Captain Puckett had been in the maritime industry since he was a young boy on the Ohio river. At age 17 he entered the US military and rose through the ranks to become a Senior Petty Officer, accomplished Navigator, Senior Warrant Officer, Ship Captain, and Harbor Pilot. He served as a Harbor Pilot in Korea, Japan, and South Vietnam. In Panama he safely piloting over 1440 through the Panama Canal. Captain Puckett holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation Management from New York State Maritime College. He has lectured before professional organizations, military units, civic groups, colleges and on board some of the world's largest cruise liners.