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MARINERS DEPEND ON SCI.
SCI DEPENDS ON YOU.
| | SCI Trustee The Rev. Kristin Kaulbach Miles of Trinity Church NYC offering a blessing at the Parade of Vessels during the opening of the 48th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner at Chelsea Piers along the Hudson River in New York City. June 11, 2026. | | |
IN THIS ISSUE – June 2026
- Honoring Leadership and Supporting Seafarers at SCI's 2026 Silver Bell Awards
- SCI Moderates IMX 2026 Panel on Inland Mariner Wellness: Progress, Impact, and Next Steps
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CMA Director Phil Schifflin Featured in The Waterways Journal
- CME-Paducah Welcomes Tom Watson, Simulator Operator and IT Specialist
- Building Trust Through Consistent Presence
- SCI Chaplains Continue Sixth Consecutive Summer of Service During SUNY Maritime’s Summer Sea Term
- Honored to Work With SUNY Maritime Cadets
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The Lookout—Spring 2026
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From the Archives—Touring the SS Constitution: A 1951 Fundraiser
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS | | Honoring Leadership and Supporting Seafarers at SCI’s 2026 Silver Bell Awards | | In a ceremony that traditionally opens the Silver Bell Awards Dinner, The Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, President and Executive Director of the Seamen's Church Institute, is joined by SCI Chaplain the Rev. James Kollin in the Blessing of Vessels at Chelsea Piers along the Hudson River in New York City. | | |
The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) welcomed 635 maritime leaders and professionals to Chelsea Piers in New York City on June 11 for its 48th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner. The evening celebrated the maritime industry and honored two distinguished leaders: John Wobensmith, Chairman & CEO of Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd., who received the Silver Bell Award, and Adm. Linda Fagan, USCG, Ret., 27th Commandant, who received SCI’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The event raised more than $825,000 to support SCI’s ministry and services for mariners and seafarers worldwide.
Presented annually, the Silver Bell and Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize leaders whose contributions have strengthened the maritime industry and demonstrated an enduring commitment to the well-being of those who serve at sea and on the waterways.
Accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award, Adm. Fagan praised SCI’s work, noting that the organization brings “humanity and empathy” to mariners and seafarers facing difficult circumstances and expressed her gratitude for the recognition and SCI’s mission.
Wobensmith reflected on the colleagues, mentors, and friends who shaped his career, emphasizing that the honor belonged as much to the people he has worked alongside as to himself. He described the award as a celebration of SCI’s mission, the maritime community, and the mariners and seafarers whose work connects the world every day.
“This year, we were proud to recognize John and Linda—two exemplary leaders whose compassion, dedication, and service have made a lasting impact on the maritime industry and the people who power it,” said SCI President and Executive Director the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt. “We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary generosity of our supporters, which enables SCI to continue serving mariners and seafarers around the world.”
The evening opened with SCI’s traditional Blessing of the Vessels procession on the Hudson River, led by the Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Guests also paid tribute to former SCI Trustee Jim Lawrence, whose contributions to the maritime industry and SCI were honored through a commemorative video and remarks from his son-in-law, Jonathan Chia of MTI Network USA.
SCI extends its sincere thanks to the Silver Bell Executive Committee, co-chaired by John (“Jack”) Noonan of Binnacle Maritime LLC and Brian (“Buckley”) McAllister of McAllister Towing, as well as the many sponsors, supporters, and attendees whose generosity made the evening a success. Proceeds from the event support SCI’s chaplaincy services, mariner advocacy, crisis response, maritime training, and research initiatives that advance safe and sustainable maritime operations.
