Jerry Aspland
Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project
The Port of Los Angeles celebrated its Centennial on December 9, 2007. As part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, these interviews feature various members of the Los Angeles Harbor Area community who were interviewed in 2007 to document different eras in Port history.
National Capital Contracting
Jerry Aspland was born in 1940 in Richmond, California. He first got involved with the Port of Los Angeles in the 1960s. As a young captain, he faced challenges due to his age, such as being passed over for a port pilot position because he was considered too young. As the president of ARCO Marine, he was involved in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez incident and played a role in the advancement of tanker safety regulations, which had a significant impact on the Port of Los Angeles. Additionally, Aspland was around when the Sansinena incident took place and was involved with the Marine Exchange. He also wrote a paper about the Port of Los Angeles and its future while an MBA student at Cal State Long Beach.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Jerry Aspland provides a comprehensive overview of his career in the tanker industry, from his initial steps in 1962 to his retirement in 1995 and his subsequent focus on maritime education. Aspland recounts his progression to the rank of captain, offering insights into the changes in tanker operations and the Port of Los Angeles over several decades. He shares personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges faced during his early years as a captain, including interactions with Russian ships and critical moments during docking procedures. The interview also covers the significant impact of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on the industry, particularly in terms of tanker safety regulations, showcasing Aspland's involvement in efforts to enhance maritime safety through his work with the Marine Exchange. Additionally, Aspland reflects on historical aspects of maritime Los Angeles, such as the Islander ferry and the construction of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, connecting his personal experiences to broader industry and regional developments. In the latter part of the interview, Aspland discusses his post-retirement dedication to education, specifically his role in developing a marine and international trade-focused curriculum at the Port of Los Angeles High School. Through this educational initiative, he aims to equip future generations with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of the maritime industry.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.