NEW ORLEANS, LA, USA - On July 19th, Robert "Rusty" Barkerding Jr. received the 50th annual C. Alvin Bertel award, recognizing dedication of service to the Louisiana maritime community. Members of the Louisiana maritime and professional communities gathered at the Sheraton New Orleans to join in celebration of Barkerding's service, with this year's award presented by 2016 recipient, Senator David Vitter, currently Of Counsel at Butler Snow LLP. 

Barkerding is President of Admiral Security Services, a security provider specializing in maritime and port security. Admiral does business in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Barkerding served in the U.S. Navy, and was both active and reserve duty in the New Orleans Police Department. Barkerding has dedicated more than 50 years to the Louisiana maritime community including his recent appointment from Vice-Chairman of the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners to Chairman.