Charlie Henry and Ed Levine from the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, received awards from the U.S. Coast Guard today in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Henry and Levine, scientists from NOAA's National Ocean Service, were recognized for their work during the Galapagos Islands oil spill in January of this year.

Both scientists worked on the joint Coast Guard and NOAA teams during the spill, in response to the government of Ecuador's request for assistance. They joined other experts in the Galapagos Islands to help the Ecuadorian people respond to an event that could have been devastating to this pristine area.

"Both of these NOAA scientists brought technical experience and provided a realistic perspective of response options to the clean up efforts," said NOAA's Acting Administrator, Scott Gudes. "NOAA's mission is to provide sound scientific consultation to government officials during oil spills and clean up activities, and this is an outstanding example of our scientists at their best."

Gudes joined Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral James Loy in presenting the awards to Henry and Levine in a ceremony attended by representatives from NOAA, the U.S. Coast Guard and other members of the response team.

For additional information on the NOAA response during the Galapagos Islands incident please refer to http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories/s569.htm.

Information about NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration is available at http://response.restoration.noaa.gov.