Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Captain Eric Carrero (U.S. Coast Guard ret.) – President of the Greater Houston Port Bureau. Together they discuss the many roles of the U.S. Coast Guard including port security, the recent and first ever Navy Fleet Week in Houston, the impact of the Greater Houston Ports on the U.S. economy, the short-term and long-term impacts on the greater Houston ports by the closing of the Strait of Hormuz due to the war in Iran, the very important supply chain relationship between the greater Houston ports and railroads, current and future port expansion plans and its potential impact on the rail industry, America’s 250th birthday, and much more! Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS:
• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 87 countries, nearly 50% of the world!
• Don announced that nominations are now open for the 4th annual Honor our Heroes Award, sponsored by Boots for Troops in Tomball, TX. All nominations are due to info@Boot4Troops.com by 09/14/26.
• Prior to becoming President of the Greater Houston Port Bureau, Captain Carrero served 26 years in the U.S. Coast Guard before retiring.
• Founded in 1929 as the result of diverse public and semi-public agencies interested in furthering the development of the Port of Houston, the Port Bureau is a member driven, non-profit trade organization dedicated to the success of the port region.
• Captain Carrero discusses Houston’s recent and first ever Navy Fleet Week, why it’s so important, and the long-standing relationship between the greater Houston ports and the United States military.
• The Greater Houston Port Bureau hosts the number 1 U.S. port by tonnage, the largest container terminal on the Gulf, the number 4 cruise ship terminal in the U.S., and its economic impact is over $1.1 trillion dollars to the U.S. economy.
• Captain Carrero explains a technique used by Pilots passing one another in the Houston ship channel known as the “Texas Chicken”.
• Don and Captain Carrero discuss the importance of the relationship between the Texas ports and the railroad industry in the supply chain not only for Texas, but the entire U.S. as well as global markets.
• Last but certainly not least, Captain Carrero explains the short-term and long-term impacts of the Iran war, and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, on the oil and gas shipments to and from the greater Houston ports, as well as potential impacts on the rail industry as a result.
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LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.americanrailroading.net
https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com
https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX
https://www.enviroserve.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-walsh-76452911/
https://www.TXGulf.org
https://www.PTRA.com