Coast Guard Station Sabine and MPC Honored at Maritime Gala

The Texas Salutes the Coast Guard dinner was attended by Coast Guard members, maritime and industry leaders, and supporters of the Coast Guard.

The sun had yet to rise on Friday, March 31, 2023, when Coast Guard Station Sabine sounded the alarm. The Sea Cypress, a tugboat out on the Sabine River, was starting to sink. What unfolded next was nothing less than heroic and Herculean for Petty Officer 2nd Class Chad Rollins and the crew of the station’s response boat. Watch the video above for the inspiring story.

The keynote speaker was Coast Guard Vice Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday who spoke of increased national security challenges the service will face and the importance of the Coast Guard Foundation’s support. Immediately after his remarks, Lunday and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Heath Jones brought the audience to cheers and tears by meritoriously advancing Petty Officer 2nd Class Chad Rollins to first class petty officer for his bravery.

The Foundation also honored Marathon Petroleum Corporation for their industry leadership, commitment to safety, and support of local communities. In addition to providing vital energy services, MPC operates vessels and marine terminals on the U.S. East, Gulf, and West Coasts. Its maritime operations have been repeatedly recognized for safety and innovation. For example in 2022, the Coast Guard awarded MPC with its tenth Rear Admiral William M. Benkert Marine Environmental Protection Award for Excellence. MPC has supported the Coast Guard Foundation for more than 25 years. MPC is also active with many organizations through a wide range of charitable and educational endeavors.

The Coast Guard Foundation would like to thank dinner sponsor Kirby Corporation and major sponsors Cheniere, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Excelerate Energy, ExxonMobil, Talos Energy, and Transocean for their generous support. The Foundation is also grateful to all who sponsored and attended the event, which helped raise more than $800,000 for programs that support Coast Guard members and families. 

Title Image: Petty Officer Second Class Chad Rollins and Chief Petty Officer Kalum Riedesel (center) accept the 2024 Texas Salutes the Coast Guard Award on behalf of Station Sabine for the rescue of four mariners from a capsized tugboat in March 2023.