Coast Guard presents Charleston Harbor Pilot with Public Service Award
William S. Cogswell Jr., Mayor of Charleston, Barbara Melvin, President and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority, and Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield, commander, Coast Guard Seventh District, pose for a photo with Christopher Thornton with the Charleston Branch Pilots Association after he was presented with a Meritorious Public Service Award 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 award recognized Thornton’s commendable actions to safely pilot the runaway ship for over 20 nautical miles, five major turns and under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge without major incident at nearly twice the normal speed of ships through the harbor. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Dickinson)