Mystic ― Mystic Seaport Museum has announced retired US Navy Admiral James Stavridis as the recipient of the 2023 America and the Sea Award.

The award, to be presented Oct. 4 at the Metropolitan Club in New York City, recognizes extraordinary achievement in maritime exploration, competition, scholarship and design that best exemplifies the American character.

Stavridis, a retired US Navy four-star admiral and former NATO supreme allied commander, is the managing director and vice chairman of global affairs at the Carlyle Group, chairman of the board for the Rockefeller Foundation, weekly columnist for Bloomberg Opinion and the chief international analyst for NBC News.

The Florida resident is the author of 12 books on topics including character, leadership, the oceans and maritime affairs. He holds master’s and doctoral degrees in law and diplomacy from Tufts University.

Mystic Seaport Museum President Peter Armstrong in a press release called Stavridis “a kindred spirit” to all the museum supporters devoted to the maritime world.

“The breadth and depth of your varied accomplishments throughout your career represent the America and the Sea Award,” Armstrong said.