Today during a special commission meeting, the Port of Port Angeles Board of Commissioners was presented with the Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award from the United States Coast Guard for the Port’s outstanding achievements and contributions related to the implementation of Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and other maritime security best practices in safeguarding the United States’ maritime transportation system. The Port won the “Facility of the Year” award in the small facility category (49 or fewer employees). Captain Joe Raymond the Sector Commander of the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound presented the award.
“The activities of the Port have significantly contributed to the security of our nation’s maritime gateways…Your selection as winner is a testament to your commitment and the contributions to the security and resiliency of our nation’s Maritime Transportation System,” stated Rear Admiral P.F. Thomas of the United States Coast Guard in the award letter.
The Port’s Operations Supervisor and Facilities Security Officer (FSO), Dan Shea compiled the information and submitted the award application to the Coast Guard in February of 2016. The application highlighted the great strides and improvements the Port has made in the following areas: local government planning and safety synchronization, security training and coordination, security lighting management, surveillance geo-locate methodology, surveillance stabilization and backup system and access control technology upgrades.
“This award is another example of how the Port of Port Angeles and the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal agencies work together in a collaborative way,” stated Port Commissioner Steven Burke. “I am very proud of the Port staff in receiving this award.”
“Safety is of utmost importance to the Port. Whether it is the protection of the public Port assets, Port employees, or the maritime gateway, the Port knows that the first line of defense is to be prepared,” said Port Commissioner Connie Beauvais. “The Port has taken the initiative to improve security at the marine terminals. Since 2008, the Port has received over $1 million in Port Security Grant funds that have helped defray the costs of these projects.