Copyright © 2018 American Maritime Officers ■ editorial@amo-union.org

Page 2: AMO election — Credentials Committee Report

Volume 48, Number 6 June 2018

Page 3: On National Maritime Day, the introduction of the EnergizingAmerican Shipbuilding Act was announced during an event featuring thebill’s sponsor in the House of Representatives, Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), and its sponsor in the Senate, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS).

Energizing American Shipbuilding Actaims to expand U.S.-flag merchant fleet

Pages 6, 7, 11: The vital service of U.S. merchant mariners past and pre-sent to the defense, security and prosperity of the United States was rec-ognized by national, military, local, labor and industry leaders on NationalMaritime Day during ceremonies held across the country.

U.S. merchant mariners past, presenthonored on National Maritime Day

Underway aboardthe National Glory

Working onboard the National Glory in May,here in the Gulf of Mexico, were (front) EngineCadet Christian Williford, AB Celso Castro,Oiler Richard Vega Villafane, (standing) OSAhmed Ali, Deck Cadet Jacob Pratt, AB PaulDooley, Oiler Reginald Yeager, Third MateNathanael Kutz, Third Assistant Engineer JoelSauer Jr., Captain Darl Langford, Bos’nJoseph White, Second Mate Matthew Bozich,Chief Engineer Gunter Meza, Chief MateNathan Gresh, Second A.E. Michael Maurer,Electrician Domingo Hurtado, OS RoselZapata Bermudez and AB Raul Morales-Vargas. Not in the picture are First A.E. DavidDauphin, Steward Nadine Butler and ChiefCook Delia Peters. American Maritime Officersrepresents the licensed officers aboard theship and the Seafarers International Unionrepresents the unlicensed crew.Photo: Nadine Butler

LNG-powered El Coquí, first of two in CommitmentClass, preparing for service in Puerto Rico trade

Photo: Crowley

At the end of May, work on the firstof two combination container and roll-on/roll-off (ConRo) ships in Crowley’sCommitment Class was nearing comple-tion at the VT Halter Marine shipyard inPascagoula, Miss., and the ship waspreparing for service in the Jones Acttrade between the U.S. mainland andPuerto Rico.

In April, the ship — El Coquí —received its first load of liquefied naturalgas (LNG) fuel. Making the fill-up possi-ble were Crowley partners Eagle LNG andClean Energy, who together loaded around410,000 gallons of LNG on 41 trailers,which were trucked from their respectiveLNG plants to VT Halter Marine.

The ship’s cryogenic, vacuum-insu-lated system keeps the LNG in a frigid state,around minus 260 degrees fahrenheit, untilit is ready for use.

Going forward, Eagle LNG’s newliquefaction facility, located nearJacksonville, Fla., will exclusively supportthe fuel needs for El Coquí and sister shipTaíno. Both Commitment Class ships are

the JAXPORT Talleyrand MarineTerminal that will provide faster, moreefficient fueling. This facility includes twolarge tanks with a capacity of about500,000 gallons. These tanks are filledjust prior to vessel arrival and provide fastand efficient bunkering direct to the ves-sel. This location, which uses cutting edgetechnology, was also engineered to featurea compact footprint specifically for shipbunkering operations.

The liquefaction facility at Maxville,Fla., about 25 miles from the Talleyrand ter-minal, has the capacity to produce up to200,000 gallons of LNG per day, and has aone-million-gallon storage tank and a mod-ern system to load fuel into ISO containersfor truck delivery to the port.

Built in the U.S. and operated in theJones Act trade, Crowley’s CommitmentClass ships will offer optimal performanceand safety while setting new standards forenvironmentally responsible shipping.Their use of LNG will result in a significantreduction of emissions as compared toexisting fossil fuels.

manned in all licensed positions byAmerican Maritime Officers.

To meet these demands, Eagle LNG

and Crowley’s LNG engineering teamtogether constructed a dockside LNG fueldepot at the company’s leased property at

2 • American Maritime Officer June 2018

American Maritime Officer(USPS 316-920)

Official Publication of American Maritime Officers601 S. Federal HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004

(954) 921-2221Periodical Postage Paid at

Dania Beach, FL and Additional Mailing OfficesPublished Monthly

POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To:American Maritime Officers — ATTENTION: Member Services

P.O. Box 66Dania Beach, FL 33004

ISO 9001:2008Certificate #33975

American Maritime Officers members serving on the Credentials Committeewere Owen Duffy, Edward English, John Hewitt, Chad Morin, Frank Coe, JosephMcHattie and Kevin Stith.

Report of the AMO Credentials Committee: 2018 AMONational Election of Officers to the National Executive Board

Pursuant to ARTICLE XI of the AMO National Constitution, the undersignedCredentials Committee was elected at the Regular Membership Meeting held on June 4,2018. The Committee convened at 10:15 a.m. on June 5, 2018. At the meeting Brother JohnHewitt was elected Chairman by the Committee and Brother Edward English was elected asSecretary by the Committee. After reviewing the letters and documents, the Committee pre-pared a draft of the Report of the Credentials Committee and it was finalized at 1:00 p.m.

The Committee reviewed all of the Nominations addressed to it. The following indi-viduals nominated themselves or were nominated by others for the following positions:

A) DANIA BEACH HEADQUARTERS1. Nominated for AMO National President:

Ervin L. Curtis Card No. 401C QUALIFIEDPaul Doell Card No. D317 QUALIFIED

2. Nominated for AMO National Secretary-Treasurer:

Charles A. Murdock Card No. 357M QUALIFIEDAndrew A. Nelson Card No. N117 QUALIFIEDDave Weathers Card No. W282 QUALIFIED

3. Nominated for AMO National Executive Vice President:

Mike F. Finnigan Card No. 226F QUALIFIEDGary W. Moore Card No. M457 QUALIFIEDDanny Shea Card No. 510S QUALIFIED

B) DEEP SEA4. Nominated for AMO National Vice President:

Frank Harvey Bowley, III Card No. B585 QUALIFIEDJoe Gremelsbacker Card No. 228G QUALIFIED

C) INLAND WATERS5. Nominated for AMO National Vice President:

Walter E. Hardman Card No. 397H QUALIFIEDDanny Robichaux Card No. 242R QUALIFIED

D) GREAT LAKES6. Nominated for AMO National Vice President:

John E. Clemons Card No. C431 QUALIFIEDJason Furtah Card No. F260 QUALIFIEDBrian D. Krus Card No. K234 QUALIFIED

E) GOVERNMENT RELATIONS7. Nominated for AMO National Vice President:

Robert K. Lansden Card No. 265L QUALIFIEDT. Christian Spain Card No. 520S QUALIFIEDJoseph P. Stropole Card No. S671 QUALIFIED

The Credentials Committee checked the membership status of all Nomineesand found them to be in order. The Committee also checked the records pertainingto the required employment time and found them to be in order. Therefore, anyunopposed Nominees listed above were found QUALIFIED and/or ELECTED as

No publicity for candidatesSo as not to give any candidate an undue advantage in the forthcoming election of

AMO national officers, neither the names nor photographs of candidates, whether incum-bent or not, will be published in articles in the union’s newspaper, American MaritimeOfficer, or the union’s online periodical, AMO Currents. In the case of news stories thatinvolve an incumbent who is a candidate, only the candidate’s title may be mentioned.

AMO National Constitutionavailable on AMO website,from AMO headquarters

The American Maritime Officers National Constitution was mailed to AMO deep-sea, Great Lakes and inland waters members at their home addresses and to contractedvessels in the March 2018 edition of American Maritime Officer. AMO members wish-ing to obtain additional copies of the AMO National Constitution can acquire them fromAMO headquarters upon request. A digital copy of the AMO National Constitution isavailable on the AMO website at www.amo-union.org/PDFs/Constitution.pdf.

Bipartisan call for support, enforcement of cargo preferenceIn letters to Transportation

Secretary Elaine Chao and DefenseSecretary James Mattis, a total of 67members of Congress from both partieshave urged the administration to supportand properly enforce U.S. cargo prefer-ence laws. The letters read as below.

