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Supporting the Port, the People, and the Future of Our Maritime Community
The Propeller Club of Mobile exists to promote the maritime industry and the Port of Mobile, but our mission extends well beyond ships, terminals, and trade lanes. As a club deeply rooted in this port community, we support organizations that preserve maritime heritage, care for the people who work on the water, protect vulnerable members of our…
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Propeller Club of Mobile 2025 Scholarship Spotlight: Reed Carpenter
The Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Mobile, is proud to recognize Reed Carpenter as one of this year’s Propeller Club of Mobile Scholarship recipients. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Reed’s connection to the water runs deep. Growing up on Mobile Bay, he spent countless hours sailing, skiing, fishing, and exploring the…
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The Man Who Rode the Tunnel Down: Tadd Willcutt, our longest standing club member
The story of Prentiss “Tadd” Willcutt begins not with a title or a company, but with a nickname. At just two months old, his tendency to squirm off any surface earned him the moniker ‘Tadpole’ from his father. Young Prentiss embraced it, added an extra ‘d’ to “Tad” and for the rest of his life—through…
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Celebrating Excellence: Mobile Propeller Club Honors Don Rose and Andrew Cooper as 2025 Award Winners
The air at Ralph & Kacoo’s was thick with camaraderie and a sense of shared purpose as the International Propeller Club, Port of Mobile, gathered for its annual awards presentation. The evening was a testament to the strength and vitality of Mobile’s maritime community, a sector that serves as the economic bedrock of our region.…
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Jimmy Buffett: One of Mobile’s Favorite Sons
A Gulf Coast legend anchored in the Port of Mobile Before he became the barefoot troubadour of Margaritaville, before Parrotheads packed arenas to sing about cheeseburgers, boats, and beachside escapes—Jimmy Buffett was just a kid from the Gulf Coast. And while his name is synonymous with laid-back island life, Buffett’s roots were forged not in…
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2025 Salute to Congress
The 2025 Salute to Congress honoring Congressman Rick Larsen of Washington was a great success, with the entire International Propeller Club Board in attendance as well as many Port Club leaders. Congressman Larsen is the Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he has served since the 118th Congress and has held…
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The Final Voyage of the SS United States
The SS United States, once the pride of American maritime engineering, completed her last self-powered voyage on November 7, 1969. Her final docking was a quiet event compared to the fanfare that marked her record-setting maiden voyage in 1952, when she shattered speed records and claimed the coveted “Blue Riband” for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic…
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2024 Member of the Year is Captain David Berault
The Governors of the Propeller Club, Port of Mobile, Alabama, have selected Captain David M. Berault as its Member of the Year for 2024. Captain Berault has been an active member of the club for many years. He came most actively into club business as chairman of the club’s annual golf tournament, a very popular…
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2024 Maritime Person of the Year is John C. Driscoll
John C. Driscoll is the Alabama Port Authority’s director and chief executive officer. With more than 25 years of global maritime industry experience, Driscoll assumed the helm of the port in June 2020 – a very tenuous time for the shipping and logistics industry. Since that time, the Port has seen tremendous growth. In 2022,…
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Larry Ryder, Austal USA
Our January luncheon was held at the Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel with our special guest Larry Ryder, President of Business Development and External Affairs at Austal USA. Larry’s presentation covered the progress and plans of Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama headquarters where he presented recent accomplishments and current plans. Austal USA is a ship manufacturer headquartered…
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Member Spotlight – Lauren Katz-Vales
Lauren Katz-Vales is this month’s member spotlight. Lauren is a new member of The Propeller Club and is the Director of Sales for Inner Parish Security Corporation. IPSC’s goal is to provide the best services for a well-designed, cost-effective security program that protects their clients’ personnel and assets, adds value and provides a competitive edge…
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Member Spotlight – Nikki Hocutt – Seabulk
Name: Nikki HocuttTitle: Operations ManagerCompany: Seabulk We assist vessels docking in ports in the U.S. Gulf, Florida coast and Caribbean. Seabulk’s experience, assets, and dedication to our customers distinguishes us as an industry leader. I manage 30 employees and I oversee every aspect of our operation in the Port of Mobile. How long have you been a…
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2021 Member of the Year
Michelle CroweCEO and Founder, e-worc The Governors of the Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Mobile, Alabama have selected Michelle Crowe, CEO and Founder of E-worc, the 2021 Propeller Club of Mobile, Alabama Member of the Year. Michelle joined the Club in 2020 and quickly hit the ground running. With a background in…
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2021 Maritime Person of the Year
Captain LaDonn Allen, USCG, Sector CommanderCoast Guard Sector Mobile The Governors of the Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Mobile, Alabama have selected Captain LaDonn Allen, U. S. Coast Guard, Sector Commander of Coast Guard Sector Mobile as the 2021 Maritime Person of the year Captain Allen is the Coast Guard Operational Commander…
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2021 Maritime & Industrial Propeller Club Golf Classic
Thursday, November 4, 2021 $2500 Platinum Sponsor2 hole signs, electronic name/logo displayed during pre and post tournament meals, name/logo featured on Platinum sponsorship banner, and verbal recognition multiple times through the day. $250 discount if you sign up a team as well. $2000 Food SponsorHole sponsor sign, electronic name/logo displayed during pre and post tournament…
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2020 Member and Maritime Person of the Year.
