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The 9/11 Boatlift: Panel Discussion with Maritime Heroes | Episode 134

Join us for this special program, presented in partnership with the Transportation Institute and the New York Council Navy League, to hear firsthand stories from the Coast Guard and maritime industry personnel who took part in the 9/11 Boatlift. As tragedy unfolded on September 11, 2001, ordinary Americans did what Americans do at their best — they answered the call to help their fellow citizens. With Lower Manhattan streets blocked and the subways closed, crowds built up along accessible points of the shoreline. Captains and crew of the ferries already in the area, assisted by NYPD, started loading passengers to bring them to safety. With that, the largest maritime evacuation in history began.

Guests (in order of appearance):

  • Frank Russo, President, New York Council Navy League
  • Rich Berkowitz, Director Pacific Coast Operations, Transportation Institute
  • Andrew McGovern, Sandy Hook Pilots Association
  • Peter Johansen, former Director of Operations, New York Waterways
  • Frank Peters, retired Staten Island Ferry captain
  • Vice Admiral Michael McAllister, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, United States Coast Guard
  • Dan Croce, US Coast Guard Reserve (retired)
  • Dan Ronan, former Director of Vessel Trafficking Service, US Coast Guard Sector New York
  • John Hillin, Safety and Security Division Chief, US Coast Guard

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