Recently, representatives from theDepartment of Transportation and theDepartment of Defense have testified to the

dangerous decline in our nation’s U.S.-flagcommercial sealift capability and a shortfallof approximately 2,000 American merchantmariners needed to crew the vessels sup-porting our troops deployed overseas. I amgreatly alarmed that this situation has devel-oped and am writing to urge theAdministration to act expeditiously andforcefully to bolster the U.S.-flag merchantmarine through enforcement of our existing

“Ship American” laws for government-impelled cargo.

The United States has always reliedon the U.S.-flag merchant marine and itsAmerican merchant mariners to protect andenhance our economic security and nationaldefense. American flag vessels and theircrews have always responded quickly andeffectively to the call of duty, never failingto provide the commercial sealift sustain-

ment capability and manpower needed bythe Department of Defense to supportAmerica’s objectives around the world. TheU.S. Transportation Command was deliber-ate in their assessment that the “merchantmarine is inextricably linked to theDepartment of Defense’s ability to projectpower.” Without this capability under our

See Cargo Preference ◆ Page 12

noted by the Committee.The positions National President, National Secretary-Treasurer, National Executive

Vice President, National Vice Presidents Deep Sea, Inland Waters, Great Lakes, andGovernment Relations have more than one (1) Candidate for the position and an Electionshall be conducted, therefore, as provided in ARTICLE XI, Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the AMONational Constitution.

Dated: June 5, 2018

Respectfully submitted,

John Hewitt, Card No. H414, ChairmanFrank Coe, Card No. C302, AlternateOwen Duffy, Card No. D338Joseph McHattie, Card No. M652, AlternateChad Morin, Card No. M593Edward English, Card No. 224E, SecretaryKevin Stith, Card No. 589S

American Maritime Officer • 3June 2018

Bipartisan Energizing American Shipbuilding Act of2018 introduced in House by Congressman JohnGaramendi, in Senate by Senator Roger Wicker

On National Maritime Day, theintroduction of the bipartisan EnergizingAmerican Shipbuilding Act wasannounced during a press conference fea-turing the bill’s sponsor in the House ofRepresentatives, Congressman JohnGaramendi (D-CA), and its sponsor in theSenate, Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).

Participating in the press conferencewere Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), chair-man of the Coast Guard and MaritimeTransportation Subcommittee; Rep. AlanLowenthal (D-CA); and Rep. DonaldNorcross (D-NJ), as well as representa-tives from the shipbuilding industry, mar-itime labor, the maritime industry, and theiron and steel industry.

The legislation would supportAmerican shipbuilding by requiring a por-tion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) andcrude oil exports to be transported onU.S.-built, U.S.-crewed vessels.

“The domestic maritime industrysupports hundreds of thousands ofAmerican jobs and is critical to our mili-tary readiness and national security,” saidSen. Wicker. “This bill would strengthenour shipbuilding industry and would rec-ognize the importance of having moreAmerican-flagged ships to transport ourgrowing exports of oil and natural gas.China, India, and other nations are invest-ing heavily in their shipbuilding capacity.The United States must keep up.”

“Rebuilding America’s shipbuildingand mariner base is an idea that unitesDemocrats, Republicans, metallurgicaltrades, the business community, labor, andour armed forces,” said Rep. Garamendi.“These industries are not only vital to oureconomy — they’re vital to our country’snational security. Congress has neglectedour maritime industry for too long, to thepoint that we’re now several dozen mer-chant ships and 1,800 mariners short ofwhat’s needed to guarantee sufficientsealift support in times of crisis. This billseeks to turn the ship around by takingadvantage of America’s energy exportboom to bring back American shipbuild-ing, shipyard, and mariner jobs rather thancontinuing to outsource them to countries

like China. I believe this bill is the start ofa long-term reinvestment in the idea ofAmerica as a maritime, seafaring nation.”

“Continued Congressional supportof a healthy commercial maritime industryand U.S. Merchant Marine is essential todomestic security,” said Rep. RobWittman. “Despite the usage of heavy liftaircraft, large oceangoing vessels remaincrucial to military mobility in the 21stcentury. U.S. troops stationed in theMiddle East and Afghanistan receivemuch of their supplies via U.S.-flag ves-sels because of their capacity and lowcost. Bringing manufacturing and mar-

itime jobs back home will not only help inthe event of a disaster but will also showour domestic industrial base that we sup-port them.”

“We can have the best militaryequipment and trained warfighters in theworld, but without the sealift capacity toget them to where they need to go, itdoesn’t do much good,” said Rep.Hunter. “Today, the U.S. internationalfleet has fallen to about 80 ships from ahigh of more than 1,200 during WorldWar II. Unless we reverse that trend, ournation will be forced to rely on foreigncountries for force projection, a situation

we cannot allow to happen. This legis-lation will strengthen America’s ship-building base by ensuring we have thenecessary industrial infrastructure andskilled labor pool of welders, fitters andsailors needed to rapidly mobilize intimes of conflict. This bill will havestrong national security implications andI applaud its introduction.”

“American Maritime Officersstands in strong support of the EnergizingAmerican Shipbuilding Act,” said thenational president of AMO. “This legisla-tion recognizes the critical roles ofAmerican shipyards and the U.S.Merchant Marine in national and home-land security and U.S. commerce. It sets acourse for the invigoration and expansionof vital American infrastructure andexpertise, and for the lasting creation ofjobs for American mariners and ship-builders — a base of professionals uponwhom the U.S. military depends for ournation’s strategic sealift capabilities.”

“The Shipbuilders Council ofAmerica is proud to endorse theEnergizing American Shipbuilding Actand would like to thank CongressmanGaramendi and Senator Wicker for theirefforts to ensure that U.S.-produced ener-gy is exported on U.S.-built ships,” saidMatthew Paxton, president, ShipbuildersCouncil of America. “This legislationwould invigorate the critical shipyardindustrial base which is comprised ofmore than 400,000 highly skilled men andwomen across the U.S. This industrialbase is not only essential to our economicsecurity but also our homeland and nation-al security. SCA applauds your commit-ment to our industry and this importantpiece of legislation.”

“American mariners and the U.S.shipbuilding industrial base are a crucialpart of our national security, deliveringcrucial armaments and supplies thewarfighter needs on U.S.-built ships,” saidNavy League National President AlanKaplan. “This bill ensures there will beenough American mariners and U.S.-builtships in the future to support the needs ofour men and women in uniform.”

AMO aboard tanker West Virginia

The Jones Act tanker West Virginia enters Port Everglades, Fla. in April withescort from the Seabulk Towing tug Broward.

Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the West Virginia inFebruary, here in Vidor, Texas, included Second Assistant Engineer AlanCarlisle, First A.E. Joe Ashworth and Chief Engineer Daniel Savoie. Withthem is Crowley Fleet Safety Officer William Ney (left).

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA)

Participating in the press conference were Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ); thebill’s sponsor in the Senate, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS); and the bill’s sponsor inthe House, Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA).

4 • American Maritime Officer June 2018

Fight to protect Canada’s cabotage laws continuesOngoing battles highlight potential threats to U.S. domestic maritime sovereignty

Speaking at a recent meeting of theMaritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO,Jim Given, the president of the SeafarersInternational Union of Canada, reported onthe union’s ongoing and exhaustive effortsto protect that nation’s maritime cabotagelaws and to secure jobs for Canadian seafar-ers in the aftermath of the enactment of atrade agreement between Canada and theEuropean Union, and in the face of ongoinglegislative attacks on maritime sovereignty.

“Every single day, there is somethingnew — there’s another attack on cabotage,”Given said. “And a lot of it is hidden. It’shidden in different legislation like immigra-tion, or it will come down in our budget likeit did four years ago on page 310 where theysaid (foreign-flagged) ships could come inwithout permits.”

