SIU President Michael Sacco recently visited the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) at the invitation of Gen. John W. Handy, commander.They discussed the Maritime Security Program (MSP) reauthorization, the status of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and the “pulse” of the U.S.-flag commercial sealift industry.
“The command really makes a great use of sealift to save millions of dollars,” Sacco said. “Our mariners are part of a very big picture, supporting a global mission, and I know they are giving 100 percent of their expertise and professionalism when manning their ships.”
The SIU president examined why TRANSCOM is the Department of Defense’s single manager for common-user lift and provides air, land and sea transportation for all of the military services, the other combatant commands, and numerous federal agencies during peace and war.
He toured the Joint Mobility Operations Center – the control center for all lift – that includes Transportation Visibility, which has vital information required by a number of transportation centers; the Global Patient Movement and Requirements Center, which tracks every medical patient in the Global Transportation System; and the Joint Operations Intelligence Center, a forward element of the directorate of intelligence.
Sacco also was given a tour of Air Mobility Command’s Tanker/Airlift Control Center, also located at Scott Air Force Base. AMC, also commanded by Handy, is the air component of TRANSCOM and has control, through the TACC, of all air assets within TRANSCOM, to include contracted airlift support.
At a recent awards ceremony conducted in Baltimore for mariners aboard the SIU-crewed RRF ship Wright, Handy praised the efforts of the U.S. Merchant Marine crewing 54 reserve ships activated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). “To date, more than 1 million tons of materiel have been moved by sea in support of OIF and the spigot is still open; sustainment to our forces and materiel for the rebuilding of Iraq continue to flow – and in large measure thanks to the vitality, determination and commitment of merchant mariners,” he said.
“Throughout history, our merchant mariners have proven themselves to be great patriots,” he went on. “They have come from all walks of life, rising to the challenge, achieving extraordinary accomplishments, and ultimately shaping our world for the better. This has been the case in every conflict abroad since the founding of our country – regardless of risk or personal convenience. Your willingness to continue to sail into harm’s way, answering the call to service stands as testament to your courage and heroism. Today, you are part of that great legacy.”
Handy added, “We proudly salute the exemplary patriotism, dedication, and professionalism of the mariners . . . who have served in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.”
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