MSC Civil Service Mariners Honored with Navy League Sea Services Awards

Two Military Sealift Command civil service mariners - Boatswain Khalid Muhammad and 1st Assistant Engineer Theodore "Scotty" Robinson - were among 18 military and civilian members of the U.S. sea services honored Oct. 31 at the annual Navy League Sea Services Awards ceremony, held this year in Kansas City, Mo.

Muhammad received the Able Seaman Oscar Chappell Award for Outstanding Maritime Stewardship for saving the life of a shipmate who suffered a medical emergency.

When roused in the middle of the night by a loud crash coming from an adjoining stateroom, Muhammad immediately contacted bridge personnel to inform them of a potential medical emergency. Muhammad then obtained a key, entered the room and found a fellow mariner on the floor suffering convulsions. Muhammad performed CPR on his shipmate until the medical service officer arrived on scene, and then Muhammad continued to provide care to his shipmate in preparation for transport via medical evacuation helicopter. Muhammad's expedient response and life-saving actions were critical to the survival of his shipmate.

"I did what anyone else would have done when someone was in trouble," said Muhammad. "I'm just glad I was able to help."

Robinson received the Captain Arthur L. Johnson Award for Inspirational Leadership for his instrumental role in the successful transition of rescue and salvage ship USNS Grapple from military to civilian crewing following the ship's decommissioning and delivery to MSC in 2006.

As Grapple's 1st assistant engineer, Robinson demonstrated unsurpassed knowledge and experience in leading his team through a complex but seamless transition. Robinson streamlined parts procurement, trained new engineers on how to operate the platform, established operating policies and practices, and reassembled the ship after a 75-day habitability modification and regular overhaul maintenance period.

"I am indeed shocked, humbled and honored to have been recommended and chosen for such a prestigious award," said Robinson. "I believe my decision to join MSC back in 1982 was surely one of the best choices I've ever made."

According to civil service Capt. Randall Rockwood, MSFSC port captain who represented MSC commander Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly, Jr. at the ceremony, these awards represent a high point in the career of civil service mariners.

"These two exceptional mariners serve with distinction and have gone above and beyond their responsibilities to take care of fellow mariners and their ships," said Rockwood. "They are both stellar professionals in the maritime industry and serve the United States with great honor and valor."

Each year, the Navy League presents 18 Sea Services Awards to officer and enlisted service members as well as civilian employees - including civil service mariners - of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard for outstanding personal contributions that advanced the logistics readiness and competence of the sea services.

MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.