Given said some of the Canadian cab-otage battles stemmed from the Canadian-European Union (EU) ComprehensiveEconomic Trade Agreement (CETA). Thatpact called for certain trade routes in Canadato open to EU-first registered vesselsbetween Montreal and Halifax. CETA alsoincluded a provision that would allow EUsecond-registry ships to take cargo awayfrom Canadian-flag ships and opened cer-tain dredging projects to foreigners.

“We have recently had change whereeven if those vessels come into Canada andare able to run, they will now have to runwith Canadian seafarers on board,” he said.They will not be able to use their foreign

crews. So, we look at that as a great victory.”In his presentation, Given thanked the

Maritime Trades Department for its supportin these fights and others, including a morerecent one in which the SIU of Canadahelped remove anti-maritime statutes from abill that was before the Canadian govern-ment. In its original form, the proposed leg-islation would have pushed a Canadian sec-ond registry and totally eliminated thenation’s cabotage laws within seven years.

The union also helped exclude mar-itime from the Comprehensive andProgressive Agreement for Trans-PacificPartnership (CPTPP), a free-trade agree-ment involving 11 countries including NewZealand, Australia, Brunei Darussalam,Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico,Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

“Also of note,” Given added, “there isa temporary entry clause within the(CPTPP) and maritime also has beenexcluded from it. Foreign workers cannotcome in under the (CPTPP). They still haveto follow our immigration laws. So, we arequite pleased with that.

“There are absolutely no maritimegiveaways.”

Given remains hopeful that maritimewill continue to be excluded from the NorthAmerican Free Trade Agreement, which isbeing renegotiated.

In what he described as “a very bigdevelopment” from last year, he explainedthat, under Canadian law, if no Canadian ship

is available for a domestic run, foreign shipscan apply to carry the cargo via a waiver.

“Last year, we had some (foreign)tankers come in,” Given said. “The SIUorganized these ships with their foreignworkers onboard. We took that before theCanadian Industrial Relations Board andthey gave us the certification to representthose foreign seafarers not only on those twoships, they gave us the certifications fleet-wide. What that means is that if any of thoseships come in to run in Canada, they are cov-ered by SIU Canadian collective bargainingagreements and are covered by the rules.That was a huge, huge win for us.”

In 2017, he said, 364 foreign-flaggedvessels operated in Canada through waivers,which equaled around 2,200 crew members.“So, if you look at the changes and progres-sions we’ve made, looking at this year, that’sabout 2,200 jobs that will go to Canadianseafarers, regardless of the flag of that ship.”

Given also pointed out none of thewins came easily. For example, the SIU ofCanada initiated 42 lawsuits to protectmaritime workers’ rights in the year 2015alone. The union and the MTD alsoengaged in many grassroots actions tostand up for Canadian mariners and theirfamilies. Among other achievements,those activities helped recoup nearly $1million in unpaid wages last year for crew

members who were sailing under a waiverbut weren’t getting full pay.

He emphasized the battles are ongo-ing, and at times it seems as if enemies ofcabotage will stop at nothing to get aroundthese vitally important statutes.

The SIU of Canada and its allies havehad success in carrying a pro-maritime mes-sage to government officials and staff mem-bers who “are smart enough to know thatthey don’t know it all,” Given said.

“They have sat down with us and lis-tened to us; they’ve taken our advice. Wedon’t always agree, but we have been ableto come to an understanding. What we havelearned over the last few years is that whenit comes to cabotage, they don’t want tohear our problem, they want to hear oursolution. More doors have been opened tous since we started taking the real solutionto them, as opposed to the problem. Andthat’s how we got to where we are ... Wehave closed every single loophole that theyused to use. That has been an amazing jour-ney, and we could not have done it withoutthe support of the MTD, without the sup-port of the unions in Canada and withoutthe support of the SIU in North America.And it’s heartening to me after the last fouryears to look at our membership and say,your job is finally safe ... until the nexttime, and there is always a next time.”

AMO aboard tanker AmericanPhoenix in Jones Act trade

Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the Jones Acttanker American Phoenix in February, here in Nederland, Texas, includedFirst Assistant Engineer Seth Farquharson, Chief Engineer GeorgeHutchins, Second A.E. Victoria Hayes and Third A.E. Adam Kravetz.

Captain Kurt Yost Third Mate Jamie Collins

Support the Jones ActThe following resolution was recently

approved by the Executive Board of theMaritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO.

Despite its nearly century-longrecord of success, the Jones Act —America’s freight cabotage law — contin-ues to be targeted by detractors as a mea-sure that needs either to be weakened oraltogether eliminated.

Cabotage laws have been the normsince the early days of our nation. The firstCongress of the United States in 1789restricted registration for coastal trades andfisheries to U.S.-built and U.S.-owned ves-sels and gave these vessels preferential treat-ment with respect to tonnage taxes and cargoimport duties. Additional cabotage lawsdesigned to fend off foreign operators werelegislated during the years between that firstcabotage law and the passage of the JonesAct over a century later.

Enacted in 1920 in response toAmerica’s lack of preparedness for WorldWar I, the Jones Act requires that cargo mov-ing between U.S. domestic ports be carriedon vessels that are crewed, built, owned andflagged American. It calls for providing thenation with a merchant marine that can trans-port goods between U.S. ports, increasenational security during war times, and sup-port a U.S. maritime industry. The measure’ssponsor, Senator Wesley Jones ofWashington, declared, “Nations are not freethat depend on foreign fleets to carry theirproducts and bring them their supplies.”

Since its inception, the Jones Act hasalways enjoyed widespread support. Amongits backers are legislators from both sides ofthe aisle; U.S. military leaders; non-partisan,non-profit think tanks; a number of well-respected journalists; published researchers;and every White House no matter the party.Without exception, Jones Act supporters

concur that the law is critical to the national,economic and homeland security needs ofthe United States; its value has been proventime and again.

According to the American MaritimePartnership coalition, whose member organi-zations include MTD affiliates, the measuresince its origin has:

•Made sure that 70 percent of theoceangoing self-propelled vessels in theJones Act fleet are militarily useful, which isof vital importance as 95 percent of materielused by forces overseas moves by water;

•Moved an average of 1 billion tonsworth of cargo every year with a marketvalue of $400 billion;

•Pumped $29 billion in annual wagesinto the American economy;

•Sustained nearly 500,000 jobs direct-ly and indirectly;

•Added $46 billion to the value of U.S.economic output each year;

•Produced $11 billion in taxes annual-ly; and

•Maintained a pool of skilled civilianmariners capable of meeting the nation’sstrategic sealift needs.

Regardless of its merit, the Jones Actregularly comes under fire from those whoeither truly don’t understand it or whoseagendas don’t include preserving the U.S.Merchant Marine.

A notable example occurred in 2010during the aftermath of the DeepwaterHorizon disaster. On that occasion, the JonesAct and the Obama Administration were tar-gets of drastically inaccurate criticism bysome media outlets and elected representa-tives who falsely claimed that the Jones Actwas impeding cleanup operations followingthe fatal explosion, which also resulted in a

See Jones Act ◆ Page 10

American Maritime Officer • 5June 2018

Congressman Wittmanreceives Salute toCongress Award

The International Propeller Club ofthe United States on May 16 presentedCongressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) withthe Salute to Congress Award for hisstrong support of the U.S. maritime indus-try, U.S. Merchant Marine and the impor-tant military sealift and national defenseroles served by both.

During his acceptance speech, Rep.Wittman, chairman of the Armed ServicesCommittee’s Seapower and ProjectionForces Subcommittee, focused on therevitalization of the Ready Reserve Force,and on increasing the U.S.-flag fleet incommercial trades.

“We are at one of those crossroadswhere we must recapitalize those fleets, andwe must keep in mind the importance of the

Jones Act,” he said. “It’s not only the ships,it’s the merchant mariners who crew thoseships and having modern ships to train futuremariners on.”

Rep. Wittman participated in inspec-tion tours of several AMO-contractedReady Reserve Force vessels earlier thisyear, saw firsthand the condition of theaging ships and spoke with AmericanMaritime Officers members crewing theships about the challenges of operating andmaintaining the older vessels.

