|
|
|
Rev. Bill
Fleming Awarded |
|
Coast Guard Certificate of Appreciation Reverend William J. Fleming is awarded the Coast Guard Certificate of Appreciation for his faithful support of merchant mariners from all over the world calling at the Port of Boston. From summer 2002 to present, Reverend Fleming has organized visits to more than 3500 ships to minister to the needs of tens of thousands of mariners through the Seafarer’s Friend organization. Under his leadership, Seafarer’s Friend evolved from a part-time operation with limited reach to a robust waterfront ministry attending to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of foreign vessel crews seven days a week including holidays. Exacting, organized and goal-oriented, Reverend Fleming instituted a visitation tracking system that logged each vessel the ministry reached each year. He effectively leveraged Seafarer’s limited resources and set a goal of serving 85 percent of ship arrivals. Despite increased volatility in the maritime sector following the 9-11 terrorist attacks, Reverend Fleming met and eventually exceeded that goal during a time when his ministry was most sought by international mariners facing the highest security scrutiny in history. Reverend Fleming built tremendous credibility among the shipping industry and regulatory agencies for his balanced approach in advocating for crew members while helping to facilitate employer requirements as well as Coast Guard safety and security regulations. He worked diplomatically to broker a critical agreement between a local oil terminal attempting to block crew member’s access to the facility and the Coast Guard that ensured mariner’s rights to visit the Port without compromising security. Reverend Fleming’s hands-on work with foreign crews has directly contributed to enhancing the maritime safety and security of Boston harbor. His positive spirit, compassion and support have encouraged mariners enduring long voyages and separations from home and loved ones to work more cooperatively with regulatory authorities. After a ship’s master took his own life while the vessel was moored at anchorage, Reverend Fleming was the only person law enforcement agencies allowed on board. He spent an entire week counseling the shaken crew and encouraging them to work with investigators. His efforts enabled them to regain confidence and return order to their operation before setting sail. Reverend Fleming’s enduring support of the Coast Guard has been exemplary. He willingly stepped in as Chaplain for Coast Guard ceremonies on numerous occasions offering inspiring meditations and prayers. His keen understanding of the organization and its mission made him more effective in his service to the mariners subject to Coast Guard oversight. Reverend Fleming’s contributions in the maritime arena will have a lasting impact in the Port of Boston. His sacrifice and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.
|
||
