Amron International Blog

The Unveiling of the "Jake" Monument

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:14:39 +0000

October 26, 2012 marks the day “The Mark V Monument Project” comes to a close with the unveiling of the eleven foot tall bronze/granite “JAKE” monument. The incredible statue rests on a three foot pentagon shaped granite base that displays the five services of the U.S. Military: The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

George Dave Sullivan, one of the main commissioners of the project has stated to The News Herald that “the term “JAKE” refers to an old navy diving suit captains would stuff with sheets and other materials to create an imitation diver that was propped-up in their offices”.

Coming a long ways from the old makeshift “JAKE” the bronze tribute that stands proud and tall today in Panama City Beach, represents a sentiment of deep appreciation to all the past, present and future divers all around the world.

5 Must-See Dive Spots in San Diego

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 21:59:21 +0000

If you walk down the halls of Amron, you will hear plenty of stories about someone’s recent dive trip to warm waters. This has inspired me to write down a few of my favorite dive spots, right here in San Diego, California! All can be done with a short boat ride.

1 - The Yukon - a 366 foot Canadian Destroyer Escort, lies in 105 feet of water off Mission Beach in the Northern area of Wreck Alley. She lies on her port side with average minimum depth from bow to stern about 75 feet along the starboard side. She was intentionally sunk in July of 2000 by the San Diego Oceans Foundation as part of the artificial reef project. She was prepared for divers and an abundance of entry and exit holes were cut into her to increase accessibility and diver safety. Penetration is readily available for those with the proper training, as well as plenty to see on the exterior by less experienced divers including forward and aft gun turrets. The Yukon has something to offer for almost every diver from the novice to the "Techie".

2 - The Kelp Beds - a must for divers visiting San Diego. With annual temperatures averaging 60 degrees, the kelp is very healthy and supports an enormous amount of plant and fish life. Swimming through a kelp bed feels like flying through a forest among the tall stalks reaching the surface in depths of 20 - 70 feet. The rock reefs where the kelp attaches are filled with interesting life in all their crevices - from many species of nudibranch to families of California spiny lobsters who stay just beyond arms length of the hunters.

3 - The Ruby E - a 165-foot long Coast Guard Cutter, sunk as part of the Artificial Reef Project in July 1989 in 85 feet of water. She sits upright on the bottom and is intact and penetrable. All the hatches have been made larger and most rooms have an exit to the outside. Most of the wreck is covered with growth, such as strawberry anemones and a small kelp bed on top of the wheelhouse.

4 - Eagle Rock - on the west end of Catalina, spectacular sea fans hanging around the entire rock at 40-80ft depth make this one of the best wide-angle dive sites in the area.

5 - La Jolla Cove - There is an abundance of marine life at the Cove, mostly because it is part of the La Jolla Park Ecological Reserve, so no hunting of any kind is permitted. The marine biodiversity is partially sustained by the nutrient-rich water, which is the result of upwelling from the nearby La Jolla Submarine Canyons. A number of harbor seals frequent the area and will occasionally join you on your dive. Sometimes the seals will come in close to take a peek at you, other times they just zoom by you, seemingly to prove who the better swimmer is.

So now that I have shared some of my favorite dive spots, why don’t you share a couple of yours?

Meet the Amronians: Mike M.

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:42:08 +0000

This week, I spoke to Amron's VP of Sales and Marketing, Mike Malone. Here is what he said!

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere there is a beach with warm sand and preferably a bar nearby.

What is your favorite movie?
It’s a toss-up between Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Speed, and/or Pirates of the Caribbean

What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you?
I was blessed with two daughters (who are now teenage daughters… enough said).

What ONE item would you take with you on a deserted island?
A case of Irish Whiskey.

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Aware, Energetic, Honest

Name 3 things you would never leave home without.
iPhone and wallet. Everything else is negotiable

What do you like most about working here at Amron?
I get to work with some of the most sincere and energetic people in the industry.

Meet the Amronians: Joe E.

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:41:00 +0000

This week, I spoke to Joe Esparza, the Product Manager here at Amron.

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Happy – Easy going – And a big procrastinator

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
This is not so much a vacation spot, but I enjoy diving San Clemente Island off a 3 day live aboard boat. The diving there is awesome; the island has beautiful kelp forest, lots of fish, and plenty of playful seals. The visibility is usually around 50+ feet and the water is usually warmer than the coast.

What do you like to do on your spare time?
I mostly enjoy hanging out at home with my two boys, Joey 20 and Justin 17 but a few times a year I like to go SCUBA diving and on occasion I enjoy playing golf.

If you were a superhero, what would your powers be and why?
I would like to be able to fly. I commute 100 miles every day to work, so flying would definitely cut down on my commute time.

What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you?I don’t mean to be all doom and gloom, but one time I was driving to work and I had this overwhelming feeling that my dad died. A few hours later my mom called me to let me know that my dad’s sister had just passed away. That phone call gave me goose bumps.

Who is your favorite musician or band?
I really don’t have just one musician or band that I like. I listen to all types of music but I enjoy live music the most.

This is a video of The Money Band. Justin Towkaniuk, our Warehouse Manager is the drummer of this band!

Name 3 things you would never leave home without.
I know this is boring but I’ve carried my phone, keys and wallet for years.

What do you like most about working here at Amron?
I enjoy the atmosphere at work; everyone is upbeat, hardworking, and has a genuine drive to help get the job done. My coworkers are awesome and the customers are the best.

Meet the Amronians: Van R.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:35:24 +0000

This week I spoke to Van Richardson, a commercial diving sales rep here at Amron. Here is what he said!

What do you like to do on your spare time?
Spending time with the Family, attending sporting events

Who is your favorite musician or band?
Jazz as a genre and Ronnie Jordan as the musician

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
The creators of the United States Constitution

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anguilla, British West Indies (Birthplace)

Name 3 things you would never leave home without.
Patience, Understanding and Courage

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Inquisitive, Outgoing and Conscientious

What do you like most about working here at Amron?
Working here at Amron afford me the opportunity to meet new people all around the country. As I meet new people there is a transference of information that I would not normally have attained. The atmosphere is great and opportunities are abundant.