Rep. Wittman relayed his experi-ence and conversations with the officers tothe gathering, saying that, while it’s a tes-tament to the mariners that these agingships are still able to respond when need-ed, it’s time to find suitable replacements

Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) received the Salute to Congress Award May16. Congratulating him at the ceremony were American Maritime OfficersService President/Chairman Anthony Naccarato (left) and AMOS LegislativeConsultant Brenda Otterson (right).

with more modern technology.“These engineers are some of the last

remaining engineers in the world who arecertified to run steam plants, and unless wewant these guys to end up working for theSmithsonian at an exhibit, we need to havethem using their skills running modernships,” he said.

Modernizing the RRF fleet isessential for national security as well,Rep. Wittman said.

Connecting the U.S. military to thefight and allowing for sustainment opera-tions during a conflict are key to the nation’smilitary success, and newer ships will be crit-ical to ensuring reliability, Rep. Wittmancontinued. “All of our military capabilitiesgo for not if we don’t have the connectors toget them to the right places.”

He pointed to the dwindling number ofU.S. commercial vessels in internationaltrades and the shrinking mariner pool due tothe lack of vessels. In 1951, there were 1,288commercial vessels operating in internation-al trades, but that number has plummeted tojust 81 today, he said.

Congress has to do a better job of ini-tiating policy and supporting cabotage laws

like the Jones Act, as well as cargo prefer-ence laws, in order to bolster those numbers.Without that effort, there won’t be enoughmariners available when the nation needsthem in a time of crisis, Rep. Wittman said.

“We have to make sure we have amodernized fleet so that we have the pipelineto train merchant mariners of the future. Thatis key and that’s something we have toemphasize in how Congress develops publicpolicy, authorizes not only the constructionof new ships, but also authorizes how wetrain those merchant mariners,” he said.

“It has to be the first thought in peo-ple’s minds and I argue it should be a priorityfor every service branch,” he said. “The firstwords out of decision makers’ mouths inWashington, whether they are appropriatorsor authorizers, should be about how can werecapitalize our ready reserve fleet, how arewe going to extend the viability and longevi-ty of the Maritime Security Program andhow do we make sure we have the pipelineof merchant mariners to be on board thoseships,” Rep. Wittman said.

“When we do that, and I believe wewill do that quickly … people will again real-ize we indeed are a maritime nation.”

Congressman Rob Wittman receives the Salute to Congress award fromInternational Propeller Club of the United States President Joel Whitehead (left)in Arlington, Va.

AMO aboard the John G. Munson

Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the John G.Munson in March at the vessel’s fit-out dock in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. includedChief Engineer Scott McPherson and Second Assistant Engineer JoshuaMcInerney.

U.S.-flag cargo float on Great Lakes down 14 percent in AprilU.S.-flagged Great Lakes freighters

moved 6.1 million tons of cargo in April, adecrease of 14 percent compared with thesame period the previous year. The Aprilfloat also trailed the month’s five-year aver-age by more than 5 percent, the LakeCarriers’ Association reported.

Iron ore cargoes for steel produc-

tion totaled 3.9 million tons, a decreaseof 12.6 percent. Some decrease wasinevitable, the LCA reported. The winterof 2017/2018 was more typical than2016/2017 and vessels experienced manymore ice-related delays this April. In fact,the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards con-tinued to break ice in Whitefish Bay and

the St. Marys River that connect LakeSuperior to the lower four Great Lakesinto May.

Coal shipments fell 36.7 percent to743,000 tons. Limestone cargoes dipped6.5 percent to 1.1 million tons.

Year-to-date at the end of April,U.S.-flag carriage on the Great Lakes

stood at 9.4 million tons, a decrease of 17percent compared to the same point in2017. Iron ore cargoes totaled 6.75 mil-lion tons, a decrease of 16 percent. Coalloadings totaled 837,000 tons, a decreaseof 43 percent. Limestone cargoes hadactually increased to 1.27 million tons,the LCA reported.

6 • American Maritime Officer June 2018

President Donald J. TrumpProclaims May 22, 2018, asNational Maritime Day

On National Maritime Day, werecognize the critical role the UnitedStates Merchant Marine plays in bolster-ing national security and facilitating eco-nomic growth. We honor our merchantmariners for their contributions to con-necting the States, supporting our mili-tary, and cementing ties among our allies.

Long known as the “Fourth Armof Defense,” the United States MerchantMarine has served with valor and dis-tinction in every American conflict. Theimportant work of the Merchant Marinewas never more evident than duringWorld War II, when merchant marinerssailed dangerous seas and fought ene-mies as they connected our ArmedForces fighting abroad to vital suppliesproduced by hardworking Americans athome. In the course of their valiantefforts, they endured the loss of morethan 730 large vessels, and more than6,000 merchant mariners died at sea oras prisoners of war.

Today, American mariners facili-tate the shipment of hundreds of billionsof dollars of goods along maritime traderoutes for American businesses and con-sumers. Merchant mariners are ambas-sadors of good will, projecting a peace-ful United States presence along the sealanes of the world and into regions ofcore strategic importance to our Nation.Often risking their lives by sailing intowar zones, our merchant mariners con-tinue to support our troops overseas byproviding them with needed cargo and

logistical support. They also advancehumanitarian missions worldwide,including last year’s effort to ship tensof thousands of containers of lifesavingsupplies to Puerto Rico and the U.S.Virgin Islands after they had been dev-astated by hurricanes.

The Congress, by a joint resolu-tion approved May 20, 1933, has desig-nated May 22 of each year as “NationalMaritime Day” to commemorate thefirst transoceanic voyage by a steamshipin 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By thisresolution, the Congress has authorizedand requested the President to issueannually a proclamation calling for itsappropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DON-ALD J. TRUMP, President of theUnited States of America, do herebyproclaim May 22, 2018, as NationalMaritime Day. I call upon the people ofthe United States to mark this obser-vance and to display the flag of theUnited States at their homes and in theircommunities. I also request that all shipssailing under the American flag dressship on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ihave hereunto set my hand this twen-ty-first day of May, in the year of ourLord two thousand eighteen, and ofthe Independence of the United Statesof America the two hundred andforty-second.

DONALD J. TRUMP

MSC joins maritime industry in observing National Maritime Day

On National Maritime Day, First Assistant Engineer Kristin Dridge received AMO’sEngineering Officer of the Year Award for her significant contributions in the cur-riculum development of The Engineering Candidate Hawsepipe Program.Congratulating her during a National Maritime Day ceremony in Norfolk, Va. wereAMO members Captain Duane Case and Chief Engineer Robert Rice, and herhusband, Samuel Vaughn.

Congratulating AMO member Kristin Dridge on National Maritime Day in Norfolk,Va. (here with AMO East Coast Representative Todd Christensen) wereCommander of Military Sealift Command Rear Adm. Dee Mewbourne (above)and Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby (below).

Military Sealift Command celebrat-ed National Maritime Day, a day ofremembrance to recognize the service andsacrifice of U.S. merchant mariners andthe importance of the U.S. maritimeindustry, with participation by theMaritime Administration and hosted bythe Norfolk Propeller Club and Port ofNorfolk, on May 22.

The dry cargo and ammunition shipUSNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13) hosteda reception for nearly 200 members ofthe maritime industry and supported anearby wreath laying ceremony with tug-boats conducting a water salute on theElizabeth River.

“National Maritime Day has evolvedto become so much more as we recognizethe importance of the maritime industry toour nation’s economic strength,” said RearAdm. Dee Mewbourne, commander,Military Sealift Command. “Let us keep allour nation’s mariners in our thoughts andprayers as they contribute courageously tothe security and prosperity of our nation.”

In 1933, Congress designated May 22as National Maritime Day to recognize theinfluence of the merchant marine and themaritime industry to American economicprosperity and national defense.

