Still Afloat-A Life at Sea and Ashore--Not Overboard Yet

At 102 years old, Captain Hugh M. Stephens remains a master of his craft. In Still Afloat, he charts a course through a century of maritime history, offering a rare, first-hand account of the Merchant Marines that shaped America's naval dominance and global commerce.

Born in an era when steam was giving way to diesel and navigation meant celestial calculations rather than GPS coordinates, Captain Stephens entered the rigorous world of maritime training at the State University of New York Maritime College. His memoir opens a window into a vanished world: the grueling intensity of wartime preparation, the unforgiving demands of life at sea, and the transformation of a young cadet into a commanding officer responsible for crew, cargo, and the safe passage of vessels worth millions.

From his early days learning the fundamentals of seamanship to his eventual command of legendary vessels, Stephens witnessed and participated in pivotal moments of the 20th century. His career spanned the critical years of World War II and beyond, when Merchant Mariners served as the unsung lifeline of the Allied war effort, delivering troops, equipment, and supplies across submarine-infested waters. These mariners suffered one of the highest casualty rates of any service during the war, yet their contributions have often been overlooked in historical accounts.

Still Afloat is more than a personal narrative-it is a historical document that preserves the voice of a generation rapidly disappearing. Captain Stephens writes with the precision of a navigator and the wit of a seasoned storyteller, bringing to life the technical complexities of operating massive cargo ships, the camaraderie and conflicts of life aboard, and the profound responsibilities of command. His accounts of navigating by sextant, managing engines that could propel thousands of tons through stormy seas, and making split-second decisions that meant the difference between safe harbor and disaster offer readers an authentic glimpse into a profession that built global trade as we know it.

The memoir also chronicles Stephens' life ashore-his transitions between sea and land, his professional engineering career, his family, and his ongoing commitment to maritime education and veterans' causes. At over a century old, he remains engaged, sharp, and determined to share the lessons learned from a life lived with salt in the blood and a steady hand on the wheel.

Written with honesty, humor, and remarkable attention to detail, Still Afloat captures the poetry of the sea alongside its harsh realities. Stephens does not romanticize his experience; instead, he offers a clear-eyed assessment of what it meant to dedicate a life to the maritime profession during one of history's most turbulent periods. His observations on leadership, duty, technical mastery, and the changing nature of seafaring provide valuable insights for historians, maritime professionals, veterans, and anyone interested in the human stories behind America's industrial and military might.

This is essential reading for those interested in World War II history, maritime heritage, the Merchant Marine service, and the personal narratives that illuminate our understanding of the past. Captain Stephens' century of experience, combined with his gift for storytelling, makes Still Afloat a significant contribution to maritime literature and American military history.

Still Afloat is a testament to resilience, expertise, and the enduring spirit of those who answered the call to serve on the world's oceans. Captain Stephens' memoir ensures that the story of the Merchant Marines-and the remarkable individuals who sailed them-will not be lost to time.