| | John Wobensmith of Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. received the Seamen's Church Institute's Silver Bell Award at the 48th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner in New York City on June 11, 2026. Pictured (from left) are the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt of the Seamen's Church Institute; John C. Wobensmith Senior, father and former Secretary of State for Maryland; Brian (“Buckley”) McAllister, Esq. of McAllister Towing and Silver Bell Event Co-Chair; John Wobensmith; and John (“Jack”) Noonan of Binnacle Maritime LLC and Silver Bell Event Co-Chair. | | Adm. Linda Fagan (USCG, Ret.) received the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 48th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner in New York City on June 11, 2026. Pictured (from left) are John (“Jack”) Noonan of Binnacle Maritime LLC and Silver Bell Event Co-Chair; Adm. Linda Fagan; the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt of the Seamen’s Church Institute; and Brian (“Buckley”) McAllister, Esq. of McAllister Towing and Silver Bell Event Co-Chair. | | |
SCI Moderates IMX 2026 Panel on Inland Mariner Wellness: Progress, Impact, and Next Steps | Pictured, left to right: The Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, SCI's President & Executive Director; Dr. Martin Slade, MPH, Phd.D of Yale University; Dr. J. Kyle Turnbo, M.D., President & Executive Director, HealthWorks Medical, LLC; Kelly Clapp, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Ingram Barge Company; Troy Remy, Vice President of Human Resources, Canal Barge Company, and the Rev. Grace Pardun, SCI Supervisory Chaplain. | At the 2026 International Maritime Expo (IMX) in Nashville, TN, SCI President & Executive Director the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt moderated a panel discussion examining the findings and impact of the U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment. The session brought together industry, healthcare, academic, and maritime ministry leaders—including Kelly Clapp of Ingram Barge Company, the Rev. Grace Pardun of the Seamen’s Church Institute, Troy Remy of Canal Barge Company, Dr. Martin Slade of Yale University School of Medicine, and Dr. Kyle Turnbo of HealthWorks Medical—to explore how the inland maritime industry has responded to wellness recommendations, what initiatives have delivered measurable results, and where challenges remain. Audio of this panel discussion is available here. | | CMA Director Phil Schifflin Featured in The Waterways Journal | | |
Phil Schifflin, Esq., Director of SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy (CMA), is featured in a recent Waterways Journal article, “Next Steps for the U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment.”
The piece highlights the findings and future direction of the landmark assessment conducted by SCI and the Yale School of Medicine, which examined the health, wellness, and working conditions of inland mariners across the United States.
Drawing on insights from mariners, industry stakeholders, and SCI Chaplains, the assessment identifies key opportunities to improve mariner well-being and strengthen workforce sustainability. In the article, Schifflin discusses the importance of translating the assessment’s findings into practical, industry-wide action that supports both mariners and the long-term success of the inland waterways sector.
Read the full article to learn more about the next phase of this important initiative.
| | CME-Paducah Welcomes Tom Watson, Simulator Operator and IT Specialist | | |
The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) is pleased to welcome Tom Watson as the newest member of the Center for Maritime Education in Paducah, where he will serve as Simulator Operator and IT Specialist.
Born and raised in Murray, Kentucky, Tom is married to his wife, Kim, and they have two sons, Zach and Brody.
Tom brings nine years of IT experience, including five years with Crounse Corporation supporting technology operations in the river industry. His technical expertise and industry knowledge make him a valuable addition to the SCI team.
Please join us in welcoming Tom to SCI!
| | Building Trust Through Consistent Presence | | |
By the Rev. Grace Pardun
Supervisory Chaplain, Ministry on the River, Upper Mississippi & Ohio River Region
From the June 2026 Quarterly Activity Report
“Wait! I’ve met you before!” a young man in the front row exclaimed as I introduced myself to the class of new hires. It took me a beat and then I was brought right back to where we met for the first time. It was a few months ago that we sat around the table in the galley when he worked for a different company. Back then, he had just performed CPR on his captain after he collapsed from a heart attack. A Chaplain Associate and I were there to provide a Critical Incident Stress Management debrief in the aftermath. It was an encounter that got me thinking.
As a way to meet as many mariners as early into their careers as possible, I have been showing up a few times a week at new hire orientations (NHO) for different companies based out of the Paducah area. During these visits, I briefly share about the Seamen’s Church Institute and the many ways that our organization supports mariners’ careers on the inland waterways. Often this is the first time mariners learn about what a chaplain is and does.
However, sometimes, I meet mariners who have transferred from another company. I always invite them to share with their classmates about SCI and how we have connected with them in the past. From this, I have noticed that hearing from their peers’ experience with SCI Chaplains carries more weight than just hearing from me. But what has surprised me the most is that at those new hire orientations, I am running into mariners I have met elsewhere.
Just the other day at a NHO, I recognized a mariner who looked familiar. We soon realized we had met the year before while he was working for another company; a company where I regularly connected with crews during crew changes. At the time, I had made it a goal to meet every mariner before they headed out to their vessels, helping establish a consistent presence and support system for those crews. Now, here we were meeting again, this time as he began a new chapter with a different company.
