The SIUNA convention which took place last month in Piney Point, Md. was anything but typical. It featured a number of deeply emotional, reflective moments as our nation observed the first anniversary of September 11. The convention also included some truly exceptional, encouraging remarks by a wonderful lineup of guest speakers.
AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, the leader of the American labor movement, inspired the delegates with his vision of what lies ahead for union members and their families. He also reminded us that the federation stands solidly behind the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Of special note to SIU members, comments concerning the U.S.-flag fleet delivered by the Secretary of Labor, the head of the Military Sealift Command, the head of the Maritime Administration and the CEO of a major U.S.-flag carrier were quite positive and insightful.
Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao wasted no time in reaffirming the administration's strong support for the Jones Act, which is the backbone of the U.S. fleet. With our nation's cabotage laws constantly under attack by foreign-flag interests who have no regard for our national security, President Bush's consistent backing of the Jones Act is respected and appreciated.
But Secretary Chao didn't stop there. She credited American mariners as a valuable resource in helping the nation identify and implement port security measures—a huge task that requires input from all segments of the industry.
She also repeatedly described the U.S. Merchant Marine as the nation's "fourth arm of defense" and cited our valuable role in supporting the armed forces throughout the country's history, up to and including the current war on terrorism.
Finally, she complimented the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and recognized the key role of training for today's mariners.
Brothers and sisters, those kinds of statements from the United States Secretary of Labor are exceptionally heartening for our industry. They reflect an excellent understanding of the U.S.-flag fleet and what it means to America.
The same can be said of the remarks delivered by Rear Admiral David Brewer, who is in charge of MSC, the biggest employer of U.S. mariners. Let me tell you, this is a gentleman who truly has a high opinion of the merchant marine. He knows from firsthand experience the fact that we deliver the goods.
Admiral Brewer said that he's committed to increasing the number of U.S. Merchant Mariners going to sea, including those in the government services division. He cited our reliability and said the merchant marine "delivers freedom."
He got a rousing ovation when, in describing conversations about America's readiness to engage in conflict, he exclaimed, "I am sometimes asked, 'Will the merchant marine fight?' I say, 'Hell yes, they're going to fight!'" I wish every one of our members could have been in the auditorium at that inspiring moment.
Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert described some of the successful efforts to bring new tonnage under the American flag. He stated that his top priority is the reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program—a goal which we certainly share.
Capt. Schubert also touched on a subject that occasionally is overlooked, but one that's incredibly important for our industry. Namely, the fact that maintaining a U.S.-flag presence in the international trade is critical to our nation's well-being because it allows MarAd "significant responsibilities in the international arena." He correctly pointed out, "We won't have a voice unless we have a U.S.-flag fleet. It's that simple."
In a slightly different vein, but also quite interesting and important were the remarks by John Reinhart, CEO of SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Ltd. Maersk Line operates 54 U.S.-flag ships and obviously is a primary carrier for the U.S. Department of Defense. Mr. Reinhart laid out some sensible approaches for revitalizing the commercial fleet, and he stressed the need for cooperation in this key effort.
It's worth noting that Maersk's commitment to the U.S. fleet recently was underscored by two developments. First, the company reflagged a modern tanker under the Stars and Stripes. Then, late last month, Maersk announced the acquisition of four modern cargo vessels that will reflag U.S. and enroll in the Maritime Security Program.
We covered many other topics during our convention, but maritime naturally was the front-and-center issue. It was a highly successful meeting, and every one of the guest speakers did a tremendous job. In fact, I encourage you to read highlights of the remarks from our other good friends—U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, MM&P President Tim Brown, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft, MEBA President Ron Davis, Maryland and D.C. AFL-CIO President Fred Mason, AMO President Mike McKay, Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer, Maryland Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and MTD Vice President Ernie Whalen—which are published in this issue of the LOG.
I came away from the convention more convinced than ever that we in the Seafarers have the will, the strength and the support within our government and the U.S.-flag industry to continue revitalizing maritime. We also will continue working with our brothers and sisters from other unions in leading the way for working families.
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