Capt. Walter Russell, President of the Portland Propeller Club discussing the agenda. (Photograph by Cindy Russell)
By Hattie Train
When you think of a working waterfront, a professional port, you think of ships moving through the harbor, tugboats guiding vessels to berth, fishermen heading out before sunrise, cargo moving across docks, and crews working around the clock to keep operations moving safely and efficiently. Here in Portland, Maine, we are fortunate to have all of these things and more. But a true commercial port and working waterfront is built on much more than vessels and infrastructure. It is built on people and the relationships that connect them.
Behind every vessel movement and operation on the waterfront is a network of mariners, pilots, first responders, waterfront businesses, government agencies, and industry partners working together. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but these are the people who keep commerce moving and make Portland’s waterfront the strong maritime community that it is today.
Organizations like the International Propeller Club and, in our case, the Propeller Club of the Port of Portland, help build and strengthen those connections. Founded internationally in 1927 and chartered in Portland in 1938, the organization exists to bring together people from every corner of the maritime industry and support the relationships that help keep our port and waterfront moving.
One of the Club’s longstanding traditions is its annual Maritime Day celebration. Observed nationally on May 22, Maritime Day commemorates the 1819 sailing of the steamship Savannah, a voyage that marked an important step forward in shipping and commerce. Officially established by Congress in 1933, the day recognizes the maritime industry and the people whose work supports it.
This year’s Portland Propeller Club Maritime Day celebration brought together members of Maine’s maritime community to recognize individuals and organizations whose dedication and contributions continue to strengthen Portland’s waterfront. The event opened with a U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard from Station South Portland, followed by a blessing and a moment of remembrance honoring members of the maritime community and Propeller Club family who passed away over the past year. For many in attendance, it served as a reminder of the lasting impact people leave on the waterfront and within the maritime community.
This year also included a special recognition not traditionally presented annually. Following a significant waterfront incident this past year, the Club presented an Award of Exemplary Service to the Port of Portland to the Portland Fire Department Marine Division, Fireboat, and Crew in recognition of their service and dedication to Portland’s waterfront and the people who rely on it every day. Serving as a critical presence throughout the harbor, the Marine Division provides protection not only to Portland’s waterfront, but also to island communities, mariners, vessels, and the infrastructure that supports the region’s maritime economy. Their dedication was especially evident during the response to the December 2025 Custom House Wharf fire. Chief Chad Johnston and Deputy Chief Jon Hendricks accepted the award on behalf of the department.
The Portland Propeller Club also recognized Captain Parker Poole IV, owner of Determination Marine, as Maritime Person of the Year for his continued support of Portland’s maritime industry and Casco Bay’s working waterfront. Throughout the harbor, Capt. Poole has earned a reputation as someone who answers the call when needed, often among the first on scene and the last to leave. In true Parker fashion, he was unable to attend the event himself because he was out working and handling another situation on the water somewhere while everyone gathered and attempted to surprise him with the award. His sister, Hollister Collet, accepted the recognition on his behalf.
Captain Walter Russell Jr. was recognized as the Propeller Club’s 2026 Member of the Year for his service and contributions to Portland’s maritime community. A graduate of Kings Point with deep family roots in the towing industry, Captain Russell has built a respected career as a docking pilot while also helping strengthen the maritime community through his work with the Propeller Club. During his time as president, he became known for making people feel welcomed and included, helping bring together both longtime maritime professionals and those newer to the industry. His award was presented by Captain Sarah Kaplan, his successor as Club president, who joked that Capt. Russell “makes my job boring,” reflecting the confidence and professionalism he brings to the waterfront every day.
Attendees also heard a keynote address from Senator Susan Collins, who provided a recorded message highlighting the importance of Maine’s maritime industry and the Port of Portland at the state, national, and international level. She also spoke about the importance of domestic shipbuilding and recognized the work being done at Bath Iron Works.
Following Senator Collins’ remarks, Capt. Russell formally passed the Propeller Club president’s pin to Capt. Kaplan, marking the transition of leadership within the organization.
While the formal program recognized important milestones, some of the most meaningful parts of Maritime Day happened in the conversations before and after the presentations. People caught up, made introductions, and strengthened relationships across every part of the maritime industry. Much of what keeps a port operating successfully happens quietly behind the scenes, and many times it begins with the relationships and networks built and reinforced through conversations like these. In many ways, that is what Maritime Day — and the Portland Propeller Club itself — has always been about.
