Alumni Advocates of the Year

M.H.K. Aschemeyer
California Maritime Academy

Captain M.H.K. (Manny) Aschemeyer was appointed executive director for the Marine Exchange of Southern California in August 1993, and helped establish the successful Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) program for Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor in record time and under budget. The program has become a national model for other ports to study and emulate—as being the first (and only) government/private sector partnership operation between the U.S. Coast Guard, the State of California, the two local port authorities, the pilot organizations, and the various key stakeholders that use the coastal and harbor waterways.

Previously, Aschemeyer served as vice president for marketing and customer services for Stevedoring Services of America and, prior to that, in various shoreside leadership and executive positions with Prudential Lines (1971-84). From 1969-71, he taught courses in navigation, seamanship, maritime labor, shiphandling, basic maritime laws and marine regulations, and other related subjects at Cal Maritime.

Prior to teaching, Aschemeyer sailed extensively aboard American-flag merchant vessels, rising from third mate to master in five years, while working for MSTS, Lykes Bros. Steamship Co., Grace Line, Calmar Line, Bethlehem Steel and other vessel operators/owners. He graduated with honors from Cal Maritime in 1963.