In and around the nation’s capital, October’s headlines have been dominated by sniper shootings which alarmed the entire region. In fact, the story has received worldwide attention.
As of this writing our region finally is breathing a sigh of relief. It appears the killers have been caught. Still, it’s rare to get through a conversation around here without the subject coming up. That’s understandable, considering both the frequency of the attacks and the fact that everyone who works at the union’s headquarters lives in an area that was at risk.
Yet, as consuming as the sniper case has been, the SIU also hasn’t taken its eyes off an even bigger story: our nation’s potential conflict with Iraq. For some time now, the conventional wisdom across the nation mostly has been, it’s not a case of “if” we’ll go to war with Iraq, but rather “when.”
Whenever the balloon goes up, I know that the SIU and the rest of the U.S. Merchant Marine will deliver. It is our duty as the nation’s “fourth arm of defense.” It is also our legacy, from the very beginnings of our country.
While the Persian Gulf War presented its own unique challenges 11 years ago, the next conflict with Iraq—whenever it might take place—figures to offer a different set of difficulties. For now, it’s unclear how our allies from the last war will react. Also, as in any other industry, shipboard technologies have changed dramatically. Presumably, so have the capabilities of our enemies.
Despite the uncertainties, recently it has been heartwarming and inspirational to hear the confidence expressed in the U.S. Merchant Marine by the heads of the U.S. Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Transportation Command, respectively. As mentioned in my previous column, MSC Commander Rear Admiral David Brewer truly provided a highlight of the SIUNA convention in September when he enthusiastically spoke about his belief in our merchant marine’s readiness. He has seen firsthand that we deliver the goods.
A few weeks after the convention, TRANSCOM Commander General John Handy went before Congress and, in the course of promoting the Maritime Security Program, noted the U.S. Merchant Marine’s reliability and value. His message was crystal clear: America’s national security is best served by maintaining a strong U.S.-flag fleet.
There are many other examples of prominent, highly respected people declaring their support for the U.S. Merchant Marine, none of which is taken for granted. It’s always reassuring to know that others understand our industry’s history and its importance.
Soon, it seems, we’ll have another chance to prove our worth and capabilities as the fourth arm of defense. You know the old saying: What have you done for me lately? That’s the only thing that’ll matter whenever we get the call.
That’s why it’s so absolutely critical that Seafarers live up to our patriotic history.
We must be willing to make sacrifices—just as we did during World War II.
We must be willing to support our troops wherever they need us—just as we did in the Korean War.
We must be willing to sustain the war effort for a prolonged period—just as we did in Vietnam.
And we must be willing to face new and unprecedented threats in order to protect freedom—just as we did during Operation Desert Storm.
Naturally, it would be great if war became a thing of the past. Just as it would be welcome news to hear that Saddam Hussein has learned to behave and cooperate.
I’m not counting on either of those things happening.
But I’m very much counting on every SIU member as well as all of our brothers and sisters from throughout maritime labor to answer the call and deliver the goods. We may not know when the call will arrive, but we are ready. We know our duty, we love our country, and we absolutely will get the job done.
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