Warrenton resident Desmond Doss, who arrived in Astoria by boat four years ago, was sworn in as the commander of a local boating fellowship last Saturday.

If his name sounds familiar, it may be because his father, World War II hero Desmond Doss Sr., died last Thursday at the age of 87. He is heralded as the first “conscientious objector” to be awarded the Medal of Honor, having saved more than 75 wounded soldiers as an Army medic on Okinawa during World War II. He never carried a gun.

Only one other conscientious objector received the Medal of Honor, and Doss’ beliefs and actions are chronicled in books and a documentary. When the Virginia native died at his home in Alabama last week, he left behind several stepchildren and one child of his own.

Desmond Doss Jr. will command the Lower Columbia Power Squadron following the 35th annual change-of-watch dinner last weekend.

He came to Astoria on a sailing trip four years ago, and ended up staying after “just the reverse of getting shanghaied,” when his traveling partner couldn’t finish the trip.

“I got stranded here, of all things,” Doss said.

Doss Jr. was also a medic in the Army, and unlike his father, there was no problem with his decision not to carry a gun.

“When I came in, it was all ironed out,” he said. “It wasn’t even an issue anymore.”

He now runs a storage and moving facility, and he still enjoys sailing.

“For all of us who have boats, we need to invite someone who does not have one or does not go boating to go with us,” Doss said last Saturday. “I especially would like us to encourage all young people to experience the hands-on of boating… Boating provides many lessons that lead to a joyous and purposeful life.”

The local chapter of the U.S. Power Squadron works to promote “fellowship in boating.” The Lower Columbia organization offers boating education to the public and helps with vessel safety.

Guests at the 35th annual change-of-watch dinner included U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Farrell. Retired Coast Guard aviator, Admiral Ed Nelson, was the keynote speaker.