New Jersey’s rich maritime history and proud military tradition will take center stage this March as the Admiral Halsey Awards return for their fifth annual celebration. Set against the striking waterfront backdrop of Adventure Aquarium, this distinguished evening brings together military leaders, civic officials, historians, and community supporters for a night dedicated to honoring exceptional service and preserving one of the state’s most iconic historic treasures.
The Admiral Halsey Awards have quickly become one of New Jersey’s most meaningful cultural and heritage events, blending ceremony with purpose. Named for Fleet Admiral William “Bull” Halsey, one of the most legendary naval commanders in American history, the event recognizes individuals who embody leadership, dedication, and service while raising vital support for the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial. Each year, the gathering highlights the enduring relationship between the state and the men and women who safeguard the nation.
This year’s Military Service Award will be presented to Captain Kent “Brewski” Smith, the commanding officer of Naval Weapons Station Earle. His recognition reflects a career defined by operational excellence and strategic leadership at New Jersey’s largest naval installation. Under his command, the base has played a critical role in supporting fleet readiness and national defense initiatives, reinforcing New Jersey’s ongoing importance to naval operations.
Captain Smith’s leadership also helped deliver one of the most significant naval moments in recent history: the commissioning of the USS New Jersey, a modern nuclear-powered submarine bearing the state’s name. That historic ceremony, attended by national military leadership and New Jersey dignitaries, reaffirmed the state’s longstanding connection to the sea and to those who serve beneath its surface. Honoring Captain Smith continues that narrative, spotlighting individuals who strengthen both military capability and community partnership.
The evening itself promises more than formal recognition. Guests will gather for a lively cocktail reception followed by a seated dinner surrounded by panoramic views of the Camden waterfront. A dynamic program, guided by familiar broadcast personality Karen Rogers, will feature live and silent auctions, creating an engaging atmosphere where celebration and philanthropy go hand in hand. The setting inside Adventure Aquarium adds a unique sense of place, connecting New Jersey’s maritime environment with its naval legacy in a visually unforgettable way.
Proceeds from the Admiral Halsey Awards directly support the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, ensuring that the historic vessel remains a living classroom and cultural landmark. Funds raised sustain daily operations, preservation projects, and educational programming that welcome thousands of students, veterans, and visitors each year. Through these initiatives, the battleship continues to tell stories of courage, innovation, and service to new generations.
Events like the Admiral Halsey Awards highlight how New Jersey honors its past while actively investing in its cultural future. They create opportunities for the community to engage with history, recognize contemporary leadership, and support institutions that keep the state’s heritage vibrant. For those interested in exploring more stories of museums, historic sites, and cultural celebrations across the Garden State, Explore New Jersey’s art and culture coverage offers a deeper look into the events shaping local identity.
As March approaches, anticipation continues to build for an evening that promises elegance, gratitude, and inspiration. The Admiral Halsey Awards stand as a reminder that leadership and service are timeless values, and that New Jersey remains proud to celebrate those who exemplify them while safeguarding the stories that define the state’s enduring maritime spirit.
