A high-ranking official from the U.S. Defense Department recently confirmed that war zone bonuses have been approved for U.S. mariners who sailed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The bonuses are applicable for operations between March 19 and May 2.Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Charles Abell last month signed off on a memo that reads, “Pursuant to Title 5, United States Code, section 5348(a), I determine that it is in the public interest to authorize the payment of ‘war zone’ bonuses and harbor and vessel attack bonuses to merchant mariners. Such payment is commensurate with current and historic practices in (the) maritime industry during periods of hostility.
“Approval of payment of these bonuses is effective with this determination and is authorized for vessels in the Arabian Gulf west of 57 degrees longitude and the Gulf of Aden/Bab al Mandab Straits between 43 degrees west and 45 degrees west longitude and 12 degrees north and 13 degrees north latitude, on and after the commencement of hostilities in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom….”
The bonus amount reportedly is equal to 100 percent of base pay.
Additionally, unlicensed mariners who sailed in support of the war will receive the same Imminent Danger Pay increases that recently were awarded to CIVMARS. The Imminent Danger Pay increase is retroactive to Oct. 1, 2002 for areas identified by the government as imminent danger zones since then. (War zone bonuses and imminent danger pay cannot be awarded for the same time.)
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