Alan C. McClure was a remarkable innovator in field of maritime arts and sciences. He joined the Society in 1948, was elected to the grade of Fellow in 1987, and became a Life Member in 1989. The Society formally recognized Mr. McClure’s contributions to the industry by electing him to the grade of Fellow and awarded him The Blakely Smith Medal for pioneering uncharted areas in ocean engineering in 1987.
Born on 7 August 1923 in Yonkers, New York, Mr. McClure graduated with a bachelor of science degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of Michigan in 1949 and obtained a master of science degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1950.
Following his service with the US Army in WWII and the completion of his education, Mr. McClure started his career at the Electric Boat Division of the General Dynamics Corporation. There he was involved in the design of the first nuclear powered submarines, In 1962 he relocated to Houston, TX. where he served as chief naval architect on Project Mohole, working for the Brown & Root Corporation. Leaving in 1967 he joined the Continental Oil Corporation where he was engaged in the design of offshore production platforms.
In 1972 he formed the consulting firm of Alan C. McClure Associates, Inc., which gained worldwide recognition for solving offshore and marine transportation problems and was a leader in the development of SWATH semi-submersible vessels. At the time of his death he was an active naval architect and chairman of the board of directors of his firm.
Mr. McClure was a devoted participant in the affairs of SNAME, serving as an elected member of Council and as a SNAME Vice-President. He was instrumental in the formation of the Technical and Research Offshore Committee and was its chairman for over ten years. He also served on many SNAME standing committees, inclung the Nomination, Education, Awards, Sections, and the T&R Steering Committees.
Alan C. McClure of Houston, Texas, died on 1 May 1993.
The Alan C. McClure Scholarship is part of the SNAME Graduate Scholarships Program, and open to applicants worldwide who are members, in good standing, of SNAME. Membership in SNAME shall be documented for a minimum of two (2) years prior to the application due date, nominally 15 February of the Scholarship application year. Awards are made for one year of study only in the fields of naval architecture, marine engineering and ocean engineering. Applicants must not receive their Master's Degree prior to 1 September of the academic year for which the scholarship applies.
One scholarship for one year of study may be awarded annually.
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