Jeffrey West, Superintendent at CP&O, joined the Cooper Group of Companies in 2005 upon retiring from the U.S. Army after 22 years of service. Enlisted in 1983, Jeffrey achieved the rank of First Sergeant (E-8P) and served as Transportation Manager in ports across the globe, including Egypt, Honduras, Italy, Turkey, Germany (where he received his U.S. Customs and Agricultural Certificate), and Southwest Asia during Desert Storm, Desert Comfort, and conflicts in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

“After retiring I joined CP&O as a Stevedoring Superintendent,” he said. “I’m part of a joint partnership between Cooper/T. Smith Corporation and Ports America that provides stevedoring services for commercial vessels at the Port of Hampton Roads.” This facility includes three marine terminals operated by Virginia International Terminals in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Newport News. In addition to container and break bulk cargo, CP&O also handles automobile Ro-Ro, and baggage handling and ship provision loading services for the Half Moon Cruise Terminal.

As part of the Operations Management Team, Jeffrey is responsible for the direction and supervision of longshore workers. “An important part of my job is maintaining a positive working relationship with our workers. I have to set the standard for them by running a safe and efficient operation.”

For Jeffrey the study and management of transportation logistics has always been a passion. “I’m proud to play a major role in ensuring that essential supplies, food, and equipment are successfully shipped and delivered, especially during these challenging times.” Jeffrey brings the same drive for excellence to CP&O as he did to his military service for 22 years.

“At CP&O we’re a very tight-knit group,” he explained. “We all have a long history of working together. Each day I come into work, I look forward to our comradery, seeing smiling faces and hearing family stories. Our motto around here – ‘we are family’ -- reflects that.”