Congratulations and thank you to our Member of the Year: Patrick Ward, Hand Arendall Harrison Sale and Maritime Person of the Year: Jimmy Lyons, Alabama State Port Authority
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STI Marine Firestop
If supply chain interruptions are of concern to you, let STI Marine Firestop take some of that worry off your plate. Make STI Marine Firestop one of your Strategic Partners, and with a commitment to use STI Marine, we will: Offer timely deliveries from our strategically located Marine Distributors Act as consultants to coordinate all…
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Thompson Engineering Deemed Essential Business
Thompson Engineering is deemed an essential business as a provider to critical manufacturing and infrastructure industries, DOTs, municipalities, utilities, oil and gas companies, suppliers, and more. Employees in all of our offices throughout the Southeast are ready to help you through this COVID-19 crisis. Visit our website at thompsonengineering.com or call us at 888-292-2443 to learn how we…
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Willis Towers Watson remains fully operational
We are happy to connect and discuss.
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Paycheck Protection Loans and Loan Forgiveness
Hand Arendall Harrison Sale has considerable knowledge of the PPP loan program, the attendant regulations and forms required. We will be glad to work with you to make the necessary application, assist you with the loan closing process and give you specific guidance for your enterprise. If you have 500 or less full time and/or…
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Thank you for Attending Law Night
Law night saw terrific attendance on a very busy week downtown. Held at the Athelstan we enjoyed another great fried chicken meal and hosted bar. Hodge Alves announced that Hand, Arendall had merged with Panhandle Law firm Harrison Sale and is now officially Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, and we warmly thank Hand Arendall Harrison Sale…
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SMART Ship Design & Digital Age
Being aware and well equipped to shift with the changes in how marine industry is challenged to do business was addressed thoroughly by the panel discussion last Wednesday.
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Happy National Maritime Day
Celebrated since 1933, on the date of the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship, the SS Savannah, we recognize and honor the US Merchant Marine. Learn more at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/05/19/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-may-22-2017-national-maritime-day https://www.marad.dot.gov/education/national-maritime-day/ http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/ports-commemorating-national-maritime-day
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U.S. Trade Policy in the New Administration – June 13
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Thank you to all who attended the State of the Port Address
Jimmy Lyons definitely didn’t leave out any details at the Annual State of Port address! We are grateful he could fill us in on last year’s port events & projections for 2017. The event was sold out & the Battle House Hotel was the perfect back drop.
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Dee Pierce Memorial Service May 3
Dee Pierce, beloved wife of Hal Pierce, passed away on Easter morning. The Memorial Service and Visitation will be at Christ United Methodist Church at 10 am on Wednesday, Mary 3rd.
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Ralph “Sonny” Middleton (1937 – 2017)
March 1, 1937 – April 10, 2017 Ralph “Sonny” Middleton, 80, of Mobile, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 10, 2017 at his home on Dauphin Island. Ralph “Sonny” Middleton was born in Mobile to John and Laura Middleton on March 1st, 1937. He was a graduate of Murphy High School in 1956. When his…
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Thank you to our Women in Maritime Roundtable
WOW – is all we can say about today’s panel of ladies! What an interesting insight to their work and what they contribute to the marine industry. Thanks again to all of our panel speakers!
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Law Night was a success!
The Athelstan Club did a great job hosting Law Night, the service was impeccable and the food delicious! You can’t beat fried chicken on a Wednesday night. Another Big thanks to Hand Arendall for hosting the bar AND giving a compelling talk on vessels!
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Treasure Quest
A PREVIEW EVENT TO BENEFIT GULFQUEST AND CELEBRATE ITS FUTURE Join us for an exclusive preview of the exciting, nationally acclaimed exhibit, “SHIPWRECKS! Pirates and Treasure.” Enjoy complimentary seafood, wine, beer and specialty cocktails. Preview tour includes over 500 artifacts from shipwrecks around the world. $100 per person ro benefit GulfQuest, fully tax deductible. Sunday,…
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Aboard Seabulk’s new Rotortug in the Mobile River
Article by Ken Hocke on JANUARY 26, 2017 for WorkBoat.com I arrived at the gates of the Port of Mobile (Ala.) early Tuesday morning, where I was to meet officials from Seabulk Towing. Security at the port had tightened since the last time I was there several years ago. I was told to go to the…
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Christmas Party was a Great Success!
