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Lt. Gen. Sullivan congratulates seafarers, discusses competing in a contested environment

Lt. Gen. John Sullivan, U.S. Transportation Command deputy commander, addresses the audience at the Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award Ceremony in New York City, Oct. 28, 2022. The AOTOS award is considered the most prestigious in the maritime industry and is given in recognition of individuals and organizations who have shown outstanding support for American seafarers and the maritime industry of the United States. (Courtesy photo by Dominick Totino Photography)

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (Nov. 1, 2022) – U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Sullivan, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), addressed attendees at the annual Admiral of The Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award ceremony in New York City, Oct. 28. 


The United Seamen’s Service has presented its prestigious AOTOS Award annually to individuals and organizations who have shown outstanding support for American seafarers and the maritime industry.


This year the award was presented to Edward W. Aldridge, President of CMA-CGM North America and American President Lines; Harold J. Daggett, President of the International Longshoreman’s Association; and Eric P. Ebeling, President and CEO of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group.


Sullivan began his remarks by thanking the maritime industry for its history, dedication, and patriotism, reiterating to the audience that the honorees represent a critical component to the security and economy of our nation.


He recognized the enormous “impact our maritime community has made over the past months in supporting USTRANSCOM’s movement of materiel to the European continent.” 


“Even before Russia’s blatant aggression in Ukraine, with your assistance, USTRANSCOM began delivering supplies to reinforce our allies and partners,” he said. “With the steadfast support of many in this room, we have strategically moved ammunition, equipment, and supplies that have directly impacted events in the conflict.” 


Sullivan noted that while USTRANSCOM’s strategic use of airlift is most often highlighted in conjunction with security assistance being provided to Ukraine, “the sheer volume of materiel moved by sealift has been incredible and has contributed immensely to this effort.”


“Forty-six vessel voyages have played an instrumental role,” said Sullivan. “Whether that be through liner service, charters, or with activated Ready Reserve Force vessels.”


He thanked the audience for the capacity and dedication they bring to the fight, noting that many merchant mariners have served through multiple back-to-back trans-Atlantic voyages.


Sullivan went on to explain how USTRANSCOM must prepare for the future contested environment and what it may mean for the sealift industry.


“Over the course of my entire career, as a nation we have enjoyed the luxury of being able to strategically move forces and sustain them worldwide with relative impunity,” said Sullivan. “However, given the rise of near-peer competitors around the world and their growing capabilities, it would be foolish to believe that we will continue to enjoy that luxury.”


The deputy commander expounded on the variety of modern-day threats presented by strategic competitors across multiple domains, specifically highlighting cyber and economic threats. 


To combat these emerging security concerns, he said USTRANSCOM remains focused on improving the resilience of deployment and distribution networks, hardening those networks, creating redundancy, and improving agility in conducting command and control.


“There’s no shortage of work to do,” said Sullivan. “We at TRANSCOM are committed to continue working with you on solutions.” 


Sullivan emphasized that merchant mariners and the sealift industry have an incredible impact on USTRANSCOM’s ability to project and sustain combat power worldwide and it will be a team effort to “navigate, communicate, and adjust to the dynamic requirements of the joint force we support.”


Closing on a positive note, he credited the maritime industry with growing its people through education, training, and hard-won experience, which results in leaders ready to compete in a contested environment.


“I am extremely proud of the relationship between USTRANSCOM and our maritime industry,” said Sullivan. “Together, we deliver.”


USTRANSCOM exists as a warfighting combatant command to project and sustain military power at a time and place of the nation’s choosing. Powered by dedicated men and women, TRANSCOM underwrites the lethality of the Joint Force, advances American interests around the globe, and provides our nation's leaders with strategic flexibility to select from multiple options, while creating multiple dilemmas for our adversaries.


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