Coast Guard Members, Bollinger CEO Ben Bordelon Celebrated

Friday evening’s event at the World War II Museum in New Orleans highlighted America’s Coast Guard and its maritime, energy and shipbuilding industries.

by Ron LaBrec

March 17, 2025

The Coast Guard Foundation hosted its annual Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District in New Orleans on March 14. Attendees included prominent Coast Guard leaders, industry partners, and community supporters who gathered to celebrate the bravery and commitment of Coast Guard members stationed throughout the Gulf Coast and the Heartland.

Coast Guard Foundation Chairman Tom Allegretti presents Bollinger Shipyards President & CEO Ben Bordelon with the Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District Dinner Award at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans on March 14, 2025.

The Foundation also honored Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, for his significant contributions to the maritime and local communities and unwavering support of the Coast Guard's mission. One of the Foundation's strongest supporters, Bollinger Shipyards has contributed nearly $2 million to Foundation events and programs over more than three decades of support

Coast Guard Station Dauphin Island was recognized as well for a rescue of five men whose recreational fishing boat capsized in rough weather on May 25, 2024.

Coast Guard members and supporters attend the Coast Guard Foundation's Tribute to the Eighth Coast District Dinner on March 14, 2025.

Event Program and Sponsors

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Proceeds from the event support Coast Guard Foundation initiatives nationwide including scholarships, morale and wellness programs, and disaster relief for Coast Guard members and their families. The Foundation is thankful to all those who sponsored and attended the event. Special thank you to dinner sponsor Bollinger Shipyards and reception sponsors Birdon, Cheniere Energy, and Hornbeck Offshore for their significant support.

Title Image: Senior Chief Petty Officer James Johnson, Officer-in-Charge of Station Dauphin Island, Alabama, speaks to attendees of the Coast Guard Foundation's Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District in New Orleans on March 14, 2025.

Coast Guard members and supporters attend the Coast Guard Foundation's Tribute to the Eighth Coast District Dinner on March 14,2025.

by Ron LaBrec

Featured Partner

Bollinger Shipyards has been the dinner sponsor of the Coast Guard Foundation's Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District for many years. Bollinger Shipyards builds the Coast Guard's Fast Response Cutters and is currently building the Polar Security Cutter, a heavy icebreaker that will conduct Coast Guard missions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Featured Partner

Birdon America is an established and trusted partner of the United States Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, currently delivering on major projects for the U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S Navy. Birdon America supports the Coast Guard Foundation's Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District and Salute to the Coast Guard in our Nation's Capital events.

Featured Partner

Cheniere Energy is a full-service global provider of clean, secure, and affordable LNG. Cheniere supports the Coast Guard Foundation across an array of events and programs.

Featured Partner

Hornbeck Offshore is a leading provider of marine transportation services to exploration and production, oilfield service, offshore construction and military customers. A valued and enduring partner, Hornbeck Offshore has supported many Coast Guard Foundation programs and events for more than a quarter of a century.