Wayne Young began service with the Coast Guard in 1968. He performed search and rescue, aids to navigation, waterways management, and port security activities. After this, he joined the Marine Board staff at the National Research Council and served as study director for reports about fishing vessel safety, marine navigation and piloting, beach nourishment and protection, marine simulation for channel design and mariner training, and marine habitat restoration. Later, with the Maryland Environmental Service, his work included dredged material management support for the Port of Baltimore; management of environmental, engineering, and site operations services for island restoration projects; building oyster reefs including the introduction of Reef Balls for oyster restoration; and, management of the Maryland artificial reef program for the Chesapeake Bay. Returning to the Coast Guard after the 911 attack, he assisted in updating national port security policy and then led team development and nationwide application of marine transportation system recovery policies during river flooding and hurricane disaster recovery and the Deepwater Horizon response. Now a recreational boater and fisherman, he investigates reef structures and participates in Reef Ball pours to aid in Bay oyster restoration.