Join San Diego Port Commissioner and Chairman, Garry Bonelli as he discusses how the Port of San Diego meets the persistent challenges of keeping pollution from the waters of our bay, improving air quality, and planning for sea level rise, while our region’s population continues to grow, our economy expands, and our visitor industry booms. Learn what programs and services the Port supports - what’s working, and what’s not! Learn also how you can make a difference.
The Coronado City Council appointed Mr. Bonelli to serve as a member of the Board of Port Commissioners for the Port of San Diego in December 2013. As a Port Commissioner, Mr. Bonelli makes public policy and provides stewardship for over 14,000 acres of land and water
in and around San Diego Bay. An economic engine for the region, the Port generates more than $9.4 billion annually and supports 70,000 well-paying jobs. Commissioner Bonelli coordinates with the Port’s five member cities, works with the shipbuilding and ship repair industries,
oversees operations of cargo and cruise terminals, and establishes policies for the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department and homeland security issues. His responsibilities include working with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard; environmental groups; and more than 800 hotel, retail, restaurant, and visitor-serving businesses on the bay’s waterfront.
A street urchin raised in New York City, Mr. Bonelli had a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy spanning 45 years of active and reserve service, where he rose through the ranks from seaman to admiral. He made combat deployments in Vietnam as a Navy frogman and served as the commanding officer of SEAL Team 5 during the 1990/1991 Gulf War. Recalled to active duty again in 2006, Bonelli was promoted to Flag rank and served as the Deputy Commander and then the ninth Force Commander of Naval Special Warfare. He provided the vision and leadership for a 9,000-person worldwide maritime special operations force of SEALs, special boat operators, and mission specialists while directing a $1 billion-plus enterprise. Admiral Bonelli retired from the U.S. Navy in 2013.
Earlier in his civilian career, Mr. Bonelli worked as a sta director for the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), and as a vice president with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