“I’m proud to celebrate NationalMaritime Day, a day where we honor

American mariners who have served theU.S. admirably in time of war and crisis,including many who have made the ulti-mate sacrifice,” said Rear Adm. (retired)Mark Buzby, maritime administrator. “By

delivering supplies and equipment to ourmilitary forces overseas, and commercialpartners here at home and to other nations,our mariners have helped establish and sus-tain our way of life.”

Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao highlights criticalnational security, economic roles of U.S. Merchant Marine

U.S. Secretary of TransportationElaine Chao highlighted the importance ofthe U.S. Merchant Marine to the nation’seconomic success and security goals duringa speech at a National Maritime Day cere-mony hosted by the U.S. MaritimeAdministration at Department ofTransportation Headquarters on May 22 inWashington, D.C.

Chao, a former deputy maritimeadministrator, said programs such as theMaritime Security Program and advance-ments at the maritime academies will bevital to the future of American securityand stability.

“Throughout history, one thingremains constant; the absolutely criticalrole that the U.S.-flag merchant marinevessels play in our economic and nationalsecurity,” she said. “With advancements intechnology, our mariners have to learnmore than ever before, but they have beenup to the challenge.”

Chao also discussed the recent appro-priation by Congress, which provides forthe construction of a new multi-missionvessel, which can serve as a training shipand in sealift and humanitarian operations.

“The importance of these multi-mission capabilities came into close

focus this past fall with hurricanesHarvey, Irma and Maria,” Chao said.“The new multi-mission ships will allowthe government to respond even moreeffectively in the future.”

Chao thanked the U.S. MerchantMarine veterans in attendance for their ser-vice to the nation.

She also praised the U.S.-flag shipowners and operators participating in theMaritime Security Program.

She called the fleet of 60 militarilyuseful commercial ships a vital part of thenation’s readiness in times of peace andwar. The MSP is also a model that the cur-

rent administration would like to emulate inother areas.

“The MSP is a great example of thepublic-private partnerships that are oftentalked about in this administration and itsinfrastructure proposal,” Chao said.

In closing, she reaffirmed her sup-port for the maritime industry and themerchant mariners who deliver goodsaround the world.

“You will not find a more supportivetransportation secretary than the one you arelooking at now. We look forward to work-ing with all of you to make sure the voice ofthe maritime industry is heard,” Chao said.

American Maritime Officer • 7June 2018

National Maritime Day aboardJones Act tanker Garden State

Members of American Maritime Officers and maritime academy cadetsobserving National Maritime Day aboard the Jones Act tanker GardenState included (front: left to right) Chief Engineer Andrew Gray, EngineCadet Joel Bennett, Tankerman PIC Observer Kylie Foster, Third MateRhiannon Galletta, Chief Mate Patrick Dowhan, Third Mate Karl Sasse,Captain Christopher Menezes, (back: left to right) Second Mate JonathanAgliata, Third Assistant Engineer John Peterson, Tankerman PICObserver Stephen Kashalena and Deck Cadet Kyle O’Brien.

Photo courtesy of Captain Christopher Menezes

Rep. Garamendi introducesthe World War II MerchantMarine Congressional GoldMedal Act of 2018

U.S. Merchant Marine veterans of World War II, family members of veterans andAmerican Merchant Marine Veterans volunteers met with Congressman JohnGaramendi (D-CA) in May, including Sheila Shova, Robert Weagant, CharlesMills, Laura Riddle and Eugene Barner.

On May 24, Congressman JohnGaramendi (D-CA), the ranking memberof the Subcommittee on Coast Guard andMaritime Transportation in the House of

Representatives, introduced H.R. 5879— the World War II Merchant Marine

See Veterans ◆ Page 11

Observing National Maritime Day with AMO, STAR Center

American Maritime Officers and STAR Center hosted members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans Gulfstream Chapter and their families during a NationalMaritime Day ceremony on the STAR Center campus May 22. The ceremony was attended by American Maritime Officers members, officials and staff, and STARCenter directors and staff.

Leaders of USTRANSCOM, Maritime Administration affirmimportance of U.S. merchant mariners to military success

The success of America’s militarystill depends on the nation’s investment inthe success of the U.S. Merchant Marine,said the Commander of U.S. TransportationCommand, Gen. Darren McDew, during aspeech at a National Maritime Day ceremo-ny hosted by the U.S. MaritimeAdministration in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Merchant Marine’s stronghistory of supporting the military’snational defense goals should not be for-gotten and can be seen in the mariners oftoday, he said.

“We have to continue to appreciatenot only this industry, but the people whomake it work,” McDew said. “I appreciateevery single day the ships that sail for

USTRANSCOM.”The historical significance of the U.S.

Merchant Marine was also underscored byMaritime Administrator Mark Buzby, whosaid mariners past and present have helpedform the nation into what it is today.

“We’re here today to recognize themany dedicated seafaring men and womenof the U.S. Merchant Marine who havefueled the economy of the United States andhelped defend her for over 240 years,” hesaid. “We owe a collective great debt ofgratitude to our mariners.

“By delivering supplies to our mili-tary forces overseas (and) commercial car-goes here at home, they have helped estab-lish the American way of life,” Buzby said.

Part of what makes the U.S. the onesuperpower in the world is its ability to pro-ject might anywhere in the world at amoment’s notice, McDew said. That capa-bility begins and ends with the maritimeindustry and the commercial mariners whoman commercial vessels.

That capability is still strong but itis time to re-evaluate how the nation canimprove its support for the maritimeindustry, which should include recapital-izing the aging Ready Reserve Forcefleet. Some of the ships in the existingready reserve fleet are decades old.Modernizing such an aging fleet woulddramatically improve strategic sealiftplanning and help the nation face the

challenges of more technologicallyadvanced threats, he said.

“We can bring an overwhelmingforce anywhere on the planet. That capabil-ity resides with the men and women in thisaudience, and the men and women you rep-resent,” McDew said. “We can’t rest on ourlaurels. It’s time we reinvest in our strategicsealift fleet and our ability to surge and sus-tain our war fight. We must recapitalize afleet that is quite, quite old.

“The victories of tomorrow willdepend on the men and women with saltwa-ter in their veins,” McDew said. “We can’tmove a decisive force anywhere on theglobe at the time of our choosing withoutthe maritime industry.”

8 • American Maritime Officer June 2018

Radar Courses

Radar Recertification 1 day 20, 21 June 11, 12 July 1, 2, 22, 23August

12, 13, 26, 27September

9, 10, 31October

1, 13, 14November 5, 6 December 29, 30, 31 January

ARPA 4 days Please Call

Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days Please Call

Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days Please Call

AMO Safety and Education Plan — Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center(954) 920-3222 / (800) 942-3220 — 2 West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004

General Courses

Combined Basic & Advanced Low Flash Point Fuel Operations (IGFCode/LNG Fuel) Course 5 days 23 July 12 November

Confined Space Entry 3 days 20 June 12 September 31 October 5 December 28 January

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 5 November

Basic Safety Training — All 4 modules must be completed within 12 months: Personal SafetyTechniques (Mon/Tues — 1.5 days), Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (Tues pm — .5 days),Elementary First Aid (Wed — 1 day), Fire Fighting & Fire Prevention (Thurs/Fri — 2 days) — not required.if Combined Basic & Adv. Fire Fighting completed within 12 months.

5 days 15 October

Basic Safety Training — Refresher 3 days 17 October

Chemical Safety — Advanced 5 days 10 September

ECDIS 5 days 15 October 10 December

Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 10 December

Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 25 June 23 July 4 September 22 October 26 November 15 January

GMDSS — Requires after-hour homework 10 days 16 July 13 August 21 January

LNG Tankerman PIC 8 days Please call

LNG Simulator Training — Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course is given to qualified membercandidates for employment and/or observation opportunities with AMO contracted LNG companies. In allcases successful completion of the LNG PNC classroom course is prerequisite.

