
Captain James M. W. Russell, Master of USNS Michelson, 1967.
(From The Pacific Voyager, 1Q 1967, courtesy of Ace Hunter)
Bio, from The Pacific Voyager:
Azure eyed, tan and always smiling describes James M. W.
RUSSELL, Master of the USNS MICHELSON.
"A boy who grew up on the sea front of Boston and always loved the sea" our 49
year old Master came to us in January of this year from the USNS BLAND, with
almost 32 years of sea experience to his credit. Although he has been with MSTS
for only two years, Captain
RUSSELL received his Masters License in 1943 at the age of 25, at which time he
was the youngest Master in the United States.
A Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve, Captain RUSSELL joined the
Navy upon graduation from High School and, after a brief career as a Naval Pilot
attached to VS-105 (Houston ' Unit), he saw action in World War II on several
destroyers, where he climbed to the rank of Lieutenant. During the Korean War he
was recalled and promoted to his present
rank. During his Naval Career he had the honor of being Coxswain of the late
President ROOSEVELT's personal fishing boat.
The five foot eleven inch Master now lives in Pleasant Hill, California, the
present home of his wife and children. An adventurer all his life, he lists
flying, sailing, and swimming as his favorite hobbies.