Michael D. Lewis, Sr. DCC USN (Ret) joined the Maritime Institute in 2017 as a Firefighting Instructor.  Totaling 29 years of Firefighting excellence, he brought 24+ years of Firefighting and instructor expertise from the United States Navy retiring as a Chief Petty Officer.  Michael (Big Mike) came straight from the Navy to the Maritime industry without taking any time off.  Michael served on 5 different types of Navy vessels and was an instructor on 3 different occasions throughout his Navy career.  His Navy vessels were The Competent AFDM – 6, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS Thomas Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).  The instructor tours were The Gerald Farrier Firefighting School (CNE), Damage Control ‘A’ School (CNE), and Damage Control Assistant Senior Enlisted School (SWOS).

Since joining the Maritime Industry Michael has been a member of the Firefighting Department teaching basic and advanced firefighting and water survivability.  Also, teaching Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Michael was born and raised in Fort Worth, TX.  Michael has two adult children Michael Jr. and Nhyani and two granddaughters A’Ryah and Azlynn.  In his free time Michael enjoys spending time with his grandkids, traveling, fishing, golfing, community service, and of course firing up the BBQ grill. And indulging in a fine cigar.