My father, Astor Forman Watler, worked as a Merchant Marine for more than half his life. He left Cayman in 1943, at the age of 17, to look for work. His first job was as an oiler on steam ships. In January of 1944, he joined the MV Sylph which had been captured from the Germans. He later joined the steam ship Dhalke, and finally the Grand Manan, where he would remain until the end of World War II in 1945. After a few years he was able to attend school to obtain his engineering license. He began his career working for Farril Line shipping company out of New York City. He worked for them for many years and when Farril Line went out of business he found work with Sealand Shipping Company. Throughout his years working on container ships he would be gone for months at a time, working as a First Engineer on sea trips all across the world. He retired in 1986, after having visited numerous countries and after having made countless friends and acquaintances around the globe. For his many years of service, especially those years sailing during times of war, I believe he exemplifies a hero that Excelled at Sea.

My father, Astor Forman Watler, worked as a Merchant Marine for more than half his life. He left Cayman in 1943, at the age of 17, to look for work. His first job was as an oiler on steam ships. In January of 1944, he joined the MV Sylph which had been captured from the Germans. He later joined the steam ship Dhalke, and finally the Grand Manan, where he would remain until the end of World War II in 1945. After a few years he was able to attend school to obtain his engineering license. He began his career working for Farril Line shipping company out of New York City. He worked for them for many years and when Farril Line went out of business he found work with Sealand Shipping Company. Throughout his years working on container ships he would be gone for months at a time, working as a First Engineer on sea trips all across the world. He retired in 1986, after having visited numerous countries and after having made countless friends and acquaintances around the globe. For his many years of service, especially those years sailing during times of war, I believe he exemplifies a hero that Excelled at Sea.