America’s Master Mariners
Captains, Pilots & Maritime Professionals
With an active membership of approximately 600, the Council of American Master Mariners is composed of:
Masters of a wide variety of cargo and passenger vessels
Maritime pilots
Deck officers
Maritime academy cadets
Military ship masters
Allied professionals such as maritime attorneys, professors, consultants, surveyors, and business leaders
National Officers
The Council of American Master Mariners (CAMM) is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors composed of elected officers and members who volunteer their time and professional expertise in service to the American maritime community. Officers are nominated from within the membership and elected in accordance with the Council’s bylaws, ensuring leadership that reflects the experience, integrity, and commitment of senior mariners. Board members typically serve defined terms for two years, providing both continuity and opportunities for new leadership.
The Board is responsible for advancing CAMM’s mission, safeguarding its traditions, overseeing programs and events, and representing the organization within the broader maritime industry. Officers provide strategic direction, governance, and stewardship of the Council’s resources, while working collaboratively to support members and promote professional excellence. Service on the Board is both an honor and a responsibility, and members are encouraged to consider contributing their leadership and experience in support of the Council’s continued strength and impact.
Appointments & Chairs
Appointments and Committee Chairs of the Council of American Master Mariners (CAMM) play a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission and supporting its programs. Chairs are selected at each Annual General Meeting, typically from among experienced and engaged members who demonstrate leadership, subject-matter expertise, and a commitment to service. Their appointment ensures that the Council’s committees remain active, responsive, and aligned with the priorities established by the Board and membership.
Committee Chairs lead the work of their respective committees, coordinate initiatives and events, provide recommendations to the Board, and help foster member engagement within their areas of responsibility. Chairs generally serve for one-year terms, with the opportunity for reappointment, allowing for both continuity and fresh perspectives. Service as a Chair is an important contribution to CAMM’s strength and effectiveness, and members are encouraged to answer the call to serve and share their professional experience in support of the maritime community.
Chapter Presidents
Local Chapters are the foundation of engagement within the Council of American Master Mariners (CAMM), providing members with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and contribute at the regional level. Chapters bring together Master Mariners and maritime professionals for fellowship, professional exchange, educational programming, and support of local maritime initiatives. Through regular meetings and events, chapters strengthen the bonds of our seafaring community while advancing the Council’s mission within their respective regions.
Each chapter is led by a Chapter President who provides local leadership, coordinates activities, and serves as a liaison to the national organization. Chapter officers and volunteers work together to organize gatherings, encourage member participation, and identify opportunities for service and outreach. Members are strongly encouraged to get involved with their local chapter—whether by attending events, volunteering, or stepping into leadership roles. Please see the contact information below to connect with your local chapter and learn how you can become involved.
~click chapter logo for more details
Texas A&M Maritime Academy
Cadet Andrew Hernandez, President
Captain Augusta Roth, Faculty Advisor
rotha@tamug.edu
Our History
The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. was founded in 1936 by a nucleus of distinguished American Shipmasters who felt there was a need to share their expertise with other shipmasters, the Maritime Community and the public. The Council was incorporated in the State of New York on November 26, 1963. Its National Constitution and By-Laws were approved January on 30, 1967 and amended in 1971, 1976, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2016.
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Captain Paul C. Grening * 1937-1938
Captain Schuyler F. Cummings * 1939-1947
Captain William Ray Lawrence * 1948-1950
VADM Edward C. Holden USNR* 1951
Captain William McGuire * 1952-1953
RADM Leonard Frisco, USNR * 1954-1955
Captain Lawrence J. Hasse * 1956-1958
Captain John V. Redmond * 1959-1960
Captain Bernt J. Jacobsen * 1961-1962
Captain William W. Kuhne * 1963-1964
Captain James W. Maley * 1965-1966
Captain Cecil D. Davies Jr.* 1967
Captain Richard LePage * 1968-1969
Captain Edward Downing * 1970
Captain Stephen M. Seledee* 1971-1972
Captain Robert J. Wall * 1973
Captain Kenneth C. Torrens * 1974-1981
Captain Conrad P. Nilsen * 1982-1989
Captain Richard E. Manchester* 1990-1992
Captain Stephen E. Nadeau 1993-1995
Captain Warren G. Leback* 1996-1999
Captain Frank Zabrocky 2000-2002
Captain Charles E. Gedney* 2002-2004
Captain Thomas M. Bradley 2004-2008
Captain Cal Hunziker 2008-2012
Captain RJ Klein 2012-2016
Captain Jeff Cowan 2016-2020
Captain Cal Hunzkier* 2020 - 2021
Captain RJ Klein 2021 - 2022
Captain Joe Hartnett 2022 - Present
*Decesased
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Houston Chapter April 6, 1967
New York Chapter September 12, 1967
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Sept. 30, 1971
New Orleans Chapter February 25, 1975
Los Angeles/Long Beach Chapter Dec. 6, 1979
Seattle/Pacific North West Chapter May 26, 1981
Port Everglades/Miami Chapter January 31, 1984
Tampa Bay Area Chapter November 14, 1989
Hampton Roads/Tidewater Chapter Dec. 10, 1991
Baltimore/Washington Chapter December 11, 1991
Mobile Bay Area Chapter November 10, 1992
Columbia River Chapter April 15, 2002
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VADM. Ralph E, Wilson USN (Ret.)*
Captain Frank O. Braynad *
Captain Charles Dana Gibson*
RADM Thomas T. Matteson USMS (Ret.)
RADM David Brown, USMS
RADM Richard Gurnon, USMA, Rtrd
Honorable Helen D. Bentley*
Honorable Elijah E. Cummings*
Ms. Davyne Bradley
Mr. Sean T. Connaughton
Commander Michael E. Henderson
RADM James A. Watson, USCG, Ret.
Captain James Robinson
RADM Lauren S. McCready USMS (Ret.)*
RADM Sheldon H. Kinney USN (Ret.)*
RADM Edward A. Rodgers USMS*
RADM Thomas A. Cropper, USMS
Doctor Shashi N. Kumar
RADM Paul Krinsky USMS (Ret.)
RADM Floyd H. Miller USN (Ret.)
Mr. James M. Baldwin
Captain Jan de Hartog*
Mr. Timothy Osborn
Mr. Gary LaGrange
RADM William J. Brennan, USNS
Chaplain Philip Hayes Vandercook
Captain Marci Alson Grady
Father Sinclair Oubre
RADM Mark H. Buzby
Mr. James R, Callahan
RADM Jack Buono, USMA
*Deceased
Member Directory
Please note that a more detailed directory for members only can be found by logging into the Member Portal.