Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Posts Tagged ‘Rig at Sunset’

Offshore Safety Leader Mike Saucier is retiring after a Hall of Fame career

Posted in Uncategorized, Regulation, Gulf of Mexico, tagged , , , , , , , , on June 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Bryan Domangue presents the coveted Order of the Alligator citation to Mike Saucier
Lars Herbst welcomes Mike Saucier to our prestigious retirement organization (fMMS).

After 41 years of offshore safety leadership, Mike Saucier, an outstanding engineer and manager, is retiring from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).

Like many of the offshore program’s stalwarts, Mike earned a petroleum engineering degree from the Louisiana State University (LSU). In 1984, he began his Federal career in the Houma District Office of BSEE’s predecessor, the Minerals Management Service (MMS), where he was mentored by the great John Borne.

Mike has held many important engineering and supervisory positions including Drilling Engineer and District Manager in the highly regarded Houma District Office, Regional Supervisor for Field Operations, Regional Supervisor for District Field Operations, Acting Deputy Regional Director for District Operations, and Senior Technical Advisor for the Office of the Director. When the New Orleans District Manager retired during a hiring moratorium, Mike stepped up and assumed those duties as well.

Mike impressed his colleagues with his commitment to safety achievement, the essential core element of the offshore program. His diligence, and his firm, fair, and consistent enforcement of the safety and pollution prevention regulations, earned him respect throughout the offshore industry.

Mike is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing, and has 4 grandsons to mentor in those skills. Note the impressive achievements cited in the Order of the Alligator certificate (below) 😉. The Order of the Alligator recognition is most fitting given Mike’s alligator hunting expertise, which greatly impressed those of us who were unfamiliar with such exploits!

In recognition of Mike’s outstanding career, the Board of Directors of the former Minerals Management Service (fMMS) has unanimously voted to induct Mike into the fMMS Hall of Fame! Mike receives (is sentenced to? 😉) lifetime membership in the fMMS and a registered copy of the offshore world’s prized masterpiece, the painting Rig at Sunset 😉. (image and short explanation below).

Congratulations to Mike! You made a difference!

“Rig at Sunset” was painted 50 years ago by a US Geological Survey (USGS) employee who chose to remain anonymous. Initially, the masterpiece was presented to USGS (later MMS) engineers and scientists who had made important contributions to the offshore oil and gas program. Understandably, the intended recipients were so humbled by the magnificence of the painting that they could not accept it. As the painting grew in value and international prominence, framed copies were presented to outstanding retirees and the original painting was kept at a secure, undisclosed location.

Read Full Post »

Climate activists vow to protect “Rig at Sunset”😉

Posted in climate, Offshore Energy - General, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on February 23, 2024| Leave a Comment »

In light of the surge in art vandalism, admirers of “Rig at Sunset” have expressed concern about this priceless and symbolic masterpiece.😉

“Rig at Sunset”

Rest assured that “Rig at Sunset” is not being targeted. Climate activists believe the painting is disturbingly visionary and is thus socially important. Even those who are less appreciative of great artwork are reluctant to damage “Rig at Sunset,” fearing that their vandalism might actually improve its quality. So friends of this beloved masterpiece have nothing to fear! 😉

If you are unfamiliar with “Rig at Sunset,” here is a brief summary of the history:

“Rig at Sunset” was painted nearly 50 years ago by a US Geological Survey (USGS) employee who chose to remain anonymous. Initially, the masterpiece was presented to USGS (later MMS) engineers and scientists who had made important contributions to the offshore oil and gas program. Understandably, the intended recipients were so humbled by the magnificence of the painting that they could not accept it. As the painting grew in value and international prominence, framed copies were presented to retirees and the original painting was kept at a secure, undisclosed location.

Read Full Post »

As the sun sets on 2021…..

Posted in offshore, Offshore Energy - General, Uncategorized, tagged , , on December 30, 2021| 2 Comments »

I’m sharing this photo of the masterpiece Rig at Sunset. Next year, BOE will explore the painting’s symbolism and cultural significance.

May the glow of Rig at Sunset guide, comfort, and inspire you in 2022! 😃

Read Full Post »

A Special Holiday Gift for the Offshore Energy Community

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , on December 23, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Posted with the approval of the Rig at Sunset Foundation

As a holiday gift to our readers, BOE has obtained exclusive rights to post this picture of the masterpiece “Rig at Sunset,” the world’s most famous and artistically significant painting of an offshore drilling rig.

“Rig at Sunset” was painted 45 years ago by a US Geological Survey (USGS) employee who has chosen to remain anonymous.  Initially, the masterpiece was presented to  USGS (later MMS)  engineers and scientists who had made important contributions to the offshore oil and gas program.   Understandably, the intended recipients were so humbled by the magnificence of the painting that they could not accept it.  As the painting grew in value and international prominence, framed copies were presented to retirees and the original painting was kept at an undisclosed location.

Great museums have an eye for artwork that is bold and unique, and curators soon lined up for an opportunity to exhibit “Rig at Sunset.” The masterpiece has now appeared at the world’s top art museums including the Louvre, the National Gallery, the Tate in London, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger, and the Jo Ann Rose Gallery at the Reston Community Center.  While the permanent home of the painting is a well kept secret, it is rumored to be a maximum security facility in historic (and heavenly) Herndon, Virginia, the gateway to Dulles International Airport.

At a later date, BOE will explore the painting’s symbolism and artistic significance, but for now we just want you to appreciate its stunning beauty. Enjoy the holidays!

Read Full Post »