5 days Please call

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 5 November 18 December

Safety Officer Course 2 days 14 June 4 October 31 January

Tankerman PIC DL — Classroom 5 days 29 October 7 January

Tankerman PIC DL — Simulator 10 days 9 July 20 August 17 September 8 October 26 November 21 January

Tankerman PIC DL — Accelerated Program 10 days Please Call

Train the Trainer 5 days 25 June 13 August 22 October 26 November 14 January

Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties — VPDSD 2 days 11 October

Vessel/Company Security Officer — Includes Anti-Piracy 3 days 1 October

Crowd Management 1 day Please Call

Crisis Management & Human Behavior 1 day Please Call

Basic Training & Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation (Required by firstcredential renewal AFTER 1 Jan 2017) 2 days 18 June 9, 30 July 20 August 10 September 11, 29 October 15 November 3 December 10, 31 January

EFA (Scheduled with Basic Training Revalidation BUT NOT REQUIREDFOR STCW 2010) 1 day 20 June 11 July 22 August 12, 26 Sep 10, 31 October 14 November 5 December 9, 30 January

Leadership & Management (required by ALL management level Deckand Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) 5 days 13 August 24 September 5 November

Maritime Security Awareness 1/2 day Please Call

Deck CoursesAdvanced Bridge Resource Management — Meets STCW 2010Leadership & Management gap closing requirements 5 days 30 July 29 October

Advanced Shiphandling for Masters — (No equivalency) Must havesailed as Chief Mate Unlimited 5 days 10 September 26 November 17 December

Advanced Shiphandling for 3rd Mates — 60 days seatime equiv. for 3rdMates 10 days 18 June 6, 20 August 17 September 15 October 5 November 3 December 7 January

Advanced & Emergency Shiphandling — First Class Pilots, Great Lakes 5 days Please Call

Basic Meteorology 5 days 14 January

Dynamic Positioning — Basic 5 days 23 July 29 October 28 January

Dynamic Positioning — Advanced 5 days 13 August

Dynamic Positioning — Revalidation 5 days 27 August 3 December

Navigational Watchkeeping Standardization & Assessment Program 5 days 30 July 27 August 10 September 15, 29 October 12 November 3, 17 December

TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) — Third Mate (Unlimited orGreat Lakes) or 1600T Master License required AND OICNW required 5 days 20 August 24 September

Tug Training — ASD Assist (Azimuthing Stern Drive) 5 days 10 December

Medical Courses

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 26 November

Elementary First Aid — Prerequisite for MCP within preceding 6 months 1 day 24 July 11 September 30 October 27 November 15 January

Medical Care Provider — Prerequisite for MPIC within preceding 6 months.Please fax EFA certificate when registering 3 days 25 July 12 September 31 October 28 November 16 January

Medical PIC — Please fax MCP certificate when registering 5 days 30 July 17 September 5 November 3 December 21 January

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 18 June 6 August 13 November 10 December 28 January

Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) — Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only 1 day 19 June 8 August 15 November 12 December 30 January

Screening Test Technician — QEDs a.m./Alco Mate 7000 p.m. 1 day 20 June 7 August 14 November 11 December 29 January

Medical PIC Refresher — MSC approved 3 days Please Call

Engine Upgrade — STCW 2010 — Management Level (NVIC 15-14) — If sea service or training towards management level (1A/E-Chief Eng.) upgrade started ON OR AFTER 24 March 2014, you mustadhere to this new program of training. Completion of both required and optional courses listed below will include all Task Assessments required by NVIC 15-14. By completing the series, no expiration limitation will be placed onyour STCW credential. See STAR Center’s website for full details: https://www.star-center.com/stcw2010-engine.upgrade.html

Leadership & Managerial Skills (G500 as amended) —REQUIRED 5 days 13 August 24 September 5 November 28 January

ERM (E050 as amended) — REQUIRED (unless previously takenfor gap closing or original license) 5 days 18 June 22 October

Upgrade: Electrical, Electronics & Control Engineering(Management Level) (E133 as amended) (UPGRADE with tasks)Required unless previously taken for gap closing or original license

5 days 6 August 1 October 21 January

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — General: This class isrequired by all propulsion types (Motor, Gas and Steam)Licensed engineers — OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed offonboard

5 days 25 June 10 October

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Steam (E121 as amended) —OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard 5 days 9 July 5 November

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Gas Turbine (E122 asamended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard 5 days 16 July 29 October

American Maritime Officer • 9June 2018Deck Upgrade — STCW 2010 — Management Level (NVIC 10-14)— If sea service or training towards management level (Chief Mate/Master) upgrade started ON OR AFTER 24 March 2014 you must adhereto this new program of training. Completion of both required and optional courses listed below will include all Task Assessments required by NVIC 10-14 , providing ECDIS, GMDSS and ARPA have been previously completed.

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 16 July 1 October 7, 21 January

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hours homework 5 days 9 July 15 October 21 January

Advanced Stability 5 days 30 July 22 October 7 January

Search & Rescue 2 days 6 August 29 October

Management of Medical Care 1/2 day 8 August 31 October

Leadership & Management 5 days 13 August 24 September 5 November 28 January

Advanced Cargo — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 20 August 12 November

Marine Propulsion Plants — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 27 August 10 December

Advanced Celestial — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 25 June 10 September 26 November

Advanced Navigation — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 18 June 17 September 3 December

MSC Training Program

Basic CBR Defense 1 day 19 July 20 September 6, 14 December 25 January

Damage Control 1 day 18 July 19 September 5, 13 December 24 January

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day Please call

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 17, 27 July 18 September 4, 17 December 23 January

Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD) 1/2 day 19 July 20 September 6, 14 December 25 January

Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 27 November

MSC Readiness Refresher — Must have completed full CBRD & DC once incareer. 2 days 16 July 17 September 3 December 22 January

MSC Watchstander — BASIC — Once in career, SST grads grandfathered 2 days 18 June 6 August 6 November

MSC Watchstander — ADVANCED — Required for all SRF members 1 day 19, 29 June 13, 27 July 7, 17, 31August 14, 28 Sep 19 October 2, 7, 30 Nov 14 December 18 January

MSC Ship Reaction Force — Required every three years for SRF members 3 days 20 June 8 August 8 November

Small Arms — Initial & Sustainment (Refresher) Training — Open tomembers & applicants eligible for employment through AMO (w/in 1 year) orMSC on MARAD contracted vessels.

4 days 25 June 9, 23 July 13, 27 August 10, 24 Sep 15, 29 October 13, 26 Nov 10 December 14, 26 January

NOTICE: AMO members planning to attend STAR Center in Dania Beach, Florida — either to prepare for license upgrading or to undergo specialty training—are asked to call the school to confirm course schedule and space availabilityin advance.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: The Simulation, Training, Assessment and Research Center (STAR), established under the auspices of the American Maritime Officers Safety and Education Plan, admitsstudents of any race, color, national and ethnic origin or sex to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Center. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national orethnic origin or sex in administration of its educational policies, admission policies and other programs administered by the Center.

