This week, I had the distinct honor and privilege of presenting Coast Guard public service awards to the brave members of Georgia’s maritime community who heroically stepped in to save lives, protect the environment, and maintain operations at the Port of Brunswick following the capsizing of the Golden Ray in 2019.
The fact that there were no casualties is nothing short of a miracle. In what would eventually become the largest shipwreck removal in history, the 656 foot vessel was carrying over 4,000 cars as it left the Port of Brunswick on September 8, 2019. While in the St. Simon Sound, later determined to be caused by unstable loading, Capt. Jonathan Tennant felt the ship roll and knew he had just moments to act.
Because of Capt. Tennant’s calm, steady leadership during a time of crisis, he was able to steer the ship out of the channel, preventing it from blocking all traffic in and out of the Port of Brunswick, and get all 19 of his crew members to safety.
I say this all the time, I’d rather be lucky than good, and in this case Capt. Tennant was both. Had the ship capsized in deeper waters, there would not have been any witnesses and rescue efforts would have been significantly more difficult, if not impossible.
Unfortunately, it would be another 36 hours before the final crew members were rescued, due to their location and a fire that started onboard, but first responders did not give up.
Two years later, the ship was officially salvaged, and this week the men and women were finally properly honored for their role in avoiding further catastrophe. Two types of awards were presented: the Meritorious Public Service Award and the Public Service Commendation. The Coast Guard maintains several civilian Public Service Awards to recognize private citizens, groups, or organizations for helping the Coast Guard carry out its missions.
The Public Service Commendation is intended to recognize personal and beneficial contributions to the Coast Guard's responsibilities. Recipients of a public service commendation are recognized for having accomplished one or more of the following: courage or initiative in advancing one or more Coast Guard missions and beneficial contribution in one mission area or a limited geographical area.
The Meritorious Public Service Award, the second-highest public service award the Coast Guard may bestow, is given to recognize those who have accomplished one or more of the following: unusual courage in advancing a Coast Guard mission, substantial contribution to the Coast Guard that produced tangible results and specific individual accomplishments that provide unique benefits to the public.
Presented the Coast Guard Public Service Commendation were: - Captain Benjamin B. Brooks, Moran Towing
- Corporal Jonny “Jay” Bright, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- Sergeant Mark Carson, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- Connor Deaton, Moran Towing
- Skyler D. Dionne, Moran Towing
- Captain Jerry Donnelly, Moran Towing
- David Fuller, Moran Towing
- Captain, Clifton C. Gorden, Moran Towing
- Zachary Griffis, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- Brett H. Hannon, Moran Towing
- Steven C. Lee, Moran Towing
- Captain Clint Price, Moran Towing
- Christopher Russom, Moran Towing
- Thomas “Colte” Shaske, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- James Stoddard, Moran Towing
- Daniel Underwood, Moran Towing
- Trenton Underwood, Moran Towing
- Ricky W. Williams, Moran Towing
Captain Jonathan K. Tennant was presented the Meritorious Public Service Award for his sound decision making and decisive actions during the incident.
Thank you, each and every one of you, for your heroism, public service, and courageousness. Georgia’s First Congressional District is better because of it. |
Carter with Coast Guard Public Service Award recipients |
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're discussing a Chinese Communist Party-owned app that has more influence over our children than you may realize. |
Monday, November 27, 2023: Last weekend, during interviews with Fox News and WTOC-TV in Savannah, I had the opportunity to pay tribute to former First Lady Rosalynn Carter who passed at the age of 96. The Plains, Georgia native was an active first lady and a true trailblazer for many issues, including mental health issues.
On Monday of last week, I traveled to Benedictine Military School in Savannah where I met with this year’s nominees to the U.S. Service Academies and their families. We were honored to have a former nominee of our office and current West Point Cadet, Dylan Overbey from Richmond Hill in Bryan County, with us at the meet and greet and he was able to answer questions for the nominees.
Later in the afternoon, along with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia Executive Director Mary Jane Crouch, I visited their new facility currently under construction on Chatham Parkway in Savannah. This outstanding facility will enable Second Harvest to serve even more people in the future. I also had a Fox News radio interview where we discussed a recent letter to TikTok I co-authored along with Energy and Commerce (E&C) Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA) protesting their pro-Hamas and antisemitic content. On Thanksgiving Day, I had a live interview on Fox News to discuss the TikTok letter.
