The maritime industry's most prestigious honors were awarded at a gala industry dinner and dance at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers. John Bowers, Chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and President Emeritus of the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO, said:
"We have an impressive group of honorees this year," said Mr. Bowers. "Jim
Capo has been a friend and colleague across the negotiating table for many years and his leadership skills command respect by all who know him."
Mr. Bowers continued: "As a founder of Saltchuk, Mr. Garvey has helped to build one of America's leading maritime shipping organizations, including Totem Ocean Trailer Express and Sea Star Line, that continues to employ many US seafarers. General Schwartz has led USTRANSCOM through a difficult time with amazing operational results and he deserves a very special recognition."
All proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the US merchant marine and those of other free world countries. The recipients will share the evening with a group of American seafarers who were honored for specific acts of bravery at sea.
Since the formation of the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) in 1996, Mr. Capo has served as a lead negotiator on behalf of management interests during coast-wide Master Contract negotiations with US maritime labor unions and as chief negotiator of the current six-year Master Contract. Prior to his role as Chairman/CEO, Mr. Capo served as President.
As a formal alliance of carriers, stevedores and port associations in the East Coast and Gulf Coast regions, USMX's mission is to preserve and protect the interests of the management groups in labor relations issues concerning containerization and automation in the longshore and related maritime fields. Mr. Capo has led this mission in a determined yet balanced manner that has earned him respect from the entire industry.
Since founding Saltchuk in 1982, Mr. Garvey has helped grow the organization's family of businesses to over 20 independent operating companies. These include Sea Star Line, Totem Ocean Trailer Express, American Shipping Group, Interocean American Shipping, Foss Maritime Company and American Cargo Transport. Through his leadership, Mr. Garvey has helped to foster the Saltchuk mission to create a work environment where people would want their families to work.
In addition to being a founding partner and chairman of Saltchuk, Mr. Garvey is a founding partner of Garvey, Schubert & Barer, a multi-service law firm with offices in Seattle, Washington, DC, Portland, Oregon and New York. He has served on numerous boards, including Ste. Michelle Vintners, K-2 Ski Company, the Commerce Bank of Washington and the UK P&I Club. In addition, his public service includes the Foundation Board of the University of Washington, Zion Preparatory Academy Foundation and PeaceHealth. Mr. Garvey holds degrees in mathematics and law from the University of Washington.
As Commander of USTRANSCOM, General Schwartz oversaw the single management organization for global air, land and sea transportation for the entire US Department of Defense. He leads an organization with $10 billion in annual revenue, 100+ ships, several hundred aircraft, ocean terminal operators, and manages programs providing access to the entire commercial transportation industry for additional capability. He is a strong supporter of the US Merchant Marine, promoting and championing the programs that ensure jobs for mariners, retention of a strong and viable US Flag fleet, and the Maritime Security Program.
General Schwartz attended the US Air Force
