Jeff Stoneking

Jeff Stoneking, Vice President of Operations, Reliant Maritime Solutions, LLC

Jeff Stoneking‘s journey on the river began on June 2, 1980, at just 18 years old, aboard the Scarlet Knight, a WBL vessel, waiting on a lock turn at Old Lock 26. That same year, in September, he married his high school sweetheart—the love of his life—and they’ve been happily together for 45 years.

In 1983, Stoneking transitioned to Continental Grain (Conti) as a mate, a company later acquired by American Commercial Barge Line in 1996. By 1986, he earned his pilot’s license, and through dedication and hard work, he has never missed a day’s pay or been laid off in his entire 45-year career.

After 40 years riding vessels, Stoneking moved shoreside in 2021, taking on the role of port captain before being hired as vice president of operations at Reliant Maritime. Despite moving into management, he still spends more than 20 days a year aboard vessels, mentoring younger wheelmen and passing on the experience gained over decades on the river.

Throughout his career, Stoneking has proudly held a USCG Master license, a testament to his commitment to the maritime industry. None of this would have been possible without the influence of his wife’s father, a river captain himself, who gave Stoneking his first opportunity in this industry.

From deckhand to leadership, the river has shaped Stoneking’s life, and he continues to give back to the next generation of mariners, ensuring the tradition and skills of the profession live on.