And again, last week, as I was leaving the training barge after giving my presentation to the new hires, someone called out my name from the dock. “Chaps! Hey! I saw you the other week in Houston!” I turned, and there was another mariner whom I had met when I was in Houston for just a couple of days. He was preparing crawfish for a boil on shore when I was getting on a vessel to visit with his captain. I stopped and chatted with him for a few minutes, now marveling at how interconnected the maritime industry is.
Reconnecting with mariners in different places and at different stages of their careers highlights just how interwoven the inland maritime industry truly is, and how important it is for SCI to maintain a visible and consistent presence. After all, if a mariner remembers me enough to call out and say hello when our paths cross again, there’s a good chance they’ll also remember to reach out in moments of real need or crisis. These recurring encounters are not only encouraging, but deeply meaningful. Our consistency in meeting mariners where they are truly matters. There may be twelve thousand miles of river to cover, but hearing a simple “Hello again” is a reminder that SCI Chaplains have become familiar and trusted presences in the lives of mariners.
| | SCI Chaplains Continue Sixth Consecutive Summer of Service During SUNY Maritime’s Summer Sea Term | | Cadets aboard the Empire State VII upon its arrival in Málaga, Spain. Photo courtesy of SCI Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Bill Allport. | | |
As SUNY Maritime College’s 2025 Summer Sea Term (SST) continues, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) is proud to mark the sixth consecutive summer that SCI Chaplains have served aboard in support of cadets during this transformative maritime training experience.
A cornerstone of the academic journey for cadets pursuing U.S. Coast Guard licenses, the Summer Sea Term combines classroom instruction with hands-on shipboard operations, immersing cadets in the daily responsibilities and challenges of life at sea. The voyage provides invaluable practical experience while fostering leadership, resilience, and professional growth.
SCI is honored to continue its longstanding partnership with SUNY Maritime by providing chaplaincy support throughout the voyage. By joining cadets at sea, SCI Chaplains offer a consistent pastoral presence, providing encouragement, guidance, and support during what is often one of the most formative and demanding periods of a cadet’s maritime career.
The voyage began with SCI Chaplain the Rev. Geoff Davis serving aboard for the first leg before recently turning over responsibilities to SCI Chaplain the Rev. Dr. Bill Allport, who is currently onboard. Reflecting on his experience, Davis shared, “Serving as a chaplain onboard has truly been a blessing. SUNY Maritime’s staff and leadership do an incredible job preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. I had the privilege of meeting aspiring mariners from all kinds of backgrounds, all connected by a shared passion for life at sea and a desire to serve something bigger than themselves. Walking alongside the cadets through both the highs and the challenges was one of the most meaningful parts of this time onboard.”
Later in the summer, Chaplain Associates Anne Reed and Jay Geisler. will relieve Allport and continue providing support for the remaining legs of the voyage.
During the current voyage, cadets and crew participated in a moving burial-at-sea ceremony held at sunset to honor naval historian and Americans with Disabilities Act advocate T. Garth Connelly. Led by the Rev. Dr. Allport alongside CAPT Zola ’92, the ceremony reflected the deep maritime traditions of remembrance and respect that unite generations of mariners. SCI extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Connelly’s family and loved ones.
SCI remains deeply grateful to SUNY Maritime College for welcoming our Chaplains aboard and allowing us to accompany and support the next generation of maritime professionals as they prepare for careers at sea.
| | SCI Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Bill Allport, leads a burial-at-sea ceremony aboard SUNY Maritime College’s Summer Sea Term voyage, honoring naval historian and ADA advocate T. Garth Connelly. Joined by CAPT Zola ’92 and surrounded by cadets and crew, the ceremony reflected the enduring maritime traditions of remembrance, respect, and service that connect generations of mariners. Photo courtesy of SUNY Maritime College. | | Honored to Work With SUNY Maritime Cadets | | |
By Matthew Morse, Esq.
Director, International Seafarers' Center
From the June 2026 Quarterly Activity Report
The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) is pleased to continue its strong partnership with SUNY Maritime College through active SCI Chaplain participation in the 2026 SUNY Maritime Summer Sea Term (SST).
This yearly voyage represents a vital period of hands-on training and personal development for cadets, and SCI remains committed to supporting these future mariners by ensuring a consistent pastoral presence throughout the duration of the journey. In preparation for SST 2026, I had the opportunity, alongside SCI Chaplain Michelle McWilliams, to visit SUNY Maritime during their Summer Sea Term Expo.