Engineering CoursesBasic Electricity 10 days Please call

Diesel Crossover 4 weeks 8 October

Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 23 July 5 November

High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 30 July

Hydraulics/ Pneumatics 5 days 6 August

Machine Shop 10 days 23 July 22 October

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 5 days 27 August

Refrigeration (Operational Level) 5 days 16 July 17 SeptemberRefrigeration (Management Level) Universal Refrigeration Recoverycertificate required. Please attach copy with registration. 5 days 23 July 24 September

Steam Endorsement 4 weeks 10 September 28 January

Controls and Instrumentation 10 days 6 August

Welding & Metallurgy Skills & Practices — Open to eligible Chief Mates and Masters on a space availablebasis. Interested participants should apply online and will be confirmed 2 weeks prior to start date. 2 weeks 20 August 24 September 3 December

Self-Study, CDs and Online Courses

Anti-Terrorism Level 1 Online

DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation Training Self Study

EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification Examination Self Study

Qualified Assessor Online

Vessel General Permit — EPA On Campus in conjunction with other classes

10 • American Maritime Officer June 2018

AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

DANIA BEACH, FL 33004-4109601 S. Federal Highway(954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513Paul Doell, National President pauldoell51@yahoo.comExtension 1001Mobile: (954) 881-5651FAX: (954) 926-5112 Charles A. Murdock, National Secretary-Treasurercmurdock@amo-union.orgExtension 1004 / Mobile: (954) 531-9977 / FAX: (954) 367-1025Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Seajgremelsbacker@amo-union.orgExtension 1009 / Mobile: (954) 673-0680 / FAX: (954) 367-1029Todd Christensen, East Coast Representative tchristensen@amo-union.org / Mobile: (561) 806-3768Marie Doruth, Executive Assistant to the National Presidentmdoruth@amo-union.orgExtension 1017 / Mobile: (954) 290-8109FAX: (954) 926-5112Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 / FAX: (954) 926-5126Brendan Keller, Dispatcher (bkeller@amo-union.org)Extension 1061 / Mobile: (954) 817-4000Robert Anderson, Dispatcher (randerson@amo-union.org)Extension 1060 / Mobile: (954) 599-9771Member Services:Extension 1050 / FAX: (954) 367-1066memberservices@amo-union.org

OFFICES

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204(202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001Paul Doell, National President pauldoell51@yahoo.comExtension 7004Mobile: (954) 881-5651J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relationsmmurphy@amo-union.org / mikemurphy68@aol.comExtension 7013 / Mobile: (202) 560-6889T. Christian Spain, National Assistant Vice President, Government Relationscspain@amo-union.orgExtension 7010 / Mobile: (202) 658-8887 / FAX: (202) 479-1188

PHILADELPHIA, PA 191131 International Plaza, Suite 550Chris Holmes, Contract Analyst (cholmes@amo‐union.org)(800) 362‐0513 ext. 4002 / Mobile: (856) 693‐0694

UPDATE CREDENTIALS, DOCUMENTS, TRAINING RECORDSSecure File Upload: https://securetransfer.amo-union.org/E-mail: memberservices@amo-union.orgQuestions: (800) 362-0513 ext. 1050

TOLEDO, OH 43604One Maritime PlazaThird FloorFAX: (419) 255-2350John E. Clemons, National Vice President, Great Lakesjohnclemons@amo-union.org(800) 221-9395 ext. 6003 / Mobile: (419) 205-3509Brian D. Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice Presidentbkrus@amo-union.org(800) 221-9395 ext. 6007 / Mobile: (216) 571-9666Michelle Moffitt, Dispatcher (mmoffitt@amo-union.org)(800) 221-9395 ext. 6005 / Mobile: (419) 481-3470

GALVESTON, TX 775512724 61st Street, Suite B, PMB 192David M. Weathers, National Vice President, Inland Watersdweathers@amo-union.org(800) 362-0513 ext. 2001 / Mobile: (409) 996-7362FAX: (409) 737-4454

SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 946071121 7th Street, Second FloorOakland, CA 94607FAX: (954) 367-1064Daniel E. Shea, National Executive Vice President (dshea@amo-union.org)Mobile: (415) 269-5795 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 5001William Barrere, West Coast Representative (wbarrere@amo-union.org)Mobile: (415) 654-2671

NEW ORLEANS / COVINGTON, LA 70434P.O. Box 5424Covington, LA 70434Daniel J. Robichaux, National Assistant Vice Presidentdrobichaux@amo-union.org(954) 367-1036 / Mobile: (985) 201-5462 / FAX: (954) 367-1062

STAR CENTER

STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004-4312(954) 920-3222 ext. 201 / (800) 942-3220 ext. 201Course Attendance Confirmation: (800) 942-3220 ext. 20024 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999 / FAX: (954) 920-3140

SERVICES

FINANCIAL ADVISERS: THE ATLANTIC GROUP AT MORGAN STANLEY(800) 975-7061 / www.morganstanleyfa.com/theatlanticgroup

MEDICAL CLINIC AMO PLANS2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004-4312 Dania Beach, FL 33004-4312(954) 927-5213 (800) 348-6515FAX: (954) 929-1415 FAX: (954) 922-7539

LEGAL

AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid General CounselProgram Glanstein LLPMichael Reny 711 Third Ave., 17th FloorMobile: (419) 346-1485 New York, NY 10017(419) 243-1105/ (888) 853-4662 (212) 370-5100 / (954) 662-9407MikeReny@BEX.NET FAX: (212) 697-6299

Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held dur-ing the week following the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m.local time. Meetings will be held on Monday at AMO NationalHeadquarters (on Tuesday when Monday is a contract holiday).The next meetings will take place on the following dates:

AMO National Headquarters: July 2, August 6

Monthly Membership Meetings

Jones ActContinued from Page 4cataclysmic oil spill.

The administration and then-nationalincident response commander, U.S. CoastGuard Admiral Thad Allen, refuted thosefalse claims, and the official governmentreport on the spill response later confirmedthat the Jones Act in no way slowed thecleanup. The facts are that the Jones Act didnot apply where the spill occurred (50 milesfrom the U.S.), and foreign-flag assistancewas utilized (along with U.S.-flag tonnage)essentially from the start. Further, theadministration quickly set up an expeditedJones Act-waiver process in case any wereneeded for related operations closer to shore.

More recently, critics wronglyclaimed the Jones Act hampered reliefefforts in Puerto Rico in the wake ofHurricane Maria. Even though nothing

could have been further from the truth, JonesAct opponents used their flawed accusationsas a foundation to call for weakening oreliminating the law. It was of little conse-quence to them that the backdrop for theirclaims showed stacks and stacks of contain-ers delivered to the Port of San Juan by U.S.-flag vessels. They willingly neglected thefact that Jones Act ships were offloading inPuerto Rico within hours after the first portreopened and that these vessels continue todeliver vital cargoes even today. They com-pletely overlooked the fact that because ofdamaged roads and numerous other infra-structure problems, significant portions ofthe waterborne cargo initially stayed in theports. They coasted right past the fact thatnone of these circumstances had anything todo with any maritime law.

Succinctly put, virtually every state-ment put forth in each of the former situa-tions as justification to weaken or kill theJones Act was a lie; once again, the Jones

Act was falsely accused.For these and other reasons, the

MTD, its affiliates and its Port MaritimeCouncils must remain resolutely commit-ted to doing everything in our power toensure that the integrity of the Jones Actremains firmly intact.

The MTD once again vows to contin-

ue its work with its affiliates, its PortMaritime Councils and grassroots organiza-tions like the American MaritimePartnership to promote and protect the JonesAct in every possible way, including by edu-cating elected officials and the Americanpublic about the critical magnitude and irre-placeable value of the Jones Act.

American Maritime Officer • 11June 2018

National Maritime Day observances in San Pedro, Galveston

Officials and representatives of American Maritime Officers; the MarineEngineers’ Beneficial Association; Masters, Mates and Pilots; and Texas A&Mled a National Maritime Day observance and wreath laying ceremony at the Portof Galveston, Pier 21.

American Maritime Officers participated in an observance of National MaritimeDay at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial and Walls of Honor inSan Pedro, Calif. AMO members attending the ceremony and luncheon in SanPedro included James O’Connor and David Mitchell.

VeteransContinued from Page 7Congressional Gold Medal Act. This leg-islation would award a CongressionalGold Medal, one of the highest honors inthe United States, to Merchant Marineveterans who sustained our armed forcesduring the World War II.

“Throughout the Second World

War, our armed forces relied on theMerchant Marine to ferry supplies,cargo and personnel into both theaters ofoperation, and they paid a heavy price inservice to their country,” Rep.Garamendi said. “The casualty ratioamong merchant mariners was the high-est of all branches of our armed forces:An estimated 8,300 mariners lost theirlives, and another 12,000 were wound-ed, to make sure our service members

could keep fighting. Incredibly, thesebrave men and women who put theirlives on the line were not even givenveteran status until 1988.

