Stephen Chapin Kinnaman was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and grew up in upstate New York and northern New Jersey.  He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.Sc. in naval architecture and marine engineering and pursued post-graduate research at Cambridge University’s Department of Engineering.  He is a professional naval architect and has used his understanding of technology to compliment his treatment of naval history. His experience on the water managing marine operations has allowed him to craft a lively, hands-on account of the world of the antebellum navy, its officers and organization.

Stephen Chapin Kinnaman has to his credit numerous public speaking engagements at historical societies, Civil War round tables and the McMullen Naval History Symposiums held at the U.S. Naval Academy. During his career in the offshore oil and gas industry, the author published nearly a dozen technical articles in various trade journals and industry forums.  More recently he authored the works of naval history as listed below.

The author and his wife Maureen live in Chappell Hill, Texas.