by Ron LaBrec
February 20, 2026
Event Details
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026Location: Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort (Hollywood Beach, Florida)Event: Salute to the Coast Guard in Florida
Honoring Service in the Southeast
The Coast Guard Foundation’s annual tribute recognizes the dedication, professionalism, and bravery of Coast Guard personnel serving in the Coast Guard’s Southeast District, which spans the southeastern United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The evening also celebrates the partnerships that strengthen maritime safety, security, and response across the region.
2026 Honoree: Bud Darr
Bud Darr, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association, will be honored for his maritime leadership.
The Foundation will recognize Bud Darr, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and a retired Coast Guard officer, for his contributions to the maritime industry and his support for the Coast Guard community, the Coast Guard Foundation, and service members.
Prior to leading CLIA, Darr served as Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy and Government Affairs at MSC Group and as Senior Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs at CLIA. During his maritime career, he also held roles in the U.S. Coast Guard, including Deputy Chief of Maritime & International Law, and served with the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marine.
Recognizing Heroic Coast Guard Operations
Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater was recognized at the 2025 Salute to the Coast Guard in Florida. The 2026 event will feature another heroic Coast Guard crew.
The event will also pay tribute to Coast Guard crews from the Southeast District for heroic operations that protect life at sea and safeguard the United States. Their missions reflect the Coast Guard’s commitment to defend, protect, and save.
Sponsorships and tickets
Info, Sponsorshps, Tickets
Contact: Becky Ketterhagen at bketterhagen@coastguardfoundation.org or (860) 457-1413 for information and tickets.
How your Support Helps Coast Guard Families
Proceeds support the Coast Guard Foundation’s initiatives including scholarships, morale and wellness programs, and disaster relief, helping strengthen the well-being and resilience of Coast Guard members and their families.
The Coast Guard Foundation is grateful to its corporate and individual sponsors for their generous support.
Title Image: Coast Guard crews operating from the Southeast District defend and protect the nation and its borders daily. Here, crewmembers from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant pause for a photo with seized drugs at Port Everglades, Florida, June 6, 2025. The crew offloaded more than $132 million in illicit drugs interdicted in the Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Diana Sherbs)
Disclosure: AI was used in the creation of this content.