by Karen Brune Mathis
Managing Editor
Former U.S. Navy Capt. Aaron Bowman has adjusted from one waterfront to another.
Bowman was commanding officer of Naval Station Mayport and upon retirement, moved inland from the oceanfront and riverfront base to BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards, the former Atlantic Marine.
Along Heckscher Drive near the Intracoastal Waterway, just around the bend of the St. Johns River from Mayport, the BAE facility repairs and refits mega-yachts, repairs and converts commercial and U.S. Navy Ships, and offers marine and industrial fabrication and assembly. It also builds vessels up to 400 feet, such as cruise ships.
About five months ago, Bowman became director of business operations for Southeast Shipyards, headquartered in Jacksonville. He succeeds Herschel Vinyard, who was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott as the secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Bowman oversees business activities regarding the general operation of the Jacksonville, Mayport, and Mobile, Ala., shipyards and is the advocate and adviser of ethical conduct and communications manager. He also oversees philanthropic activities.
The shipyards employ about 1,400 people, consisting of 750 in Jacksonville and 650 in Mobile. “This is such a good group of people here,” he said.
Bowman’s role involves “anything and everything that has us as a part of Jacksonville and a part of Florida and us being successful.”
Bowman, who just turned 50, said his position includes monitoring rules and regulations, such as zoning, and community and national involvement, such as the Shipbuilders Council of America, the First Coast Manufacturers Association, the Jacksonville Area Ship Repair Association and the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.
“BAE wants to be an integral part of the community,” he said.
Bowman joined the shipyards, which was established in Jacksonville in 1964, on March 30.
He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, starting a 28-year career as a pilot and flight instructor. He accumulated more than 2,300 flight hours and more than 300 carrier landings, earning medals of service, commendation and achievement.
He and his wife, Debbie, and 13-year-old son are settling into civilian life.
“It was inevitable that everyone in the military eventually goes on and does something else,” he said.
He was based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field on and off from 1985-98 before their move in December 2006 to Mayport. “We were outside in shorts looking at the ocean” on Christmas, he said.
They chose to remain in Jacksonville for several reasons, including the winter weather.
“We always liked Jacksonville, but when we came back the last time, I would wear my uniform Downtown and I couldn’t walk 10 feet without someone stopping me and thanking me for my service,” he said.
Now he services the branch of the military that he served.
“The Navy will always be our No. 1 customer,” he said.
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