Member of the Quarter is an ongoing CRSOA series recognizing the people who help keep the Columbia River maritime community moving. Originally published in the June 2026 issue of The Watchstander, this feature highlights Larry Landgraver, Fleet Operations Manager at the Port of Longview.
June 2026
CRSOA Member of the Quarter: Larry Landgraver, Fleet Operations Manager, Port of Longview
For Larry Landgraver, Fleet Operations Manager at the Port of Longview, a career in maritime started one day on the Longview bridge, looking down at two logging vessels. While working as a logistics manager for a heavy-haul and towing company, Larry frequently traveled throughout the region. One day, while driving over the bridge, he looked down and saw two log vessels loading below. “I want to be a part of that,” he remembers thinking.
Soon, a call to a friend in the industry led to an interview with Jones Stevedoring. Within weeks, Larry found himself working aboard the very types of vessels that had first captured his attention, beginning what would become a rewarding career spanning cargo operations, port management, and maritime leadership.
Over the years, Larry has worked with a remarkable variety of cargoes throughout the Pacific Northwest, including logs, steel, automobiles, project cargo, and specialized imports. His work took him to ports throughout Washington and Oregon, providing firsthand experience with the many moving parts required to safely and efficiently move cargo through the region. This broad experience continues to serve him well in his role as Fleet Operations Manager at the Port of Longview.
Having worked both vessel-side and dock-side operations, Larry brings a unique perspective to his work. He understands the challenges facing stevedores, terminal operators, vessel agents, labor, and port personnel because he has spent time in each environment. “Any decision you make is going to affect everybody,” Larry says. “We're dependent upon each other to succeed and to grow.”
That belief in collaboration extends beyond his daily responsibilities at the Port. Since becoming involved with the Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee, Larry has been a strong advocate for bringing industry partners together to address shared challenges and improve safety throughout the river system.
Larry's commitment to the maritime community extends well beyond his responsibilities at the Port. In addition to serving as Chair of the Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee, he serves as Vice Chair of the Oil Spill Response & Preparedness Committee and contributes to both the Clean Rivers Cooperative/Maritime Fire & Safety Association Joint Equipment Committee and the Area Maritime Security Committee. Colleagues describe Larry as “a thoughtful leader with sound judgment and an unwavering commitment to operational excellence,” qualities reflected in his service across the region.
Under his leadership as Chair, the Harbor Safety Committee has expanded its efforts to support neighboring maritime communities, helping establish the annual regional harbor safety conference that brings together stakeholders from throughout the Pacific Northwest. Earlier this year, those efforts were recognized nationally when the Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee received the National Harbor Safety Committee of the Year Award.
Soon, a call to a friend in the industry led to an interview with Jones Stevedoring. Within weeks, Larry found himself working aboard the very types of vessels that had first captured his attention, beginning what would become a rewarding career spanning cargo operations, port management, and maritime leadership.
Over the years, Larry has worked with a remarkable variety of cargoes throughout the Pacific Northwest, including logs, steel, automobiles, project cargo, and specialized imports. His work took him to ports throughout Washington and Oregon, providing firsthand experience with the many moving parts required to safely and efficiently move cargo through the region. This broad experience continues to serve him well in his role as Fleet Operations Manager at the Port of Longview.
Having worked both vessel-side and dock-side operations, Larry brings a unique perspective to his work. He understands the challenges facing stevedores, terminal operators, vessel agents, labor, and port personnel because he has spent time in each environment. “Any decision you make is going to affect everybody,” Larry says. “We're dependent upon each other to succeed and to grow.”
That belief in collaboration extends beyond his daily responsibilities at the Port. Since becoming involved with the Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee, Larry has been a strong advocate for bringing industry partners together to address shared challenges and improve safety throughout the river system.
Larry's commitment to the maritime community extends well beyond his responsibilities at the Port. In addition to serving as Chair of the Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee, he serves as Vice Chair of the Oil Spill Response & Preparedness Committee and contributes to both the Clean Rivers Cooperative/Maritime Fire & Safety Association Joint Equipment Committee and the Area Maritime Security Committee. Colleagues describe Larry as “a thoughtful leader with sound judgment and an unwavering commitment to operational excellence,” qualities reflected in his service across the region.
