The Port of Houston Chapter of The Council of American Master Mariners elected Capt. Sydney Wire its president at a recent meeting at Houston's World Trade Club.
Captain Wire, assistant general manager of the Marine Department of Humble Oil & Refining Co., started his maritime career as a seaman 40 years ago. He joined Humble's marine affiliate as a third mate in 1933 and served in the tanker fleet until 1941.
Coming ashore as an industrial relations assistant, he had several staff and executive positions, including secretary of Esso Shipping Co. and general manager of Esso Standard's Inland Waterways Department. He was appointed to his present post in 1959.
The Council of American Master Mariners is a fast-growing organization of licensed ship masters dedicated to promoting the best interests of the American merchant marine. It has 750 members nationwide with 74 in the Port of Houston chapter and 200 in the Port of New York. Other chapters are being formed by regional vice-presidents; Capt. Robert Stap of the Humble Marine Department is the Gulf area vice-president.