![\"Ferry](\"http:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/shipmate-march-2020\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2020\/02\/SA2_Spear_2PhotoBillySims-e1582995164697.jpg\")
Richard G. Spear, class of 1943-2<\/p><\/div>\n
In 1942, he enrolled in the second class of the newly established Maine Maritime Academy, where he graduated from the school\u2019s second class in 1943, with honors, and with a third mate\u2019s license. He was a commissioned ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve, where he reported to the Liberty Ship \u201cHenry Jocelyn.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the Merchant Marines during World War II, Captain Spear served in the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean war zones. In later years, he received a bachelor\u2019s of marine science degree, and held an unlimited master\u2019s license for ships of any size, any tonnage, on any ocean.<\/p>\n
In 1959, Captain Spear became the first employee and assistant manager of the Maine State Ferry Service. Later, he was appointment manager of the Ferry Service, and he held that position for 30 years until his retirement in 1989.<\/p>\n
Read Full Bangor Daily News Article – 2\/25\/2020<\/a><\/p>\n Photo: Maine State Ferry Service and Billy R. Sims<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Maine State Ferry Service will unveil a new $9 million ferry to serve the island of Vinalhaven beginning in May. The new ferry is named after Richard G. Spear, class of 1943-2, and will replace the Capt. Charles Philbrook, which has serviced the route for the past 30 years.<\/p>\n In 1942, he enrolled in the second class of the newly established Maine Maritime Academy, where he graduated from the school\u2019s second class in 1943, with honors, and with a third mate\u2019s license. He was a commissioned ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve, where he reported to the Liberty Ship \u201cHenry Jocelyn.\u201d<\/p>\n In the Merchant Marines during World War II, Captain Spear served in the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean war zones. In later years, he received a bachelor\u2019s of marine science degree, and held an unlimited master\u2019s license for ships of any size, any tonnage, on any ocean.<\/p>\n In 1959, Captain Spear became the first employee and assistant manager of the Maine State Ferry Service. Later, he was appointment manager of the Ferry Service, and he held that position for 30 years until his retirement in 1989.<\/p>\n