The Coast Guard Foundation honored the Coast Guard’s response to Hurricanes Fiona and Ian at its annual South Florida event on April 28. The Tribute to the Seventh Coast Guard District, held at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, was attended by Coast Guard members, maritime and defense industry leaders, and supporters of the Coast Guard.

In late September Coast Guard members in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands responded to the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. Shortly thereafter, in less than 7 days following Hurricane Ian’s landfall near Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, Coast Guard members rescued more than 1,000 people and over 100 pets. They also rushed relief supplies and evacuated residents of coastal islands that were cut off after the storm. In the days that followed, Coast Guard members oversaw the remediation of more than 7,500 damaged vessels and pollution incidents from the storm. Crews also repaired more than 250 aids to navigation in navigable waterways and quickly reopened ports vital to local and national commerce.

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the former president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, was also recognized for her leadership in the maritime industry, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and support of the non-profit community. Perlo is transitioning from Celebrity Cruises to parent company Royal Caribbean Group as Vice Chair, External Affairs.

The keynote speaker, Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Steve Poulin, spoke optimistically about the service’s future while also thanking the Foundation and those present for their support of Coast Guard members and families.

The Coast Guard Foundation would like to thank all who sponsored and attended the event, which helped raise more than $320,000 for programs that support Coast Guard members and families.

Title image: A color guard presents the colors to start the Tribute to the Seventh Coast Guard District event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 28, 2023.