Executive Board
Albert José Jones - Doc Jones
Founder
Welcome to the legacy of underwater exploration! I am Albert José Jones, affectionately known as Doc Jones, and I proudly hold the position of Founder at the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS).
Here's a glimpse into my journey and aspirations for the UAS community:
Background:
Hometown: Washington, DC
Alma Mater: Georgetown University
UAS Founder: 1959
Why I Founded UAS:
My commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment led to the founding of UAS in 1959.
The goal was to create a space where African Americans could comfortably enter and advance in the exhilarating world of scuba diving.
Contributions to UAS:
As the founder, my role involves providing leadership, drawing from decades of experience, and casting a strategic vision to guide the club towards continued success and growth.
Diving Expertise and Achievements:
With a remarkable 68 years of scuba diving experience, my dedication to the sport has been recognized through prestigious awards, including:
- NOGI Award
- International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame induction
- DEMA Reaching Out Award
- Rolex Diver of the Year in 2005
Beyond Diving:
Outside the underwater realm, I am an 8th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, embracing the discipline and mastery that martial arts bring to my life.
Vision for UAS in 5 Years:
Looking ahead, I envision UAS becoming the 'Go-To' organization for scuba diving activities. In five years, I see the club thriving as a hub for enthusiasts, offering unparalleled experiences and opportunities in the world of underwater exploration.
Thank you for being part of the UAS journey. Together, let's dive into the future and continue making waves in the world of scuba diving!
Michael P Davenport Sr.
President
Greetings, fellow aquatic enthusiasts! I am Michael P Davenport Sr., proudly serving as the President of the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS).
Here's a glimpse into my journey with the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS):
Background:
Hometown: Washington DC.
Alma Mater: University of Virginia
UAS Member Since: 2019
Motivation to Join UAS:
I joined the UAS family by chance when my sister, Carla, informed me that she was taking a diving course. Upon further exposure and research I found that this group offered a unique opportunity to be trained by and dive with elite scuba divers and was internationally recognized.
This in turn presented the opportunity to not only dive and gain access to exploring the galaxy of maritime but also offered a world of diversity in diving.
The group is unique and committed to ongoing cultural and diving education both in the water and on the land. This is me.
Contributions to UAS:
My contributions to the club are embodied in my willingness to give back and share my a life time of challenges, positive influences, education, life lessons, extreme adventure, creativity and spiritual awareness.
As I navigate my maritime adventure I contribute my dive experience in an effort to give back and insure that future divers are safely experiencing what I have and continue to experience.
"Diving is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all". Hellen Keller
Diving Expertise and Achievements:
As a member of DWP I have become a Maritime Archeology Instructor for NOAA and with fellow Archeological comrades been acknowledged in two local Key largo Florida publications.
I am a member of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS) and a contributing member of Diving With a Purpose (DWP).
I have achieved all certifications that qualify me as a Dive Master including Aquarium Specialty Diver. Most recently have been involved and am completing the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Scientific Diver certification with a mission to advance and facilitate safe and productive scientific diving.
I am also an artist and underwater art instructor using box canvas for detailed and abstract oil paintings and sketches to express emotional impact and relationship to underwater life. Encased in water with the silent but deafening sounds of the mumbling ocean energy I am called to express my bonding with nature in another world and am compelled to share it through my art.
I participated in the Potomac River, Mussel SCUBA support at The National Harbor for the Department of Natural Resources, working with Kim Walker and Emily Franc, Vice President of Development/Philanthropy, Potomac Riverkeeper Network.
Beyond Diving:
Art, motorcycles, Mustangs, Martial Arts, Krav Maga, Classic Jazz, Paintball, Kayaking, Marksmanship, Reading,
Vision for UAS in 5 Years:
In five years I would like to see the club full of scientific divers who have expanded their horizons and truly embraced the study of the sea.
I'd like to see the recognition of the club as an elite group of safe divers increasing the membership ten fold.
Thank you for being part of this incredible aquatic adventure with UAS!
James Richardson Jr.
Vice-President
Greetings, fellow aquatic enthusiasts! I am James Richardson Jr., proudly serving as the Vice-President of the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS).
Here's a glimpse into my journey with the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS):
Background:
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Alma Mater: United States Naval Academy (USNA) / Boston University / Retired U.S. Marine
UAS Member Since: 2024
Motivation to Join UAS:
I attended my first National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS) summit in 2023 in Cozumel, Mexico and it was an amazing experience diving with people that looked like me from 27-78 years old. I heard about UAS during that summit and wanted to be a part of a group that dove often and was known for its expertise, dive safety, and excellence.
Contributions to UAS:
Enthusiasm for the sport and an excitement to help others become better divers.
Diving Expertise and Achievements:
- Certified Open Water Diver, PADI: 2022
- Advanced Open Water Diver, PADI: 2022
- Nitrox, PADI: 2024
- Rescue Diver, PADI: 2024
Beyond Diving:
When not diving, you’ll find me cycling, running Spartan races, or giving back to the community as a member of a Star Wars charity group.
