KINGS POINT, N.Y., August 15, 2018 – Earlier this month,  during a lunchtime ceremony at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, Captain Mike Stroud, Commandant of Midshipmen, presented Midshipman First Class Andrew Bouchot with the Academy Commendation Ribbon, recognizing him for "exceptional professionalism in saving lives at sea while assigned to heavy lift ship NORFOLK.”

In December 2017, days after NORFOLK had left Lagos, Nigeria, three stowaways were discovered hidden aboard the vessel. One was dehydrated and gravely ill. Engine Cadet Bouchot, a NYS certified EMT, immediately responded to the medical needs of each of the distressed men. In the hours that followed, Midshipman Bouchot monitored and treated the near comatose man, safely re-hydrating him. Afterward, he made a full-recovery.

On February 4^th, 2018,  while  navigating about 700 miles east of the Windward Islands, NORFOLK received a distress call from sailing vessel MOFLETE, which was unable to sail due to damaged rigging. Midshipman Bouchot, a fluent Spanish speaker, spent the next ten hours translating and coordinating a rendezvous with the stricken vessel, with the intent to deliver fuel and antibiotics. Once MOFLETE began taking on water, the crew was forced to abandon ship. Again, Midshipman Bouchot assumed a leadership role. He calmly delivered  the instructions that enabled NORFOLK to rescue the four sailors. Once safely aboard, Midshipman Bouchot assessed and provided medical care to the injured sailors.

“Midshipman Bouchot’s actions embodied the Academy’s motto, Acta non Verba, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Regiment of Midshipmen  - Respect, Honor and Service - reflecting honorably upon himself and the entire United States Merchant Marine Academy,” said Stroud .