Coast Guard presents Charleston Harbor Pilot with Public Service Award
Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield, commander, Coast Guard Seventh District, pins on a Meritorious Public Service Award ribbon to Christopher Thornton with the Charleston Branch Pilots Association for his commendable actions related to the uncontrolled acceleration of the MSC Michigan VII at the Charleston Branch Pilots Station in Charleston, South Carolina, June 26, 2024. 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. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Dickinson)