The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families across the country, is hosting its annual New York Salutes the Coast Guard event on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers (Pier 61), New York City. The annual event will recognize the heroism and service of Coast Guard members across the Northeast and honor distinguished maritime leadership.
This year, the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Chadwick will receive a special Coast Guard Foundation award for mission excellence for an August 11, 2024 rescue of six mariners from the fishing vessel Three Girls after it caught fire in rough seas 120 nautical miles east of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
The Foundation will also honor Dr. James S.C. Chao, Founder and Chair of the Foremost Group, the American shipping company headquartered in New York for being an industry leader in incorporating fuel-efficient designs and non-fossil fuel technologies in its fleet of modern, eco-friendly ships; lifting the standards of seamanship to enhance safety on the seas; and supporting access to education. Dr. Chao will be joined by family and friends for what promises to be a meaningful and inspirational evening.
Upon learning of this award, Dr. Chao said: “On behalf of Foremost Group and my hardworking colleagues, it is an honor to be recognized by the Coast Guard Foundation whose support of the work of the U. S. Coast Guard is aligned with our firm’s motto of: Honor. Integrity. Performance.”
“Our New York City event is one of the Foundation’s most cherished traditions,” said Susan Ludwig, president of the Coast Guard Foundation. “We are proud to celebrate the extraordinary bravery of the William Chadwick crew and to honor Dr. Chao’s remarkable contributions to the maritime industry and to education. Together, their stories remind us why we gather each year to support the men and women of the Coast Guard.”
Since 1983, New York Salutes the Coast Guard has brought together industry leaders, government officials, and Coast Guard members to celebrate the service’s missions. Among those scheduled to attend this year are:
- Adm. Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard
- Rear Adm. Michael Platt, commander of Coast Guard operations in the Northeast
- Capt. Jonathan Andrechik, Captain of the Port of New York/New Jersey
- Local Coast Guard personnel
The event will highlight the lifesaving work of Coast Guard members and the Foundation’s mission to support them and their families.
Event details:
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025
- Time: Reception at 6:00 p.m.; followed by dinner and program at 7:00 p.m.
- Location: The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers (Pier 61), New York City
- Dress: Cocktail or business attire