CAPTAIN SCOTT E. SHACKLETON
Retired 2018

About Scott

Captain Scott Shackleton was born in 1961 in Monterrey California. At the age of 19 he joined the U. S. Merchant Marine and attended the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Maryland. Upon his graduation he began shipping as an unlicensed mariner in the U.S. Merchant fleet. As a member of the Seafarers International Union he sailed in several positions on a variety of ships. He sailed aboard dry cargo ships, oil tankers, passenger ships and container ships. During his seagoing journeys he would visit many countries and ports throughout the world.

In 1983 he was accepted into the California Maritime Academy (CMA) in Vallejo California, and began pursuing his Degree in Marine Engineering. In 1987 he graduated from CMA with his engineering degree and received his U.S. Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer’s License (Steam & Diesel). He would also receive a commission in the United States Navy Reserve as an Ensign.

In the late summer of 1987, he accepted a Facility Engineering position at the University of California Berkeley. Over the next 34 years, he would promote in the University system, and in 2001 he became the Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering. He would remain in that role until his retirement in 2021.

 In parallel to his University position he remained very active in the U.S. Naval Reserve, utilizing his Merchant Marine and Port Operations experience he held positions within the Reserves that allowed him the opportunity to support Naval Operations throughout the world. Over his career he supported Naval Exercises and Military Operations on nearly every continent including North America, Asia, Caribbean, Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand, the Persian Gulf and Antarctica. The signature mission of his Navy career was in 2009 when he was selected as the Officer In Charge of Operation Deep Freeze, the annual resupply of the McMurdo Research Station in Antarctica.

. At the successful completion of his mission in McMurdo, he was offered the opportunity to travel to the South Pole. On February 9, 2010, he proudly planted a family flag at the South Pole, fulfilling a lifelong dream and family legacy. During his 30-year career, he held several Command positions and retired as a Navy Captain in 2018

Captain Shackleton is now retired from his University and Navy Careers; he travels the country and the world speaking about Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic History, and his worldly adventures. He and his wife reside in Spokane, Washington.   

Scott's Past Engagements