This morning, I’m at the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick where I participate in a ceremony sponsored by the Coast Guard’s Seventh District honoring members of the maritime community involved in the rescue and response of the Golden Ray that capsized on September 9, 2019. Among those receiving the Coast Guard Public Service Award today are Moran Towing, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Brunswick Pilots. Captain Jonathan “JT” Tennant with the Brunswick Pilots was presented with the Meritorious Public Service Award. Later, I have a conference call with our Mark Sobol as part of the Congressional Excellence Program. |
Carter delivers awards for Golden Ray Response |
Tuesday, November 28, 2023: After an early morning radio interview with my good friend John Fredericks where we discuss news of the day, I head to the airport for my return trip to Washington.
Once back on Capitol Hill, I have a call with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr to preview our upcoming hearing this week in the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Communications and Technology (C&T) Subcommittee before having a live radio interview on Wilkow Majority to discuss my letter to TikTok concerning their antisemitic and pro-Hamas content.
Next, I have a meeting with our scheduling staff to preview the upcoming week before heading to a meeting with the E&C C&T Subcommittee staff. Once back in our office, I meet with Dutch Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar as we discuss the situation in Europe and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
After a meeting with our legislative team, I meet with our communications team before meeting with senior staff to discuss a situation involving two of our major hospitals in the district. Next, I head to our weekly Whip Team meeting before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week. Afterwards, we swear in our newest member of the House, Celeste Maloy (R-UT), and I remain in the Chamber and pay tribute to Ariel Brown from Savannah who has recently received the First Tee National Teacher of the Year award. |
Carter meets with Dutch Ambassador |
Wednesday, November 29, 2023: I’m up early this morning and live on CSPAN for an interview where we discuss appropriations and supplemental funding for Ukraine and Israel. Afterwards, I head to our weekly GOP Conference before heading to an E&C Environment and Manufacturing Subcommittee hearing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Next, I head to an E&C Health Subcommittee hearing on artificial intelligence (AI) before heading to the Dirksen office building on the Senate side of the Capitol for a meeting of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Committee.
Once back on the House side, I head to a Budget Committee hearing on creating a fiscal commission before stopping by the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes where I sign Christmas cards for our troops. Next, I am honored to speak at the Romanian Madrigal Choir performance with Ambassador Andrei Muraru in the Cannon Caucus Room.
After returning to our office, I meet with the VP of Virology Research with Gilead Sciences before heading to the House Chamber for our only vote series of the day. Next, I meet with the Water Coalition Against PFAS in our office before meeting with the Estonian Parliament delegation. As I head back to the House Chamber where I speak on H. R. 5283, Protecting Our Communities from Failure to Secure our Southern Border Act, I walk and talk with former FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly.
Once back in our office, I have a series of virtual meetings including with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Hugo Boss Fashions, the Citizens Climate Lobby, and the Climate Reality Project before having a call with FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez followed by a call with FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. Later, I head to the German Embassy where I meet with the German Ambassador to discuss issues in Europe. |
Carter speaks on US-Romania relationship |
Thursday, November 30, 2023: I’m up early again this morning as I have a live interview with Newsmax to discuss the situation with TikTok before heading to an E&C member meeting.
Next, I head to a GOP member policy conference where we discuss supplemental funding options before heading to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Conner Daniel from Bryan County for his FITSAC sporting successes, National Homelessness Month, and Bill Miltiades from Savannah who recently passed.
Afterwards, I head to an E&C C&T hearing with members of the FCC before meeting with my good friend Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) to discuss the Conservative Climate Caucus.
After heading to an E&C Oversight and Investigations (O&I) Subcommittee hearing with newly appointed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, I head to the House Chamber where I speak on the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act.
Once back in our office, I meet with representatives from the U. S. Postal Service followed by a meeting with former U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss to discuss European issues. Next, I head back to the House Chamber for our only vote series of the day and remain in the Chamber afterwards to pay tribute to the longest-serving Sherriff in Georgia, Houston County Sherriff Cullen Talton. |
Carter meets with Prime Minister Liz Truss |
Friday, December 1, 2023: After a virtual meeting with the bipartisan fiscal forum to discuss Social Security reform, I head to a GOP member policy meeting to discuss an impeachment inquiry before joining in on an all staff conference call.
Next, I head to the House Chamber for our final vote series of the week where a resolution to expel Rep. George Santos (R-NY) passes. Afterwards, I pay tribute to Lou Reed, the newly appointed Fire Chief in Rincon in Effingham County before heading to the House Recording studio where I record this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing and Tech Talk.
After a flight back home, I have a virtual interview with WJXT TV in Jacksonville to discuss the expulsion vote of Rep. George Santos in the House earlier today. |
Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House of Representatives. |
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