Harbor Pilots

I really enjoyed your story about harbor pilot Ward Pearce (Oct. 30). It brought back wonderful memories of my dad and uncle.

My uncle was Capt. John Oliegreen, chief harbor pilot, Los Angeles Harbor. He has been gone now for 32 years, but there may still be some people around San Pedro who still remember him. What a guy!

My dad, Capt. Randolf Knutsen, spent his life at sea. He left his native Norway as a mere boy of 13, shipping out as a deckhand. He came up through the ranks the hard way, to his ultimate goal of captain and pilot. Dad was one of the very few captains who also had a pilot’s license, enabling him to dock his own ship. During the war years he had the rank of commander, USN, serving as harbor pilot at Pearl Harbor.

When I was a little girl, visiting my daddy’s work (his ship, his ocean) I didn’t realize the scope of his command. As an adult, I am proud to have his U.S. Coast Guard license framed and hanging with my family pictures. The license reads, “Master, Steam and Motor Vessels, Any Gross Tons Upon Any Ocean.”

I am in awe of my heritage, and I miss my dad.

CAROLYN PIPER SIKICH

Northridge