Interviewer(s): Ernesto Valdes

Project: University of Houston

Captain John R. Shaw was born in Flint, Michigan in 1952, and later served four years as a Navy Quartermaster. In 1981, Captain Shaw became a deck hand at the Galveston ferry and three years later became a Captain. During this interview Captain Shaw provides some history of the ferry system from the time it was taken over by the State of Texas. He also explains the positions and duties of each of the six crew members who serve on a boat. Some of the other highlights of the interview include a discussion of damages as a result of Hurricane Ike, dealing with fog, and outlining experiences when stationed at Guantanamo Bay during his Navy years.