TNS Zavala Squadron

2025 Essay Contest Information Now Available

The TNS Zavala Squadron was named after the TNS Zavala of the Second Texas Navy.  It was the first steam warship to ever serve in battle for either the Texas Navy or the US Navy.  While our members promote the history of the Zavala and the Texas Navy first and foremost, we also promote the history of the Republic of Texas' struggle for independence from Mexico in 1835 - 46. 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 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.  

Area of Responsibility

What We Do

Our meetings include historical presentations on 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 a Steward level membership at the Texas Maritime Museum (TMM), the official maritime museum of the State of Texas.  Existing museum members receive a $40 discount to the Zavala Squadron dues. 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 partnering with the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA) to search for the remains of the Texas schooner Invincible, one of four ships in the First Texas Navy. TNA membership levels may be viewed at TNA Membership.

All currently Commissioned Admirals in the Texas Navy and all personnel interested in becoming members at the Governor-appointed Admiral or the TNA Commander, Lieutenant (young adult/student) or Associate member levels are encouraged to apply for membership through the Become a Member - Texas Maritime Museum site. 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.

Visit the Zavala Calendar to see upcoming local meetings and events.

What's Ahead for TNS Zavala Squadron?

Upon convening our next Squadron meeting we will be voting on updated bylaws and seeking volunteers to serve in the Squadron officer positions below. This meeting coincides with the opening of the new Zavala Exhibit at the Texas Maritime Museum.  Future meetings will be held on a quarterly basis rotating between Rockport, Port Aransas, Corpus Christi, and other venues.

Squadron Commander - TNS Zavala Squadron (Coastal Bend) Interim Commander Brad Chilcote (tnszavala@gmail.com)

Executive Officer - ADM Michelle Haas (interim)

Financial Officer - TBD (need elected volunteer)

Texas History Liaison Officer - TBD (need elected volunteer)

Sergeant-At-Arms - TBD (Appointed) 

Squadron Chaplain - 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.’