FREEDOM OF THE SEAS
Freedom of the Seas 2023
INSPIRING THE FUTURE
Recognizing the trailblazers inspiring the next generation through service, innovation, and leadership.
Freedom of the Seas Awards
October 21, 2023
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.
The Freedom of the Seas Awards gala 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 America’s 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
The VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Award recognizes leaders who exemplify the trailblazing, courageous service of the late U.S. Surface Navy Vice Admiral.
2022 Recipient: Rear Admiral Sinclair Harris, USN (Ret.)
2021 Recipient: Admiral Michelle Howard, USN (Ret.)
2019 Recipient: Vice Admiral Walter Davis, USN (Ret.)
2018 Recipient: Maj. Gen. Peter Gravett, USA (Ret.)
2017 Recipient: Antwone Fisher
2016 Recipient: Noel Massie
2015 Recipient: Yvette Chappell-Ingram
2014 Recipient: 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 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.
Innovation And Exploration Award
The Innovation And Exploration Award is presented to an individual who embodies the spirit to propel society beyond its limits, pioneering research and developing technologies that impact the knowledge and capabilities of people around the world.
2023 Recipient: Dr. Gladys West
Humanitarian Service Award
Presented by UPS
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: LA County Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Director Jim Zenner
2021 Recipient: Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
Commerce and Communications Award
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
Interested in becoming an event or table sponsor? Please contact our development team for information on available opportunities.
2023 Freedom of the Seas Award Recipients
Freedom of the Seas Award
VADM Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Award
Humanitarian Service Award
Innovation & Exploration Award
To Be Announced
Stephanie C. Hill
Exec VP Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems
To Be Announced
Dr. Gladys West
Developer of Global Positioning System
Freedom of the Seas Award
To Be Announced
VADM Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Award
To Be Announced
Humanitarian Service Award
To Be Announced
Innovation & Exploration Award
Dr. Gladys West
Developer of Global Positioning System
2022 Freedom of the Seas Award Review
A quick review of the 2022 Freedom of the Seas awards gala.
Video 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 2023 Sponsors
UNDERWRITING SPONSORS
YOUR MUSEUM
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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 operates the Battleship IOWA Museum as a top 5 attraction in Southern California.
Click here for more information.