William E. Crouse — GRIBBELL LAW FIRM, LLC

When Bill was 17 years old, Bill entered the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. He graduated in 1997 with a BS degree in marine engineering, a commission in the Navy Reserve as an ensign, and a Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited steam and diesel) license.

In order to obtain 300 days of sea duty, the Merchant Marine Academy requires their students (Navy Reserve midshipmen), to serve on U.S. merchant ships in times of war and peace. During his sea duty, Bill worked as a merchant marine engine cadet for Lykes Brothers Steamship Co.; Sea Land Services, Inc.; and Pacific Gulf Marine. In addition to their merchant marine duties, engine cadets are required to learn all operating systems and prepare schematics and descriptions of all systems on each ship served. This requirement was good preparation for his subsequent patent-application writing. Bill obtained a sea ribbon for an academic grade above 3.25 on a 4.0 scale during a sea period.

In addition to his 300 days of his sea duty, Bill served for two weeks on an aircraft carrier as a midshipman. As an orientation to Navy Aviation, he flew jet aircraft with an instructor.

MBA

While working full time as a merchant marine engineer, Bill attended Northern Kentucky University evening classes and obtained a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in project management. Upon graduation, Bill was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, which was the highest honor the university could bestow. Bill graduated first in his class.

JURIS DOCTOR

After receiving his MBA degree, Bill attended Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University. Bill attended evening law classes while working full time as a Port Engineer for a riverboat company. Bill graduated summa cum lade and first in his class.

NAVY RESERVE OFFICER AND MERCHANT MARINE LICENSES

After receiving two accelerated promotions, Bill rose to the rank of LCDR in the Navy Reserve. During Bill’s time in the Navy Reserve, he served yearly on a two-week, active-duty period. He served on the USNS Mercy, at NASSCO Shipyard, Naval Station Pascagoula, Cape Canaveral, and the USMMA. Bill currently holds a 100-ton Inland Master license, a 5000 hp Chief Engineer (Limited-Oceans) Motor and Gas Turbine vessels license, and a Third Assistant Engineer of diesel and steam of any horsepower license.

ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL CAREER

Bill began his maritime career as a service engineer for Wartsila, a Finnish company that makes large four stroke engines for ships and power plants. As a company representative Bill, worked on sea-going ships sailing from Miami, FLA, to and from Europe. After buying Sulzer, a Swiss engine company, Wartsila sent Bill to Switzerland for eight months to train on Sulzer large two-stroke slow speed diesel engines. Bill completed courses in engine control systems (electrical and pneumatic), troubleshooting such systems, and non-destructive testing. While working at Wartsila, Bill received an accelerated promotion to Service Engineer.

When Bill returned to the United States, Wartsila sent him to Long Beach, CA, to work on engines. As a company representative, Bill worked at many of the ports and shipyards located on the West Coast. After leaving Wartsila, Bill worked as an assistant engineer at Grand Victoria Casino at Rising Sun, IN. While at Grand Victoria, Bill was promoted to Chief Engineer. Bill later worked as a port engineer for BB Riverboats Cruise Line at Newport, KY, until leaving to work as an attorney.

LEGAL CAREER

Bill began his legal career at the Frost Brown Todd as a patent attorney. During his first year there, he passed the patent bar. Bill has prepared and prosecuted patents for medical devices, dental devices, locking devices, containers, vehicle charging systems, farming machinery, alert devices, building supplies, aviation engines and many more. At Frost Brown Todd Bill also represented clients as a maritime attorney. Bill represented clients including but not limited to United States Coast Guard licensing disputes, litigation involving allisions and collisions, barge loading agreements contracts, Ocean shipping contracts, mooring agreements, vessel sales, and more. Since leaving Frost Brown Todd, he has worked for the Gribbell Law Firm.