New U.S. tonnage was formally introduced May 8 by SIU-contracted American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) during a naming ceremony in Baltimore for the Independence II.The roll-on/roll-off ship is the latest addition to ARC’s Seafarers-crewed fleet, which also includes the following vessels: Liberty, Patriot, Courage, Integrity, Resolve, Honor and Freedom.
SIU President Michael Sacco and General Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, were the featured speakers. ARC President and CEO Raymond Ebeling served as master of ceremonies. Susan Tellez, wife of SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, was the vessel’s sponsor.
During the event, Sacco said, “I would argue that now, more than any time since World War II, this country absolutely must maintain a viable supply of U.S. mariners. That’s part of the significance of this ceremony – new tonnage under the American flag helps maintain that manpower pool.”
He added, “We need a strong U.S. Merchant Marine so that our armed forces have no doubt whatsoever that their ammunition and other supplies will be there, on time, every time, safely and securely delivered by fellow citizens who are more than willing to sail into harm’s way for them. We need a strong U.S. Merchant Marine because it’s good business; it’s good common sense; and it has served America well since the very first days of our nation’s history.”
Additional coverage will be included in the June edition of the Seafarers LOG.
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