Everything I know about maritime transport I learned from watching HBO’s “The Wire.” That is, until I interviewed Victoria Robas, who was featured in the July/August 2018 issue of American Spirit, the gloriously illustrated magazine published by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Up until her retirement in 2017, Robas spent 23 years at the Jacksonville Port Authority in Florida, most recently as director of marine operations for two busy shipping terminals. As you can imagine, there are few women leaders at the helm of the maritime industry, but Robas was a cool, calm and accomplished one.

Ms. Robas spent the last 23 years working for the Jacksonville Port Authority, most recently as director of marine operations for the Blount Island and Dames Point marine terminals, which together cover 1,300 acres along the St. Johns River. With easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, the terminals serve some 40 ocean carriers transporting all sorts of goods worldwide. Jacksonville is one of the largest vehicle import/export centers in the United States; it’s also the origination point for the majority of cargo headed to Puerto Rico.