I am honored to nominate Capt. Gerald R. McLean for the category of Excelled at Sea. He was the second Black person to achieve the highest honor of Captain in America. He became one of a few sailors in America to also be a First Class Pilot. For many years he piloted his ship in and out of New York Harbor and San Juan Puerto Rico. Because of his achievements he was very popular in New York. At that time he was the highest paid Master Mariner in America. Many articles were written about him in national publications such as Jett and Ebony, both of which carried his story. He was born in Cayman Brac in 1910. As a young man he left the island on a very small sailing ship, this being the start of his seafaring life. He quickly went up the ranks an became a Second Mate by 1945 and continued to become Captain in 1970. He was a quiet but strong leader who would help anyone in need on or off the water. Once while traveling in Chesapeake Bay he saved the lives of two sailors after their boats had capsized. He was a hard working Caymanian that truly Excelled at Sea.

I am honored to nominate Capt. Gerald R. McLean for the category of Excelled at Sea. He was the second Black person to achieve the highest honor of Captain in America. He became one of a few sailors in America to also be a First Class Pilot. For many years he piloted his ship in and out of New York Harbor and San Juan Puerto Rico. Because of his achievements he was very popular in New York. At that time he was the highest paid Master Mariner in America. Many articles were written about him in national publications such as Jett and Ebony, both of which carried his story. He was born in Cayman Brac in 1910. As a young man he left the island on a very small sailing ship, this being the start of his seafaring life. He quickly went up the ranks an became a Second Mate by 1945 and continued to become Captain in 1970. He was a quiet but strong leader who would help anyone in need on or off the water. Once while traveling in Chesapeake Bay he saved the lives of two sailors after their boats had capsized. He was a hard working Caymanian that truly Excelled at Sea.