 "Ferrel" received the Department of Commerce Silver Medal in 1995 for coming to the aid of the sailboat "Suncatcher", which was manned by three exhausted sailors, low on fuel, and unable to reach her destination in the midst of worsening weather.After locating "Suncatcher", "Ferrel" rigged a float with a tow line, secured it to "Suncatcher", and towed her to safety.