Vision for UAS in 5 Years:
I hope to see UAS expand its membership and continue striving for excellence in the dive community!
Thank you for being part of this incredible aquatic adventure with UAS!
JoAnne Smith
Secretary
Greetings, fellow aquatic enthusiasts! I am JoAnne Smith. Here's a glimpse into my journey with the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS):
Background:
Why I Joined UAS:
I joined Underwater Adventure Seekers because I’ve always been curious about the world beneath the surface and wanted to challenge myself to learn something completely new. Scuba diving represents both adventure and mindfulness—an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, build confidence, and experience nature from a different perspective. Becoming part of UAS allows me to learn safely from experienced divers, connect with a supportive community, and turn a long-held interest in underwater exploration into a real skill and lifelong passion.
Diving Expertise and Achievements:
- PADI Advanced Open Water Certification
- UAS 2023 New Diver of the Year
Beyond Diving:
Beyond diving, my interests include amateur owner-dog handling, biking, hiking, and genealogical research. These activities reflect my appreciation for outdoor exploration, personal growth, and the preservation of history.
Vision for UAS in 5 Years:
In five years, I would like to see Underwater Adventure Seekers continue to honor and support Dr. Jones’s legacy while cultivating a strong and well-respected diving community with a clear focus on safety, mentorship, and ocean stewardship. I envision the club expanding opportunities for training and certification, increasing outreach to new and underrepresented divers, and strengthening partnerships that support marine conservation. Most importantly, I hope UAS remains rooted in its legacy while inspiring the next generation of divers to explore the ocean responsibly and carry the tradition forward.
Thank you for being part of this incredible aquatic adventure with UAS!
Carlyn Cole
Treasure
Greetings, fellow aquatic enthusiasts! I am Carlyn Cole, and though I may no longer explore the depths due to health reasons, my passion for scuba diving remains as deep as the ocean itself.
Here's a glimpse into my journey with the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS):
Background:
Certified: 1994
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water
Logged Dives: Over 600
Why I Love Scuba Diving:
Scuba diving has been a lifelong love, and my journey with UAS began after my certification in 1994.
Although health considerations prevent me from diving now, my heart remains immersed in the joy and wonder that underwater exploration brings.
Club Affiliations:
I am not only a proud member of UAS but also a lifetime member of NABS since 1994, showcasing my commitment to the underwater community.
Honored to Serve:
Currently honored to serve as the Treasure of UAS, I bring a wealth of experience to the role.
Having served as President, Vice President & Secretary multiple times, I've been actively involved in various committees and activities within both UAS and NABS.
Looking to the Future:
As Treasure, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with newer & older members, learning from their knowledge and skills.
My goal is to blend the rich history of the club with fresh perspectives, ensuring we navigate the ever-changing landscape of scuba diving together.
Embracing the Journey:
While I may not be diving presently, my enthusiasm for UAS and the underwater world remains unwavering.
I look forward to performing my duties with dedication and a passion that mirrors the depths we all explore.
Thank you for being part of this incredible aquatic adventure with UAS!
Jay V. Haigler
Master Instructor
Greeting Underwater Enthusiasts!
I am Jay V. Haigler, and I am deeply honored to succeed Dr. Albert José Jones as Master Instructor for the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS), carrying forward his legacy of excellence, leadership, and inclusion.
Here’s a glimpse into my journey and aspirations for the UAS community.
Background:
Hometown: Washington, DC
Alma Mater: The Catholic University of America
UAS Member Since: 2005
Why I Joined UAS:
My wife, Vanessa Haigler, and I participated in a PADI Discover Scuba Diving course in2004 while vacationing in the Grand Cayman Islands.
At the time, we were hesitant tocontinue our scuba journey due to the limited representation of African Americans withinthe scuba diving community.
Later that year, we met several members of UnderwaterAdventure Seekers (UAS) at a social event. UAS member Edward Ragland invited us to attend a club meeting, where we were inspired to see more than 50 African Americancertified scuba divers gathered in one place.
Experiencing that level of representation,professionalism, and commitment to safe, high-quality diving solidified our desire to
become part of the UAS community.
Contributions to UAS:
As a UAS member for more than two decades, I have had the honor of serving in numerous leadership and instructional roles, including Dive Assistant, Assistant Dive Coordinator, Dive Coordinator, Summer Trip Dive Coordinator, Scientific Diving Instructor, Lead Open Water Scuba Instructor and Master Instructor.
In addition, I have been privileged to serve on the 47th, 48th, 50th, 55th, and 60th Anniversary Committees.
In my role as Master Instructor, I currently chair the Skills Development and Training Committee.
Highlights of my diving career include co-producing Dr. Albert José Jones’ autobiographical audiobook, Pathway to Ph.D.: A True-Life Story of a Social Underdog Who Overcame All Odds to Become Highly Successful, as well as co-producing Black Godfather of Scuba, a PBS documentary chronicling Dr. Jones’ life and legacy.
