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Seafarers credited by General Schwartz (1/11)

The commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) praised the efforts of mariners aboard the SIU-crewed Northern Lights in a letter to Seafarers-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE). TRANSCOM Commander General Norton A. Schwartz wrote to TOTE Chairman and CEO Robert P. Magee concerning the crew’s excellent performance in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Northern Lights, a roll-on/roll-off vessel that normally operates in the Jones Act trade, supported U.S. troops for more than two years while under charter to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. General Schwartz cited the “superior support” of the unlicensed and licensed mariners as well as that of the company and its officials. “Early in the Iraq deployment, the Military Sealift Command sought commercial support and your company answered the call,” General Schwartz wrote on Oct. 26, 2005. “Since 18 February 2003, six weeks after the start of the deployment of forces to Iraq, SS Northern Lights was under charter to MSC. She continuously operated in support of U.S. forces since that time, never missing a commitment. No other ship, government-owned or commercial, has operated as long in support of these critical operations. “During the charter period SS Northern Lights made 25 voyages and 49 port calls,” he continued. “She carried 12,220 pieces of military gear totaling 81,000 short tons and covering over 2 million square feet. “Those statistics clearly demonstrate the value that the U.S.-flag shipping industry brings to the Defense Transportation System. At 200,000 square feet of cargo space, this ship has nearly the capacity of the Fast Sealift Ships, has speeds approaching those of the Navy’s Large, Medium Speed RoRo ships, and had a perfect record of reliability. Having this asset enabled us to improve readiness by keeping ships of the Ready Reserve Fleet available for other contingencies as needed. “You and your team of professionals showcased the U.S.-flag industry at its best,” General Schwartz concluded. As of early January 2006 no fewer than a dozen SIU-crewed ships remained activated in support of U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom. ###