Representative Elaine Luria Earns Merchant Marine Award

Congresswoman Elaine Luria, Virginia 2nd Congressional District, speaks to the audience during a Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Hampton National Cemetery in Hampton, Va., May 27, 2019. Luria, a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran, serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Chandler Baker)

American Maritime Partnership (AMP), last month announced it is honoring Representative Elaine Luria, of Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, with the American Maritime Hero Award. The award recognizes individuals or groups of individuals who have added to the rich heritage of the United States as a maritime nation.

As a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, Representative Luria is one of the first women to serve her entire military career aboard combatant ships. In her final assignment, she commanded a maritime prepositioning force of 400 sailors. With that knowledge; Representative Luria came to Congress in 2018 as a strong supporter of the maritime industry as a member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. The Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee oversees key commercial and military maritime programs and laws.

“In Coastal Virginia, the maritime industry is integral to our regional economy, national security, and constituents’ livelihoods. As a tireless advocate for the maritime community, it is an honor to receive this award,” said Congresswoman Luria.“As a 20-year Navy veteran, I know the importance of supporting and advocating for the maritime industry. In Congress, I will continue to be a staunch advocate for the Jones Act and the U.S. maritime industry.”

“Representative Luria has been steadfast in her commitment to this nation, and to the men and women of maritime” said Mike Roberts, President of the American Maritime Partnership. “She has led in Congress on key issues to support the domestic and deep sea U.S. flag fleets, including programs related to shipbuilding, mariners, and vessel operations. It is our honor to recognize Representative Luria with the American Maritime Hero Award, for her dedication to American maritime companies and American mariners.”

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