Well we managed to shut it down at the Brigg-Mitchell Mansion! What a festive, fabulous gathering! The food was great, the music was great, the prizes were great & best of all the folks were great! If you missed it, we missed you. But a special thanks to all who came out ~ Merry Christmas…
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The Child Advocacy Center
The Mobile chapter of the Propeller Club has been honored to gift The Child Advocacy Center for several years now during the holidays. The Center was founded in the 1980’s by city officials seeing a need in the local community. Every year at least 1100 children & their families are referred to the center, where…
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GulfQuest Update
The Propeller Club has been following closely the evolving situation regarding GulfQuest operations. Our Club has been a close partner and major donor to GulfQuest. Many of our members are GulfQuest Board Members, volunteers, and Charter Members. The Propeller Club values the unique role GulfQuest has served as an experiential window into the maritime world. We…
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November Luncheon Recap
Another great turn out for the club luncheon in November! The expert panel shed light on the different partners it takes to bring a vessel, like a cruise ship, in to port safely. There was also talk of the opportunities for growth not only in the port but within the city. We had a special…
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2016 Propeller Club Maritime & Industrial Classic
Thanks to all who came out for the Propeller Club Maritime & Industrial Classic golf tournament! The weather was gorgeous and fun was had by all. The raffle was anything but dull; some were luckier than others…. We hope you can make plans to join us next year!
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Climb (or sail) aboard the Schooner America
On November 4-8, GulfQuest/National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico will host the Schooner America, a replica of the racing yacht that won the first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. This will be the longest stop on the America’s tour along the Gulf Coast to promote the 2017 America’s Cup in Bermuda. The 139-foot…
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October Luncheon Recap
We had a such a successful monthly luncheon this week! Thanks to all who came out, it was wonderful to see such a lively bunch gather together. A special thanks to Mike Rogers who gave a great speech on the happenings around the Meridian at the Port in our beautiful city of Mobile! Next month’s…
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Meridian at The Port, Mobile Ala.
Over the past month, local news outlets have spoken with President of Rogers & Willard, Mike Rogers, about downtown’s latest community living development, Meridian at the Port. The apartment complex will be located on Water Street where the former Delchamps warehouse is currently located. The development will be built on an unusually large, 4-acre lot.…
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Grave Marking Ceremony For Confederate Seaman Duncan At Montrose Cemetery
The members of the Mobile Council – Navy League of the United States, honored officers and crew of USS Montgomery (LCS-8) and other sea service guests are cordially invited to attend a grave marking ceremony for Confederate Seaman James Duncan in Montrose Cemetery, U.S. 98, Montrose, AL, at 1400 hrs sharp, Sunday, September 4th. Seaman Duncan was a crew member of the blockade…
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Coast Guard Aviation Centennial in October
Celebrate ATC Mobile’s golden anniversary and the centennial of CG Aviation in October. There will be over 400 active and retired USCG aviation personnel gathering to participate in golf, picnic, and a cocktail party. Other activities during the weekend include tour of the Aviation Training Center, visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, and an Awards…
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September meeting – “Battleship Blowout” 9/8 5-9pm
Click on our September event to register! Informational flyer linked below. BATTLESHIP BLOWOUT 2016
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COSCO/Hanjin add direct container service to Mobile
The Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) is pleased to announce a new joint weekly, direct container shipping service between the Port of Mobile and key ports in Asia. COSCO Container Lines “CSCL” and Hanjin Shipping, currently the 4th and 8TH largest container carriers in the world respectively, are expected to make its first call at…
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Legislative updates from International Propeller Club HQ
To U.S. leaders of the Propeller Club–Port officers and International Board members: After being caught up in unrelated legislative wrangling last week, the U.S. Senate is again poised to act this week on S.2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act. For U.S. maritime interests, several potential amendments to this bill are of significant interest. To the…
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Learn about our upcoming events
Our club hosts exciting events for our members and guests throughout the year. Visit our Calendar of Events page to view details throughout the year about the following events and more. Annual MeetingAt the club’s Annual Meeting, network with your fellow club members, vote on officer positions, and enjoy cocktails, dining and live music! Monthly…
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Congratulations to Mobile Bar Pilots on 150 years of service
The Propeller Club, Port of Mobile extends its heartiest congratulations to the Mobile Bar Pilots on the occasion of its 150th anniversary! Read the congratulatory letter from Club President Don Rose.
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Join the club
Joining a strong network of professionals in the maritime industry will help you strengthen your business, stay up-to-date with current issues, and foster goodwill and cooperation between the businesses and agencies who make up Mobile’s vibrant seaport community. Visit our member benefits page to learn more about becoming a Propeller Club member, or complete the…