Samaro Bannister-Schneider, first feminine captain of Cal Maritime coaching ship
California State University Maritime Academy has appointed Samaro Bannister-Schneider to function interim captain of its Training Ship Golden Bear (TSGB).
A 2000 graduate of Cal Maritime’s Marine Transportation (MT) program, she’s going to function the academy’s first feminine TSGB captain.
“Captain Bannister is an experienced master mariner who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Cal Maritime and I know that every cadet will benefit immensely from her leadership on Training Ship Golden Bear,” stated Cal Maritime President Thomas A. Cropper. “She is a superb and welcome addition to our talented team of faculty and staff, who represent the diverse range of dedicated professionals who make our national maritime industry successful.”
The Golden Bear (TSGB) serves as the first coaching platform on which academy cadets apply technological abilities launched within the classroom and management abilities acquired from their work assignments and obligations with the Corps of Cadets. Each summer time, cadets of their first and third years sail with licensed school officers for 2 months throughout the annual coaching cruise.
A grasp mariner holding a limiteless grasp’s license, Bannister started her profession on a fleet of Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) analysis vessels conducting survey operations. Soon after, she moved as much as a bigger fleet of vessels —the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s Watson Class massive, medium pace RO/RO ships.
Bannister spent over 14 years crusing deep sea with Maersk Line Ltd and Ocean Ships Inc. in senior and junior positions. She labored in direct help of Operation Iraqi Freedom and has additionally served in senior positions for Joint Logistics Over the Sea (JLOTS) operations off Guatemala in 2007 and off Lynnhaven, Va. in 2008.
The final six years of Bannister’s deep-sea service have been spent as Commanding Officer of the USNS Soderman. In 2014, she moved shoreside to start out a household and start a brand new chapter. In her off time, she enjoys spending time together with her daughter and husband swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, mountaineering and biking.
“It is with a full heart and great enthusiasm that I return to California State University Maritime Academy,” stated Bannister. “When I heard the Training Ship Golden Bear was in need of a captain, my compass went true and I knew this was an incredible opportunity to give back. Cal Maritime opened doors and prepared me for a unique career of being a Merchant Mariner. My time spent and education received allowed the dreams of a small-town girl from Colorado to become a reality. I am beyond appreciative for the years spent sailing deep sea, and for the amazing mentors whose knowledge helped me solve difficulties encountered on my journeys.”
