Our Tradition Lives
During the SIU’s earliest years, thousands of Seafarers played important roles in transporting troops, ammunition and other vital supplies for the Allied forces in World War II.
From start to finish, Seafarers were there—in the Atlantic, the Pacific, and wherever else duty called.
Nearly 2,000 SIU members lost their lives during the war, many of whom perished off the East Coast as unobstructed German U-boats sank ship after ship.
As the late SIU historian John Bunker once noted, “Despite this havoc, no SIU ship was held up for lack of a crew. Many crews steamed out to meet almost certain death.”
Fast forward to today, and it’s apparent that much has changed for the better. From shipboard technology to crew accommodations, from underway protection to post-war recognition, the modern merchant marine has come a long way.
What hasn’t changed is our total commitment to serving as the nation’s Fourth Arm of Defense—a hard-earned title born of our performance and patriotism in World War II. Seafarers have demonstrated their loyalty and reliability again and again—in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in many other military support missions.
Now, we’re delivering the goods in another key sealift mobilization—the second phase of Iraqi Freedom. As outlined by the U.S. Military Sealift Command, OIF2 promises to be a massive maneuver. It is projected to last through the first half of this year, and MSC has described it as the biggest sealift effort since World War II.
While OIF2 thankfully doesn’t carry the danger of many previous campaigns, it’s obviously still an important mission, to say the least, and not completely without risk.
Our members are ready. Across the country, Seafarers are shipping out and answering the nation’s call. Their attitude is the same as ever: Just give us the cargo, and we’ll deliver.
The U.S. Merchant Marine was justifiably praised at the highest levels of government after the all-out combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. More than 2,000 brave SIU brothers and sisters sailed into harm’s way during that stage of the campaign to liberate the Iraqi people. All of them did a fantastic job.
As we transition to the next chapter, America can count on the SIU to support our troops, wherever and whenever needed.
Political Action
Delivering materiel in times of conflict isn’t the only important SIU tradition that’s on the front burner these days. In this federal election year, political action remains one of our most essential tools.
As you probably know, along with the presidential election, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and a third of those in the U.S. Senate are on the line in 2004. Important state and local elections are scheduled as well.
For Seafarers and the entire U.S.-flag fleet, political action is crucial. Because our industry is so heavily regulated, we must remain extremely active in promoting the U.S. Merchant Marine—not just in Washington, but throughout the nation.
In the months ahead, I encourage Seafarers to study the issues most important to our union and our industry. Participate in grassroots activities. Support pro-maritime candidates. And please continue your participation in SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund.
SPAD certainly can’t guarantee that we’ll always get what we want, but it helps give us opportunities to present our issues. It’s a proven, effective winner when it comes to making our voices heard. Without your support of the fund, that job would be virtually impossible.
Seafarers always have had a great understanding of how important political action is for their union and for the job security of our membership. Let’s make sure every one of us translates that knowledge into action and continued support this year and in the future.
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