty and civilian personnel, the captain and crews from a cruise ship and the captain and crew of a U.S. maritime academy training ship comprise the 2026 class of this AFRAS event. The event will take place at the Rayburn House Office Building. Rescues being recognized occurred during calendar year 2024, and span from off the New Jersey coast, near Bermuda and off Texas. Read more about the actions of these maritime heroes.
AFRAS helps protect mariners from the perils of the sea by providing monetary and in-kind donations to world volunteer maritime search and rescue organizations. The charity also recognizes and honors extraordinary maritime rescues through its awards program and annual ceremony. AFRAS is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity. Visit AFRAS online to learn more about the organization, or to make a charitable donation.
AFRAS’ 2026 Capitol Hill Gold Medal Ceremony is sponsored by generous contributions from:
Gold Level Sponsor
Silver Level Sponsors
Bronze Level Sponsors
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