March 27, 2012
Vice Admiral Brian M. Salerno (CDE 1991), the Deputy Commandant for Operations, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC was awarded the prestigious Halert C. Shepheard Award by the
Chamber of Shipping of America at the CMA Shipping 2012 Delegates Luncheon at the Hilton Hotel in Stamford, CT. Vice Admiral Salerno oversees the strategic integration of operational missions and the optimization of policy development and mission execution consistent with the Services’ national priorities.
The award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional achievements toward merchant marine safety, security or environmental protection; or in recognition of dedication to, or exceptional leadership in activities associated with safety, security or environmental protection over a period of time. The “Swarovski Limited Crystal presented to Vice Admiral Salerno was first awarded in 1975 by the Chamber in honor of Admiral Halert C. Shepheard who contributed greatly throughout his professional life to enhancing maritime safety. Vice Admiral Salerno joins an elite group of eminent maritime professionals to receive this award.
Vice Admiral Salerno was commissioned as an Ensign in December 1976 after attending Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. His assignments have predominantly been within the Coast Guard’s marine safety program. He commanded units in Boston, MA and San Juan, PR, in which he served simultaneously as Captain of the Port; Officer-in-Charge, Marine Inspection; Federal On-Scene Coordinator for oil and hazardous materials releases in the coastal zone; and following the enactment of the Maritime Transportation Security Act, as Federal Maritime Security Coordinator. Other field assignments include units in Baltimore, MD; Port Arthur, TX; Portland, ME; and marine safety advisor to Panama Canal Authority.
Vice Admiral Salerno is a 2000 graduate of the U.S. Army War College, with a Masters in Strategic Studies. He is also a graduate of the Naval War College non-resident program, and holds a Master’s Degree in Management from the Johns Hopkins University. He is licensed as a master of small passenger vessels.
His personal military decorations include three Legion of Merit Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal.
Mr. Michael T. Bohlman, Chairman of CSA said “The Awards Committee was particularly impressed with the leadership that Vice Admiral Salerno has shown throughout his illustrious career in maritime safety. He has the admiration of both owners and seafarers for the work he has performed to make sure that ships can sail safely.”