The Chesapeake Gets a 33rd Admiral
John Page Williams, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s senior naturalist, has been made an Admiral of the Chesapeake by decree of Governor Martin O’Malley. The rank, which dates back to the middle of the last century, recognizes a lifetime of environmental contributions.
Scientist, naturalist, captain, fisherman, teacher and writer, Williams has taught tens of thousands to appreciate our Chesapeake watershed in 40 years of conservation service. As well as countless articles, he has written three fine books sharing his experiences on the Chesapeake: Exploring the Water Trail of Captain John Smith; Exploring the Chesapeake in Small Boats; and Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay Through the Seasons.
Williams joins 32 earlier Admirals of the Chesapeake. Fellow admirals include journalist Walter Cronkite; sailor and ESPN commentator Gary Jobson; scientist Eugene Cronin; photographer Marion Warren; oysterman and Skipjack Stanley Norman; mate Earl White; former governors Marvin Mandel and William Donald Schaefer; and Chesapeake Beach former mayor and entrepreneur Gerald Donovan. Two Bay Weekly contributors — outdoors writer Bill Burton and marine trades spokesman Mick Blackistone — earned the honor. Four of the admirals are women.
Gov. Martin O’Malley has been freest with the title, conferring it 20 times in seven years, including to a half dozen retiring state environmental secretaries and directors.