This visit allowed us to establish early connections with cadets, to inform them meaningfully about the specific SCI Chaplains and Chaplain Associates participating in SST 2026 and their respective schedules, and to reinforce the availability of chaplaincy support throughout the voyage.
Equally important, our visit served as a platform to solicit feedback from the cadets themselves. We invited them to share their expectations, concerns, and ideas around chaplaincy during SST. They were delighted to be asked. Their input is invaluable in shaping SCI’s understanding of cadet needs and how SCI delivers support at sea, ensuring that our services remain relevant, responsive, and meaningful. The insights gathered will directly inform how our chaplains engage with cadets onboard this summer.
It was gratifying, following our visit, to hear directly from Maritime College staff that “what you did was brilliant and seemed to be highly impactful. The time and travel you gave, and the kindness, care, and curiosity you displayed for our students are so appreciated.”
SCI will provide chaplaincy coverage across the full voyage, with each Chaplain serving onboard SUNY Maritime’s training vessel during different legs of the itinerary. Those participating include Chaplain Geoff Davis, Chaplain Bill Allport, Chaplain Associate Anne Reed, and Chaplain Associate Jay Geisler. By rotating coverage in this
way, SCI ensures cadets receive continuous support while also benefiting from the unique perspectives and experiences each chaplain brings.
The role of SCI Chaplains onboard is centered on the well-being of the cadets. They are present to offer spiritual support, guidance, and a compassionate, listening ear. Life at sea, especially during an intensive training program, is challenging on multiple levels. Chaplains serve as an accessible and trusted resource for cadets navigating the
emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of their experience. Through informal conversations, one-on-one counseling, and group gatherings, SCI Chaplains aim to foster a supportive and inclusive environment onboard.
SCI is honored to be working with SUNY Maritime in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. Through the presence of our Chaplains, SCI meaningfully
contributes to the professional readiness of cadets and, just as importantly, to their personal resilience and spiritual and emotional well-being.
To every cadet we met on March 19, and all who will participate in SST 2026: we wish you fair winds and following seas.
| | SCI Welcomes Summer Intern | | |
Please join us in welcoming Ciarra Ruffin, SCI's HR Summer Intern!
Ciarra is from Elizabeth, New Jersey, and is currently pursuing a degree in Public Administration with a minor in International Affairs at Rutgers University–Newark. She is passionate about people, culture, and creating positive workplace experiences. Her career goal is to work in travel-based Human Resources and People Operations, supporting organizations that are truly by the people and for the people.
Ciarra is especially interested in the human side of organizations—helping teams thrive, strengthening workplace culture, and building meaningful connections. Outside of her professional interests, she enjoys film, creativity, and community building, bringing an easy-going and collaborative spirit to everything she does.
We're excited to have Ciarra join the SCI team this summer and look forward to the contributions she'll make. Welcome, Ciarra!
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The Spring 2026 edition of SCI's semiannual magazine, The Lookout, is now available!
This issue showcases the breadth of SCI’s mission—from welcoming new Board of Trustees members and sharing findings from our mariner wellness study with Yale School of Medicine, to advancing safety through maritime training, supporting seafarers through our transport ministry, advocating at the International Maritime Organization, and training chaplains worldwide on the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. The issue also includes highlights from our 2025 River Bell Awards Luncheon in Paducah and our 2026 Maritime Bell Awards Luncheon in Houston.
The magazine is available online, as a PDF, and audio only.
For additional news and updates from SCI, please visit: seamenschurch.org/who-we-are/media-and-publications/news/
| | Touring the SS Constitution: A 1951 Fundraiser | | |
Seventy-five years ago, The Lookout announced a special opportunity for supporters to tour the brand-new American Export Lines superliner SS Constitution for a $1 admission fee benefiting SCI and other maritime charities, including The Mariner’s Family Asylum, Seamen’s House (YMCA), Society for Seamen’s Children, and The Service League of the United States Marine Hospitals of the Port of New York.
This photograph of SS Constitution nearing launch day at the Quincy, Massachusetts, shipyard accompanied the announcement. One of America’s last great ocean liners, the vessel would go on to serve transatlantic passengers for more than a decade. Decades later, after a long and varied career, the famed liner met a far different fate, sinking off Hawaii in 1997 while under tow to be scrapped.
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