“I got the chance to meet with threeWorld War II merchant mariners: CharlesMills of Texas, age 97; Eugene Barnerfrom Kansas, age 92; and RobertWeagant from Illinois, age 92. It’s diffi-cult to describe the thrill, emotion andpride I felt in meeting these mariners who

braved German and Japanese submarinesin their Liberty Ships as they deliveredcritical supplies to our service membersin the European and Pacific theaters,” hesaid. “They deserve public appreciationfrom their country for their valor. ACongressional Gold Medal would givethem the recognition they deserve, andthat’s why I’ve introduced this bill: togive these veterans and their families thehonor and respect they are owed.”

12 • American Maritime Officer June 2018

own flag, and without a sufficient numberof American mariners, we will be forced toturn over America’s security interests andthe well being of our overseas troops to for-eign-flag, foreign-crewed vessels ownedand operated by those who may not chooseto support us.

The Maritime Administration hasindicated in testimony that our nation’s abil-ity to fully activate, deploy and sustain ourmilitary forces is between “medium to high

risk.” It is, therefore, critically importantthat the Administration takes immediateaction in directing its efforts to support poli-cies and programs that serve to enhance theU.S.-flag merchant marine, including exist-ing cargo preference requirements. Theserequirements stipulate that a percentage ofU.S. government-impelled cargoes be trans-ported on privately-owned U.S.-flag com-mercial vessels. Government-impelled car-goes are not limited to those shipped direct-ly by a Department or Agency but includegovernment-financed projects and govern-ment contracts issued to private companies.

Full enforcement of these require-

ments can be an important factor in main-taining the U.S.-flag merchant fleet neces-sary to meet our national goals. All toooften, Federal agencies have failed to com-ply with applicable U.S.-flag shippingrequirements, denying American vessels thetaxpayer-financed cargoes they’re intendedand eliminating important mariner jobs inthe process. Failure to comply with cargopreference also means that American tax-payer dollars are being used to finance thecosts of foreign shipping services. I ask thatyou encourage the President to affirm theAdministration’s support for Ship Americanand to direct all Executive Branch depart-

ments and agencies to fully comply with thespirit and the letter of existing U.S.-flagcargo preference shipping requirements. Itshould also be affirmed that if questionsarise as to the applicability of cargo prefer-ence shipping requirements to a Federalprogram, the U.S. Maritime Administrationis the final arbiter.

Thank you for your attention toreversing the serious decline in our U.S.-flag fleet and mariner workforce to ensurethey can meet the needs of the Departmentof Defense. Concerted and immediateaction is required, and I stand ready withyou to achieve these objectives.

Cargo PreferenceContinued from Page 2

House of Representatives directs Army Corps of Engineersto expedite cost/benefit analysis regarding Soo Locks

Language included in the NationalDefense Authorization Act for fiscal year2019, which was approved by the Houseof Representatives on May 24, directs the“U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and allinvolved executive branch agencies, toexpedite necessary reviews, analysis, andapprovals in order to speed the requiredupgrades at the Soo Locks.”

The legislative language focuses onthe need to duplicate the Poe Lock at SaultSte. Marie, Mich. Congress authorizedconstruction of a second Poe-sized lock in1986, but the project stalled due to aninaccurate estimate of its benefits by theArmy Corps of Engineers. The Corps hasacknowledged the initial estimate wasbased on the false premise that the rail-roads could move the cargo stranded by afailure of the lock and is recalculating it.An economic reevaluation report isexpected soon and the updated benefitsestimate should enable the project to befunded, the Lake Carriers’ Association(LCA) reported.

Congressman Paul Mitchell (R-MI)offered the language that was included inthe National Defense Authorization Act,which reads: “The committee understandsthat the Soo Locks on the St. Marys Riverat Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan are the onlywaterway connection from Lake Superior

to the rest of the Lower Great Lakes andthe St. Lawrence Seaway. The committeeis concerned that of the two current oper-ational locks, only the Poe Lock is largeenough to accommodate the 1,000-footcarriers necessary to transport a majorityof the iron ore used in domestic steel pro-duction. The committee notes that thislock is near the end of its 50-year usefullifespan and that the United States ArmyCorps of Engineers is reevaluating a pasteconomic evaluation report to update theSoo Locks’ benefit to cost ratio.

“The committee believes that a fail-ure at the Soo Locks would have drasticimpacts on national security, in that theUnited States iron mining-integrated steelproduction-manufacturing supply chain isdependent on the Soo Locks, and there isno redundancy. Indeed, such a failurewould cripple steel production that is usedfor national defense priorities. Therefore,the committee urges the Commander, USArmy Corps of Engineers, and allinvolved executive branch agencies toexpedite necessary reviews, analysis, andapprovals in order to speed the requiredupgrades at the Soo Locks.”

Upon passage of the legislation inthe House, Rep. Mitchell stated: “As thenewest member of the House ArmedServices Committee, I was proud to play a

part in the creation of this bill, and am alsoproud that my first action on the HouseArmed Services Committee was reaffirm-ing the national security importance of theSoo Locks. Nearly all domestic iron ore —which is required for certain steel produc-tion, a substantial part of our economy andessential for national defense — travelsthrough the Soo Locks. Steel productioncritical to our nation’s military and millionsof American jobs is dependent on the SooLocks, and there is no redundancy or alter-natives to the locks. That’s why I am gladthe full House of Representatives is urgingthe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and allinvolved executive branch agencies, toexpedite necessary reviews, analysis, andapprovals in order to speed the requiredupgrades at the Soo Locks. I will continueto do everything and anything I can inCongress to get this project built, either asa member of the House Armed ServicesCommittee or Transportation andInfrastructure Committee, conversationswith my colleagues and the Administration,or on bills like this. I am also glad theHouse passed my amendment that focuseson eliminating burdensome and ineffectiveprocurement rules that add no value andresult in no cost savings to the governmentor contractors.”

President Trump recently voiced his

support for upgrades to the Soo Locks.Speaking to a rally in WashingtonTownship, Mich., on April 28, thePresident stated: “The Soo Locks aregoing to hell. You know that, right? Andwe’re going to get them fixed up.”

Construction of new locks at SaultSte. Marie, Michigan, has often been tiedto national defense. The now obsoleteDavis and Sabin locks were built duringWorld War I. The MacArthur Lock wasconstructed at a furious pace to meetdemand for iron ore during World War IIand 10,000 troops were stationed at the“Soo” to guard the Locks. Work began onthe Poe Lock in 1961, the height of theCold War, the LCA reported.

“Rep. Mitchell has been a tirelessadvocate for a second Poe-sized lock andGreat Lakes shipping in general,” saidJim Weakley, president of LCA, the tradeassociation representing U.S.-flag vesseloperators on the Great Lakes. “Michiganwould be the state hardest hit by alengthy failure of the Poe Lock. ADepartment of Homeland Security studydetermined a six-month closure of thePoe Lock would push Michigan’s unem-ployment rate to nearly 23 percent.Nationwide, 11 million Americans wouldlose their jobs. We must build a secondPoe-sized lock as soon as possible.”

Ocean Ships takes first-in-class USNS MontfordPoint through first five-year dry-docking

The first-in-class USNS Montford Point (ESD-1) recently underwent its firstfive-year dry-docking at Keppel Shipyard in Singapore. American MaritimeOfficers members working aboard the USNS Montford Point during the dry-docking included Chief Mate Catherine Parsons, Captain Mike Sands, ChiefEngineer Bill Maus, First Assistant Engineer Rob Mussler, Third A.E. KylePetrick, Second A.E. Brian Pahlke, Electronics Officer Alexandra Perl,Second Mate Tom Kotarski and Third Mate Kevin Reilly. The USNS MontfordPoint is operated for Military Sealift Command by Ocean Ships, Inc. and ismanned in all licensed positions by AMO.

Photos courtesy of Chief Engineer Joe Gelhaus

On the deck of the USNS Montford Point during the dry-docking are ChiefEngineer Joe Gelhaus (Ocean Ships, Inc. assistant port engineer) and OSIPort Engineer Bill Dennis. The USNS Montford Point serves in Military SealiftCommand’s Prepositioning Program (PM3).