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Freedom of the Seas Awards

Join us on October 19, 2024 for the Freedom of the Seas Awards.

Freedom of the Seas Awards and the National Museum of the Surface Navy is a campaign of the Pacific Battleship Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit.

Programs and associated brands.

Freedom of the Seas 2024

 

INSPIRING THE FUTURE

Recognizing the trailblazers inspiring the next generation through service, innovation, and leadership.

October 19, 2024
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.

2023 Recipient: Admiral Philip S. Davidson, USN (Ret.)
202
2 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.

2023 Recipient: Stephanie C. Hill
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.

2023 Recipient: California State Treasurer Fiona Ma
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

Admiral Philip S. Davidson, USN (Ret.)

25th Commander, US Indo-Pacific Command

Stephanie C. Hill

Exec VP Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems

Fiona Ma

Treasurer
State of California

Dr. Gladys West

Developer of Global Positioning System

Freedom of the Seas Award

Admiral Philip S. Davidson, USN (Retired)

25th Commander, US Indo-Pacific Command

VADM Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Award

Stephanie C. Hill

Exec VP Lockheed Martin
Rotary and Mission Systems

Humanitarian Service Award

Fiona Ma

Treasurer
State of California

Innovation & Exploration Award

Dr. Gladys West

Developer of Global Positioning System

2023 Freedom of the Seas Award Review

A quick review of the 2022 Freedom of the Seas awards gala.

2023 FREEDOM OF THE SEAS AWARDS PHOTOS

Photos credited to Arturo Garcia-Ayala

2022 FREEDOM OF THE SEAS AWARDS PHOTOS

Photos credited to Arturo Garcia-Ayala

2021 FREEDOM OF THE SEAS AWARDS PHOTOS

Photos credited to Rick Stipa, Battleship IOWA Crewmember

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors

UNDERWRITING SPONSORS

Interested in becoming an event or table sponsor? Please contact our development team for information on available opportunities.

YOUR MUSEUM

This museum is an effort led by the Pacific Battleship Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit.

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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.

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