The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) announced that Massport Maritime Security was the recipient of the Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award for Maritime Security at a ceremony at the Logan Office Center.  The award, presented by Cpt. John O’Connor, Captain of the Port of Boston, is a bi-annual award that serves to recognize organizations that demonstrate outstanding achievements and contributions related to implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act and other maritime security best practices in safeguarding our nation’s maritime transportation system. Captain O’Connor was joined by Commander David O’Connell and MSTC Mark Henricksen of the U.S. Coast Guard to present the award to Joseph Lawless, Director of Maritime Security at Massport.  Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn and Port Director Deborah Hadden were also present at the ceremony. “Safety and security are our top priorities at the Port of Boston, and so I am pleased to see our preparation, hard work, and collaboration receive national recognition from the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Port Director Deborah A. Hadden. “As volumes continue to rise and bigger ships continue to call Boston, we will continue to work with all of our partners to make sure the Port is even safer and a great place to do business.”    The award is given in honor of Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis, an outstanding Coast Guard leader who embodied the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty and demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the security of the United States and the marine transportation system. "I am pleased to recognize Massport on their commitment to maritime security in the Port of Boston,” said Captain O'Connor. “They are a great port partner and are well-deserving of this coveted award.” The Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award seeks to increase public awareness and stress the importance of protecting the marine transportation system. The intent is to recognize and encourage organizations that establish and foster a comprehensive culture of security throughout their workforce. The award highlights exceptional security programs and organizations that lead their community and industry in promoting the maritime security practices necessary to safeguard our nation’s marine transportation system. Massport Maritime Security was chosen to receive this award in recognition of its significant contribution to the security of our nations’ maritime gateways.  Massport Maritime Security was selected from over twenty port authorities from around the country who were evaluated by the national U. S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Committee.