William E. Abbott ’45

Penobscot Bay and River Pilot

Education:

B.S., Maine Maritime Academy, 1945 (D)

Career Highlights:

U.S. Merchant Marine, 1945 – 1947

• Deck Officer, Cities Service Oil Company
• Deck Officer, Keystone Shipping Company

Pilot, Penobscot Bay and River Pilots Association, 1947 – 2000

• Opened the Port of Bar Harbor to cruise ships piloting Queen Elizabeth II
• Opened the Ports of Winterport and Eastport to modern commercial shipping
• Instrumental in creating the Penobscot Bay and River Pilotage Commission, known today as the Maine Pilotage Commission
• Co-founded Camden Marine Operator with partner, Capt. Gilbert Hall ’50
• Piloted more than 3,000 transits in the Penobscot River
• Mastered coastal navigation without the use of marine-based aids
• Trained most of the marine pilots currently working in Maine

Distinguished Service:

• Master Mason, Grand Lodge of Maine, Belfast Masonic Hall – Over 60 years
• Member, Portland Marine Society – Over 60 years
• Member, Belfast Maine Rotary Club – Over 50 years
• Charter Member, Propeller Club of the United States, Searsport-Bucksport Chapter, 1990 – present
• Member, Maine Maritime Academy Alumni Association