Today, West Marine announced that it has been given the Patriot Award by the Department of Defense, for exceptional support of employees in the military. West Marine and Store Manager Dean Barillaro will be honored at a banquet on Saturday, January 27th, 2007 in Greensboro, North Carolina, for outstanding support of the North Carolina Army National Guard along with SPC Meredith Miller, a National Guard soldier and West Marine associate.

Dean Barillaro, Store Manager for the Washington, North Carolina location noted, "West Marine is a big advocate of hiring former and active military personnel. SPC Meredith Miller is a valued Associate and demonstrates discipline, attention to detail, and tremendous follow-through, which are attributes she learned in her Army National Guard training. SPC Miller has been a tremendous asset to our store and to our company."

West Marine, the country's favorite retailer of boating supplies and accessories, was started by Randy Repass in a garage in Sunnyvale, CA in 1968. Today, West Marine has nearly 400 stores and carries more than 50,000 products available in its stores, on the Internet at westmarine.com and by calling 1-800-BOATING.

"I decided from the beginning that I wanted to take care of our customers and our Associates" said Randy Repass, Founder, West Marine. "That is the foundation of our company."

SPC Miller noted, "Since I am a full time college student and an active member of the North Carolina Army National Guard, I needed an employer who would be flexible and understanding of my military and school needs. West Marine is a great company to work for and Mr. Barillaro has been very supportive of my National Guard training."

About West Marine

West Marine, the country's favorite retailer of boating supplies and accessories, has nearly 400 stores located in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. Its catalog and Internet channels offer customers approximately 50,000 products and the convenience of exchanging catalog and Internet purchases at our retail stores. Its Port Supply division is one of the country's largest wholesale distributors of marine equipment serving boat manufacturers, marine services, commercial vessel operators and government agencies. For more information on West Marine's products and store locations, or to start shopping, visit westmarine.com or call 1-800-BOATING (1-800-262-8464).