Thunder Roads La/MS November TRLAMS_NOVW | Page 17
Maritime Biker
By: Captain Steve
brandon acosta
It’s that time of year again, time to give thanks to all the people and things
that make your life so great. Time to give thanks to people behind the scenes to
keep our jobs flowing smoothly too, like Brandon Acosta of South Lafourche, A
port engineer at Marquette Transportation that has been running out to every
boat in the fleet to make sure their boats keep on working. I’ve been working
with Brandon for a while now and finally got him to give me his story, and this
is what he said:
“Upon graduating high school in 1994, I began working at North American
Shipbuilding and my love for boats and the maritime industry was born.
Starting out as an electrician’s helper, I slowly moved up the ranks and became
a marine electrician. This was a great experience, but I was hungry for more.
I attended Delgado Community College and received my certification in HVAC
(refrigeration and air conditioning).
After receiving my certification, I jumped out of the maritime industry to
focus on being a single parent to my 3 wonderful children. Working in the
maritime industry requires a lot of time being away from home and at that
time, it just wasn’t feasible for me. I needed to be home every night to cook
meals, clean house, help the kids with homework and to just simply be a daddy.
But I still had to provide for my children, that’s when I began working locally as
a residential electrician and a/c technician.
While sharpening my skills residentially, my kids got older. Although they
still needed me, I had taught them to take care of themselves enough that I
could be away from home a little more. That’s when I jumped back into the
maritime industry and started working as a contracted marine electrician / a/c
technician. And to be honest, I missed being on the water. That’s when I caught
the eye of Marquette Offshore. I have been with Marquette Transportation as a
port engineer for the past 6 years and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
Although I’m not “offshore”, sea life is still in my blood.
After 23 years in the industry, with many ups and downs, I am happy to
be where I am today. I have 3 grown children, whom I’m incredibly proud of.
Braxton is 22 and is in the 1st Armored Division in the United States Army based
in El Paso, TX. Braydon is 20 and has followed me into the work force and is
enjoying it. And Kylie Jo is 17 and will be graduating from high school in May
of 2018.
I’ve always had a love for bikes. As a kid, it started with dirt bikes and
4-wheelers. After graduation, I bought my first road bike. Now, when I’m not
chasing boats for work or kids and all their activities, I ride my 2009 Harley
Nighster 1200 XL/Bobber. I just love that old school look; white walls, springer
seat, no fender. She’s hard on the back, but easy on the ride!!”
You can catch Brandon out riding with me and all the other crazy ass captains
(whenever we are all home together) for poker runs and especially now coming
up Toys for Tots Runs so make sure you get out and support your local charities
at this time of year!
There’s Brandon story, tell me yours. If you would like to be featured as a
hard-working maritime biker send me your story and pics to:
[email protected] and keep the THUNDER rolling and let your story
be told …
www.thunderroadslams.com | November 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana/Mississippi
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