Houston's Maritime Industry Celebrates CAPT Bill Diehl at the May Commerce Club Luncheon

July 16, 2023

in Port Bureau News,

May Commerce Club Honoring CAPT Bill Diehl, Retiring President of the Greater Houston Port Bureau

At a special Port Bureau Commerce Club event on May 18, industry, family, and friends saluted CAPT Bill Diehl as he retired from his distinguished maritime career. Tom Marian of Buffalo Marine Service, Port Bureau board of director as well a long-time friend and colleague of CAPT Diehl, served as the recognition program host.

The program included video congratulations from friends, family, and industry partners, including Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and lively recollections from Marian and other speakers. Resolutions from the Port of Houston Authority, City of Houston, and Harris County declared May 18 as “CAPT Bill Diehl Day”. He was also declared an “Admiral of the Texas Navy” by the Texas governor’s office, received a letter a recognition from Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, and learned an entry into the congressional record had been made by Congressman Brian Babin. As a representative of all the agencies, the documents were presented to CAPT Diehl by Roger Guenther, executive director of Port Houston.

CAPT Jason Smith, Commander of Sector Houston-Galveston, presented CAPT Diehl with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Public Service Award, noting is the highest public recognition that the Commandant of the Coast Guard may award. Lastly, he was presented with a historic map of the Houston Ship Channel from the Port Bureau’s board of directors.

The luncheon concluded with comments and a heartfelt thanks from CAPT Diehl, who drew his final remarks of appreciation from thoughts of his accomplished late mother. “I’ll close with what she would say to us, ‘I love you. Don’t forget to say your prayers.’ Thank you!”

Enjoy more photos from the event on Facebook!