FREEDOM OF THE SEAS
Freedom of the Seas 2022
Protecting and Defending our Oceans
Freedom of the Seas Awards
October 22, 2022
6:00pm
In Honor of the Battle of Leyte Gulf
The Freedom of the Seas Awards is the premiere annual event of the National Museum of the Surface Navy and the Battleship IOWA. The event is held in honor of the Battle of Leyte Gulf anniversary, the largest naval battle of World War II and in the history of the world. Freedom of the Seas Awards is held aboard the iconic Battleship IOWA, a Leyte Gulf veteran, at the Port of Los Angeles and includes a delicious meal prepared by local award-winning chefs. The Awards honor those that embody the core principles of Americas Surface Navy to protect and defend our oceans for the benefit of the free world. Invited and attending guests include top leaders from the fields of education, veterans, community, industry, government, and military.
ATTENDEES AND INVITED GUESTS INCLUDE:
- Leadership and representatives from military, government, maritime, and industry.
- Leadership and representatives from education, veterans, community, and youth.
- Media and influencers.
AWARDS
Freedom of the Seas Award
The Freedom of the Seas Award goes to an accomplished individual who embodies the core principles of America’s Surface Navy to protect and defend our oceans for the benefit of the free world.
2022 Recipient: US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack
2021 Recipient: Ambassador (Ret.) Robert C. O’Brien
VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Leadership Award
Presented by Lockheed Martin Corporation
The VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Award recognizes leaders who exemplify the trailblazing, courageous service of the late U.S. Surface Navy Vice Admiral.
Previous Recipients:
2022: Rear Admiral Sinclair Harris, USN (Ret.)
2021: Admiral Michelle Howard, USN (Ret.)
2019: Vice Admiral Walter Davis, USN (Ret.)
2018: Maj. Gen. Peter Gravett, USA (Ret.)
2017: Antwone Fisher
2016: Noel Massie
2015: Yvette Chappell-Ingram
2014: Dr. Wanda Austin
Gravely Essay Contest
Presented by Collier Walsh Nakazawa, LLC
Eligible eleventh grade high school students are invited to participate in a scholarship essay contest as a part of The Battleship IOWA Museum’s celebration of Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., a “Man of Many Firsts,” in observance of Black History month. Winners will receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $2000 dollars.
Humanitarian Service Award
This award recognizes those that exemplify the fearless bravery and tenacity necessary to sail through troubled waters to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as a core principle of America’s Surface Navy.
2022 Recipient: Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Director Jim Zenner
2021 Recipient: Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
Commerce and Communications Award
Presented by UPS
This award recognizes leaders in commercial shipping and communications that embody a core principle of the Surface Navy in utilizing the ocean for the benefit of the free world.
2022 Recipient: California Trucking Association
2021 Recipient: UPS
2022 Freedom of the Seas Award Recipients
Freedom of the Seas Award
United States Secretary of Agriculture
Tom Vilsack
VADM Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Award
United States Navy Rear Admiral (Ret.)
Sinclair Harris
Humanitarian Service
Los Angeles County Military and Veteran Affairs Director
Jim Zenner
Commerce & Communications
Eric Sauer on behalf of
California Trucking Association
2022 Freedom of the Seas Award Review
A quick review of the 2022 Freedom of the Seas awards gala.
Video by by Arturo Garcia-Ayala, director of photography and Fabiola Esqueda, cinematographer.
PHOTOS FROM 2022 FREEDOM OF THE SEAS AWARDS
Photos credited to Arturo Garcia-Ayala.
PHOTOS FROM 2021 FREEDOM OF THE SEAS AWARDS
Photos credited to Rick Stipa, Battleship IOWA Crewmember.
Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors
AWARD SPONSORS
VADM Samuel L Gravely, Jr. Award
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Gravely Essay Contest
Collier Walsh Nakazawa, LLC
Commerce And Communications Award
UPS
HOST COMMITTEE
Lockheed Martin Corporation
CAPT Rick Easton, USN (Ret.)
Admiral Arleigh Burke Foundation
CAPT Bill Erickson, USN (Ret.)
Surface Navy Association
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Europa Village Wineries
Fincantieri Marinette Marine
YOUR MUSEUM
This museum is a community effort that will require all hands (civilians and veterans) on deck.
How can you help?
- Sign up to be a Plank Owner.
- Contribute (cash, in-kind, stock, real estate, planned giving, etc.)
- Become a volunteer.
- Spread the word.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
- Have an idea? Let us know!
WANT TO RECEIVE UPDATES?
All you need to do is become a Plank Owner for FREE and receive the following benefits:
- Regular e-updates on the museum.
- Memorialize your service or a loved one's in our Quarterdeck of Honor.
- A commemorative Plank Owner certificate customized with your name.
- Donate and receive even more!
ADDRESS / PHONE
Pacific Battleship Center dba
National Museum of the Surface Navy
250 S. Harbor Blvd.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: 877-446-9261 ext. 747
Pacific Battleship Center is a highly rated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, CA. Currently the organization operated the Battleship IOWA Museum as a top 5 attraction in Los Angeles. More information at https://surfacenavymuseum.org/about-us/.