Charleston Expert Real Estate

07/13/2026

07/13/2026

So way back when, I got out the Coast Guard for three years to try other things. I first worked in Jeff Boat Ship Yard in Indiana across from Louisville. Hired on as machinist and worked until I got into the Union. One day they pulled me off my lathe and told me I would be loading an entire storeroom of WW2 files onto a garbage truck. I said no I’m Union and went back to the machine shop. Next thing I know I’m collecting my final check. After that mis-start I remembered my two local Uncles that were Pilots (Captains) on Ohio River Tug Boats (Pushers). So I used them as references and applied for a job and was hired as a Pilot Trainee. (Glorified Deck Hand) Made three trips with the M/V Steve Click and support vessel S**t O’Toole at times pushing three barges three deep and three wide much like this picture. After about six weeks on I had two weeks off with pay and the Captain told me I was a natural and doing well. I went to the main office to collect my check and they told me I was fired. I asked why they said Jeff Boat was their mother company and they said to terminate me. I went home stunned and there was a Certified Letter with a job offer from RCA on AUTEC in the Bahamas running boats. All I had to do was get to West Palm Beach to catch a company plane. After paying bills I bet most of my remaining money on a hose race with a local tavern bookie and won enough for the Florida air fare. My brother was with me and is a witness. The Bahamas was another adventure!