WHO: Cmdr. Richard Timme, commanding officer of Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh, Campbell Transportation Company mariners.

WHAT: Public Service Commendation Awards ceremony for rescue at the Pike Island Lock and Dam in April 2011.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 315 Chestnut St., St. Louis, Mo., 63102.

ST. LOUIS — The Coast Guard will present the Public Service Commendation Award to three members of Campbell Transportation Company during an official ceremony, Tuesday.

Cmdr. Richard Timme, commanding officer of MSU Pittsburgh, will present the awards to Capt. Mike Johnston, Zach Watson and Steve Ritchea for the rescue of a man aboard a breakaway barge near the Pike Island Lock and Dam on April 13, 2011.

Johnston, master of the vessel Bonnie C, intercepted a breakaway barge and pushed it away from the dam. Ritchea and Watson, deckhands aboard the Bonnie C, prepared the vessel's towing gear in an effort to intercept the barge. All three were able to bring the barge and the stranded man to safety within seconds of entering the restricted area of the lock and dam.

Johnston, Watson and Ritchea are recognized for their courageous display of selfless dedication to the preservation of life. The award cites their remarkable initiative and fortitude in saving the life of a man who could have potentially been lost.

**Editor's note: Media interested in attending the ceremony are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the start time.

For more information, contact Ensign John Bastanchury at (206) 715-1144.



WHO: Cmdr. Richard Timme, commanding officer of Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh, Campbell Transportation Company mariners.

WHAT: Public Service Commendation Awards ceremony for rescue at the Pike Island Lock and Dam in April 2011.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 315 Chestnut St., St. Louis, Mo., 63102.

ST. LOUIS — The Coast Guard will present the Public Service Commendation Award to three members of Campbell Transportation Company during an official ceremony, Tuesday.

Cmdr. Richard Timme, commanding officer of MSU Pittsburgh, will present the awards to Capt. Mike Johnston, Zach Watson and Steve Ritchea for the rescue of a man aboard a breakaway barge near the Pike Island Lock and Dam on April 13, 2011.

Johnston, master of the vessel Bonnie C, intercepted a breakaway barge and pushed it away from the dam. Ritchea and Watson, deckhands aboard the Bonnie C, prepared the vessel's towing gear in an effort to intercept the barge. All three were able to bring the barge and the stranded man to safety within seconds of entering the restricted area of the lock and dam.

Johnston, Watson and Ritchea are recognized for their courageous display of selfless dedication to the preservation of life. The award cites their remarkable initiative and fortitude in saving the life of a man who could have potentially been lost.

**Editor's note: Media interested in attending the ceremony are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the start time.

For more information, contact Ensign John Bastanchury at (206) 715-1144.



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