Unlimited Master Multi-Level

Captain Crook is a graduate of Texas Maritime Academy and holds an Unlimited Masters License.  He has sailed as Master for United States Lines and Sea Land Services on various ships on different runs around the world for over thirty years.  He has built ships in foreign shipyards and has a strong background in reference to ship operations both foreign and domestic.  Capt Crook has taught at MITAGS and was director of operations for Sea School. He was also instrumental in developing the Marine Division of Blackwater USA.  After 911 he became active in maritime security and developed port and vessel security plans both nationally and internationally. During the winter season Captain Crook operates a sailing charter business in the British Virgin Islands and is active in the sailing world. He teaches a wide variety of subjects at MAMA including 100t and 200t licenses, Ships Business and Maritime Law, and VSO.

Instructor and U.S. Navy Liaison

Master Chief Ed Horton retired from the U.S. Navy in June 2010 after 30 years of service,  He served as leading chief petty officer on the USS WASP LHD-1.  Prior to retirement Ed was the Leading Chief Petty Officer of TOPSIDE warfare at AFLOAT Training Group in Norfolk, VA.  His primary duty was senior assessor of navigation for all Atlantic Fleet ships and Coast Guard Cutters.  He holds a merchant mariner license and an associates degree in Administrative Management from Excellsior College.

"Doc"  Medical Instructor

Doc Miller retired from the U.S. Navy after 24 years of distinguished service. He served as an Independent Duty Hospital Corpsman for over 15 years. His last Command was Beach Group Two, Little Creek Va. He served as Command Senior Chief as well as the Senior Medical Representative for the group. After retirement Doc served as a Correctional Health Technician at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk, Va.  After 16 years of service he retired from the jail and join the M.A.M.A. staff.  His Military awards include the Purple Heart, Two Navy Commendations with combat "V", Navy Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and various other unit and campaign awards.

Deck Instructor/Information Technology Supervisor

Michael O'Neal joined Mid Atlantic Maritime Academy after serving a sea tour in the NOAA Commissioned Corps, America's seventh and smallest uniformed service. After graduating from NOAA Basic Officer Training Class 110 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, he was assigned as a junior officer aboard NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERON, where he was qualified Officer of the Deck underway, as well as Small Boat Crewman, Limited Duty Hydrographer in Charge, and Shipboard Rescue Swimmer. He teaches many of the lower level deck courses as well as radar courses, and supervises the operation and maintainence of the school's computer networks and simulators. He is also a FAA certified Commercial Multi-Engine Airplane pilot, an active U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist, and a published novelist as well.

Navigation and ECDIS Instructor

Retired from the U.S. Navy in 2001. Served as leading Quartermaster and Assistant Navigator while on board USS Frank Cable AS-40, USS Arkansas CGN-41, USS Moinester FF-1097, USS Hawes FFG-53. From 1996 to his retirement he was the leading instructor for all navigation courses at FTC Norfolk. Raab was involved with the curriculum development for the navy's electronic courses as well as the subject matter expert in celestial and terrestrial navigation. As an instructor for Command Display and Control Operator  (COMDAC) Course, he assisted USCG in developing the Command Display and Control Operator (COMDAC) Course. Ship assist and training visits to all USCG platforms. Consult to Center Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) and Navigator of the Navy Office in direction of training for the US Navy’s current Voyage Management System Operator Course.  He developed all simulations for the current Voyage Management Systems Operator Course and conducted Executive Level Training to waterfront Commanding Officers and Navigators in Voyage Management System. Coordinates and schedules outsourced instruction from various navy departments. (NGA, ATGLant, and Weather (METOC) Centers)

2nd Mate Instructor & Director of Student Services

Sturgeon holds a 2nd Mate Unlimited upon Oceans, and 1600 Gross Tons Master License.  Her vast training and experiences includes Licensed GMDSS Operator, Tankerman PIC, Material Handling Equipment Instructor, EMT, Marine Fast Rescue Boat, Advanced Training Inert Gas Systems / Crude Oil Wash, Ordnance Hazard Awareness, Explosive Cargo Handling & Stowage. She teaches many of the Operational Courses as well as First Aid / CPR and Medical Care Provider. Caroline is a graduate of the State University of New York maritime school.  She graduated from the State University of New York with a Marine Environmental Science Degree.  Her concentration was in Oceanography.

Unlimited Master upon Oceans Advanced Course Instructor

Captain Richard Weyandt joined Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy as an advanced course instructor in 2006. Capt. Weyandt is involved with course development within his area of expertise enhancement projects within M.A.M.A.  Previous to his work with M.A.M.A. Captain Weyandt had 25 years of sea service, and spent a total of 35 years total in the transportation industry.

Engineering Department

Frank Salabarria, a member of our Engineering Department, brings over fifteen years of a highly diverse Navy engineering background. Frank has worked in nuclear, conventional high pressure steam, and diesel propulsion platforms, with expertise in industrial refrigeration, chilled water, and cryogenic systems. Frank also has extensive training and curriculum development experience, and is working to write student publications and courses to expand the scope of Engineering courses offered by Mid-Atlantic Maritime.

Engineering Instructor

As an instructor in our engineering department, Jason Smith brings his expansive insights from 24 years in the U.S. Navy. He served as both a steam engineer and deck equipment/hydraulics engineer early in his career. At the height of his successful career, he was a Craftmaster and instructor for the Navy’s amphibious hovercraft. He has been employed as an engineer instructor with MAMA since November 2010 teaching fireman/oiler/watertender, designated duty engineer, and principles of marine propulsion classes. Jason has a BA from Excelsior University, and an Associate’s Degree in Applied Marine Science, Coastline Community College.