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TNS Zavala Squadron
2025 Essay Contest Information Now Available
The TNS Zavala was the first steam warship to ever serve in battle for either the Texas Navy or the US Navy. Originally operating along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard as the passenger steam packet, Charleston, the Republic of Texas purchased (under false pretenses to avoid violating the U.S. neutrality law) and renamed her after Texas’ first vice president, Lorenzo de Zavala. Our members promote the history of the Zavala and the second Texas Navy under Commodore Moore along with the history of the Republic of Texas' struggle for independence from Mexico in 1835 - 1846. With the Texas Maritime Museum as our home port, we have the good fortune and opportunity to promote Texas maritime history more broadly. We are affiliated with the Texas Navy Association as a separately formed Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and contributions are normally tax-deductible depending on your individual tax situation.
We are actively recruiting new members and invite you to join us. Our squadron's Area of Responsibility (AOR) encompasses the Texas Coastal Bend, from the counties of Matagorda to Cameron and inland from the counties of Colorado to Hidalgo. We meet quarterly at centrally located venues in our AOR.
Mission
promote awareness of the Texas Navy's crucial importance during the Texas Revolution and the years of the Republic.
What We Do
Our quarterly meetings, rotated among several Coastal Bend venues, include presentations on Republic of Texas history, Texas maritime history, and related topics. Each year the squadron participates in the Texas Navy Association's Essay Contest for seventh grade students, presenting an award to a student from our AOR who goes on to compete at the state level. Members of the Zavala Squadron also enjoy membership at the Texas Maritime Museum, the official maritime museum of the State of Texas. Squadron member dues of $80 provide a $40 discount applied to the level of Texas Maritime Museum membership chosen. In conjunction with the Texas Maritime Museum, the squadron participates in Texian Navy Week activities each September providing members with more history programming and commemorative festivities. Texas history forms the core of our mission and activities, and the fellowship we share makes it fun.
Some of you may already be members of our parent organization, the Texas Navy Association (TNA), a nonprofit whose mission is to promote the history of the Texas Navy statewide. Currently, the TNA is partnered with the United States Navy in a search for the wreckage of the TN Invincible, one of four ships in the First Texas Navy. She wrecked on a sand bar while two Mexican men-of-war pursued her. TNA membership levels may be viewed at TNA Membership.
Commissioned Admirals in the Texas Navy, TNA Line Officers (e.g., Commanders and Lieutenants), or other individuals interested in the mission of the squadron as Associates are encouraged to apply for membership. Applications are processed through the Texas Maritime Museum, where you may view and select your museum membership level, then select the option for joining the TNS Zavala Squadron. Apply for membership at Become a Member - Texas Maritime Museum (or you may scan the QR Code). Select "Individual," complete your contact information and select the level of membership you want at the TMM. Then continue with completing the additional information. If you are already a member of TMM, instead of the "Individual" select "TNS Zavala Squadron" for membership type and complete the information. Questions may be sent to TNSZavala@gmail.org.
Members receive an e-mailed TNS Zavala Squadron Newsletter (published during months when there is not a meeting) as well as the Texas Maritime Museum Newsletter when it is published. These publications are full of information regarding events and historical information of interest. The TNA Zavala Squadron Bylaws, as approved on 26 April 2025, may be viewed here.
What's Ahead for TNS Zavala Squadron?
Our next Squadron meeting will occur in July 2025. Details for date and location will be posted to the Zavala Calendar when they are available, where you can also see additional upcoming events.
Squadron Commander - CDR Brad Chilcote
Executive Officer - Jason Gunning
Financial Officer - ADM Tom Rodino (acting)
Texas History Liaison Officer - (open)
TNA Board Representative - ADM Tom Rodino
Sergeant-At-Arms - Wayne Carney
Squadron Chaplain - TBD (Appointed)
IT (website) Chair - TBD (Appointed)
Membership Chair - ADM Tom Hauser
Squadron Ship Store Chair - TBD (Appointed)
Disclaimer: The Media posted to these pages is the sole property and responsibility of the Squadron posting the material. Texas Navy Association has no responsibility or liability nor editorial input, for any form of Media posted. Texas Navy Association does not endorse or promote any views represented by material posted on a specific Squadron page nor is the Texas Navy Association responsible for any copy write or source material contained in a posting. Squadrons are independent from the Texas Navy Association and operate under “approved affiliation” and cooperation as approved by the Texas Navy Association. “This statement may be reviewed and updated as needed.’