A group of 15 met Jan. 14 in historic downtown San Antonio Club Giraud for a planning session for the establishment of a San Antonio Squadron of the Texas Navy.

The group included community leaders, business professionals and owners, retired military and educators. The TNA President, Jerry Patterson, TNA Vice-President Richard Hatch and Past TNA President Admiral Bill Turner also attended.

“We are establishing a San Antonio squadron due in part to the rich military history that is connected to the battles at the Alamo and the events that led to the creation of the Texas Navy,” said Joe Martin, who was elected commander of the San Antonio squadron during the inaugural meeting. “We must find ways to continue to honor the memory of those who were a part of winning Texas' independence.”

The group discussed the many opportunities for a San Antonio Squadron before voting to moving forward and officially establish a new squadron. The group also elected Dr. Amy Jo Baker as the deputy commander.

“I am honored to be associated with such a fine group of people who share a passion for education and history,” Baker said. “I believe this new squadron is important to San Antonio and the Texas Navy because San Antonio is Military City USA. Many are not aware of the strong Navy presence at Joint Base San Antonio - Ft. Sam Houston and Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland. The San Antonio Squadron gives us the opportunity to tell the story of the Texas Navy, the role the Texas Navy played during the Texas Revolution, and to educate the public about the Texas Navy’s illustrious history that links it to the United States Navy of today.”

The soon to be established San Antonio squadron continues to plan the next meeting to officially establish the Samuel May Williams Squadron and begin efforts to share the history of the Texas Navy.

“A San Antonio squadron is a great opportunity,” Martin said. “It will provide a platform to sh

are with others in the community the little-known history of the Texas Navy and involve others who are as passionate about history as we are.”