Under his leadership as Chair, the Harbor Safety Committee has expanded its efforts to support neighboring maritime communities, helping establish the annual regional harbor safety conference that brings together stakeholders from throughout the Pacific Northwest. Earlier this year, those efforts were recognized nationally when the Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee received the National Harbor Safety Committee of the Year Award.
Pictured Here: Larry Landgraver with fellow LCRSHC Committee Members Carl Bartapelle and Ross McDonald
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Harbor Safety Committee Award
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For Larry, this recognition reflects something he values deeply about the Columbia River maritime community: its connections. “The people are very unique,” he says. “It's more of a family.” Unlike larger port regions where individual terminals may operate largely independently, Larry believes the Columbia River system succeeds because its ports, pilots, tug operators, agents, terminals, and maritime partners understand that they are interconnected. A challenge in one part of the river often affects everyone, creating a culture of cooperation that benefits the entire industry.
Looking ahead, Larry is excited about the future of both the Port of Longview and the region's maritime industry at large. He points to major development projects like Nurtrien’s planned potash export plant at the Port of Longview, continued cargo growth, and investments that will create opportunities for future generations of maritime professionals. “it's just a super exciting time, “he says, “seeing what's happening in the region...people long after we retire are going to be taking over and facilitating the decisions that we're making now. And that's really exciting, to be a part of what we're setting up for future generations.”
Larry's initial connection to maritime industry actually began long before his own career. His father worked for an electrical wholesaler serving shipyards, dry docks, and vessels throughout the region, and many longtime members of the Columbia River maritime community still remember working with him. As a child, Larry often tagged along, climbing aboard ships, meeting captains and crews, and getting an early glimpse of life on the waterfront. Looking back, it's easy to see how those experiences planted the seeds for the career that followed.
Today, that same sense of curiosity extends well beyond the Port. When he's not working, Larry enjoys sailing, scuba diving, camping, hiking, exploring the Oregon dunes in his side-by-side, and traveling with his wife, who he describes as “a lovely, wonderful woman; my best friend.” Larry is also a talented audio engineer, so don't hesitate to nerd out with him about recording studios, mixing consoles, or your favorite album.
We extend our sincere thanks to Larry for taking the time to share his story with us, and for his continued leadership and dedication to the Columbia River maritime community. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet Larry, we encourage you to introduce yourself the next time your paths cross.
This Article First Appeared in the June 2026 issue of The Watchstander
Know someone who should be featured?
CRSOA's Member of the Quarter recognizes individuals making a difference throughout our maritime community. We'd love to hear your nominations.
Looking ahead, Larry is excited about the future of both the Port of Longview and the region's maritime industry at large. He points to major development projects like Nurtrien’s planned potash export plant at the Port of Longview, continued cargo growth, and investments that will create opportunities for future generations of maritime professionals. “it's just a super exciting time, “he says, “seeing what's happening in the region...people long after we retire are going to be taking over and facilitating the decisions that we're making now. And that's really exciting, to be a part of what we're setting up for future generations.”
Larry's initial connection to maritime industry actually began long before his own career. His father worked for an electrical wholesaler serving shipyards, dry docks, and vessels throughout the region, and many longtime members of the Columbia River maritime community still remember working with him. As a child, Larry often tagged along, climbing aboard ships, meeting captains and crews, and getting an early glimpse of life on the waterfront. Looking back, it's easy to see how those experiences planted the seeds for the career that followed.
Today, that same sense of curiosity extends well beyond the Port. When he's not working, Larry enjoys sailing, scuba diving, camping, hiking, exploring the Oregon dunes in his side-by-side, and traveling with his wife, who he describes as “a lovely, wonderful woman; my best friend.” Larry is also a talented audio engineer, so don't hesitate to nerd out with him about recording studios, mixing consoles, or your favorite album.
We extend our sincere thanks to Larry for taking the time to share his story with us, and for his continued leadership and dedication to the Columbia River maritime community. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet Larry, we encourage you to introduce yourself the next time your paths cross.
This Article First Appeared in the June 2026 issue of The Watchstander
Know someone who should be featured?
CRSOA's Member of the Quarter recognizes individuals making a difference throughout our maritime community. We'd love to hear your nominations.