I currently represent UAS as a Founding Board Member of Diving With a Purpose.
Diving Expertise and Achievements:
- American Academy of Underwater Sciences Scientific Diving Instructor
- National Register of Scientific Divers
- PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
With over 20 years of scuba diving experience, my dedication to the sport has been
recognized through prestigious awards including:
- UAS Founder’s Award 2010
- NABS Hall of Fame 2025
- NABS Diver of the Year 2011 & 2024
- UAS – Most Significant Contribution to Recreational
- Scuba Diving (Special Award) 2014
- UAS Most Outstanding Student (Open Water Class) 2005
Beyond Diving:
Outside of diving, I enjoy publishing academic journal articles, as well as educational and popular magazine pieces focused on the maritime archaeology of the transatlantic slave trade. I also enjoy lecturing at the elementary, secondary, and university levels.
Vision for UAS in 5 Years:
I envision UAS continuing its reputation as the “go-to” organization for scuba diving activities, while further advancing the legacy of Dr. Jones by ensuring there is an inclusive and welcoming space where African Americans and other underrepresented communities can confidently enter, thrive, and advance in the extraordinary sport of scuba diving.
Thank you for being part of the UAS journey. Let's dive deeper, explore further, and build a community that thrives on shared passion and camaraderie.
Brian Tennort
Dive Coordinator
Greetings, fellow aquatic enthusiasts! I am Brian Tennort. and I am thrilled to serve as the UAS Dive Coordinator.
Let me share a bit about my journey and aspirations within the UAS community:
Background:
Hometown: Washington, DC
Alma Mater: The Catholic University of America
UAS Member Since: 2005
Why I Joined UAS:
In 2005, I became part of UAS with a shared goal – to dive into the underwater world alongside like-minded individuals with similar life experiences.
The camaraderie and shared passion for exploration drew me to this vibrant community.
Contributions to UAS:
As the UAS Dive Coordinator, I bring a wave of excitement, enthusiasm, and a profound passion for scuba diving.
My goal is to foster an environment that ignites the same love for underwater exploration in every member.
Diving Expertise and Achievements:
Diving is not just a hobby for me; it's a passion and an area of personal expertise. Some notable achievements include:
- Specialization in Maritime Archaeology
- UAS Founders Award recipient
- Best UAS Open Water Student in 2005
- NABS Diver of the Year in 2011
Beyond Diving:
When I'm not submerged in the depths, you'll find me working with community-based non-profit organizations.
Giving back to the community is another passion that complements my love for underwater exploration.
Vision for UAS in 5 Years:
Looking ahead, my vision for UAS involves establishing a formal leadership development program.
In five years, I see the club not only thriving in underwater adventures but also nurturing future leaders who will continue to steer our community towards new horizons.
Thank you for being part of the UAS journey!
Let's continue exploring the wonders beneath the surface and building a community that thrives on shared passion and leadership!
Safety Officer
Greetings, fellow aquatic enthusiasts! I am UAS's Safety Officer.
Let me take you on a journey through my UAS experience and contributions:
Background:
Hometown:
Alma Mater:
UAS Member Since:
Why I Joined UAS:
Contributions to UAS:
As UAS Safety Officer, I prioritize the advancement and training of new divers with safety as the paramount concern.
Through my expertise and dedication, I aim to instill confidence and ensure the well-being of all members.
Diving Expertise and Achievements:
My journey in diving is marked by various certifications and achievements, including:
Beyond Diving:
Vision for UAS in 5 Years:
Looking ahead, I envision UAS growing in membership, particularly attracting younger members.
Thank you for being part of the UAS journey. Let's dive deeper, explore further, and build a community that thrives on shared passion and camaraderie
Earl Powell
Assistant Dive Safety Officer
Hello, fellow water enthusiasts! I'm Earl Powell, your friendly Printing Specialist and a proud member of the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS).
Here's a bit about my journey and contributions to the UAS family:
Background:
Hometown: Washington, DC
Alma Mater: University of the District of Columbia
UAS Member Since: 2017
Why I Joined UAS:
With a deep love for the water, UAS presented the perfect opportunity to indulge my passion and explore dive destinations worldwide.
Contributions to UAS:
Bringing a wealth of water safety experience as a former lifeguard and instructor, I contribute to UAS by promoting a culture of safety during our underwater adventures.
Diving Achievements:
I take pride in being recognized within the UAS community, having been awarded the prestigious title of Diver of the Year.
This achievement reflects my commitment to the club and my passion for diving.
Beyond Diving:
When not submerged in the deep blue, you'll find me enjoying: Spinning tunes as a DJ and exploring the creative world of sewing
Vision for UAS in 5 Years:
In the next five years, I envision UAS flourishing and expanding its community.
My hope is to see the club grow in membership, fostering a vibrant and diverse community of underwater enthusiasts.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with UAS. Let's continue exploring the depths and making waves together!
Founding Club of
The National Association of Black Scuba Drivers
Founding Club of
The National Association of Black Scuba Drivers
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