Brewster Ladies' Library The Global Maritime Industry with Master Mariner Christopher McMahon

Not many Americans understand just what the maritime industry is and its main component - the merchant marine. Few people realize how the industry profoundly affects every American, every day. Simply put, the global economy and America’s economy are completely dependent on the maritime industry.

In this 75-minute presentation, Admiral McMahon will provide a detailed look at the industry and the ships that make global trade possible. The presentation will include a power-point presentation that will provide graphs and charts that explain and describe the industry as well as numerous pictures of different types of merchant ships to provide the attendee with a thorough understanding of the industry. Life at sea and the scourge of piracy will also be discussed.

About the Presenter

Christopher J. McMahon currently serves on the Nichols College faculty as an adjunct professor of “Leadership” and “World Religions.” Before retiring from federal service in 2021, he served as the Chair of Merchant Marine Affairs at the Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island – detailed from the U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation. He was a member of the Federal Senior Executive Service (SES) since 2004.

Christopher McMahon is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, where he graduated with a B.S. in Marine Transportation, a commission as Ensign, U.S. Naval Reserve and a Merchant Marine third mate (officer) license. He sailed for more than a decade aboard U.S. flag merchant vessels engaged in worldwide trade. He is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed unlimited Master of Steam and Motor Vessels with a Master of Sail endorsement.

Beginning in 1984, in between periods at sea and as a commissioned U.S. Maritime Service (USMS) officer, Professor McMahon served as an associate professor of Marine Transportation and Nautical Science at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and later as Director of Waterfront Activities and Sailing Master. He was founding Director of the Global Maritime and Transportation School (GMATS).

Following the September 11 th attacks on America in 2001, the Secretary of Transportation appointed Professor McMahon as his Special Assistant responsible for coordinating surface transportation security. He was promoted by the Secretary to Rear Admiral (Lower Half), U.S. Maritime Service in 2004 and to Rear Admiral (Upper Half) in 2005. During this period, he was assigned to Iraq as the Transportation Counselor to the Ambassador and Multi-National Forces Iraq and as Director of the Iraqi Reconstruction Management Office of Transportation. In that capacity, he was responsible for rebuilding Iraq’s airports, seaports, railroads, and other transportation infrastructure. He later served as Acting Director of the Department of Transportation’s Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency Response. From 2006 to 2008, he served as Deputy Superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He has held other SES positions with the Department of Transportation as well.

RADM McMahon has graduate degrees from the American University (Business), Long Island University (Counseling), and Starr King School (Divinity) at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California. He is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and he is currently the minister with the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House in Chatham MA – on Cape Cod.

RADM McMahon has numerous awards and decorations including, among others, a U.S. Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the years 1994-2005, two Secretary of Transportation Gold Medals (2004, 2005) and a Maritime Administration Bronze Medal.