Washington State Pilotage Board Approves Captain Ryan Leo on Grays Harbor

Press Release:
December 16, 2022

Contact:
Kayla Dunlap, Director of Government & Public Affairs
360.533.9590 or kdunlap@portgrays.org

For Immediate Release

ABERDEEN, WASH. –   As the Port of Grays Harbor prepares for major projects and expansions that will drive growth and cargo activity at its four deep-water terminals, we are pleased to announce the licensure of Captain Ryan Leo as a Grays Harbor Pilot. 

At its meeting at the Port of Grays Harbor on Thursday, the Washington State Board of Pilotage approved Captain Leo to become the second licensed Pilot on the Grays Harbor District after his completion of 64 observation trips, 10 tug trips, 54 training trips and 22 evaluations trips. 

Captain Leo started with the Port on February 1, 2022.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and Business Administration from the State University of New York, Maritime College, a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Global Leadership from Gonzaga University, and a Master Mariner of Unlimited Tonnage Vessels upon Oceans License issued by the United States Coast Guard.  Prior to joining the Port, he sailed for Matson Navigation and other shipping companies in both foreign and domestic trade lanes.

“We are extremely excited to officially welcome Captain Leo to the Port team.  We are confident his vast experience and commitment to precision piloting and safety will be an asset for years to come for the Port and our customers,” shared Port of Grays Harbor Executive Director Gary Nelson.  “We would also like to thank the Washington State Board of Pilotage and Senior Port Captain Bobby D’Angelo for their dedication and support over this past year during Captain Leo’s intensive training period.” 

Founded in 1911, the Port of Grays Harbor is one of Washington State’s oldest port districts and Washington’s only deep-water port located directly on the Pacific Ocean.  The Port of Grays Harbor operates 4 deep-water marine terminals, the Westport Marina, Bowerman Airport, Grays Harbor ship assist services, numerous public waterfront access facilities, in addition to industrial and business parks throughout the County.  The addition of Satsop Business Park increased the Port’s properties to more than 1,000 acres of industrial properties and an additional 1,200 acres of sustainably managed forestland.   Strategically located midway between Seattle and Portland and less than 1 ½ hours from open sea, the Port of Grays Harbor provides businesses a diverse portfolio of facilities. More information on the Port of Grays Harbor’s facilities and operations is available at portofgraysharbor.com or satsop.com.

The Washington State Board of Pilotage approved Captain Ryan Leo’s licensure on the Grays Harbor District at their meeting at the Port of Grays Harbor on Thursday