The U.S. flag flies over an oceangoing passenger ship again. Seafarers and other U.S. mariners are showing tourists relaxing on the high seas why we are the best-trained and safest professionals in the world.
Last month’s reflagging of NCL America’s first cruise ship under the Stars and Stripes drew warm applause and proud salutes during the ceremony in San Francisco. It was a great day for the Seafarers, a great day for NCL America and a great day for anyone who supports a strong U.S. Merchant Marine.
But in order to more fully appreciate the moment June 7 when our flag was raised on the Pride of Aloha, you may have to think back to one of the darkest days in our nation’s history: September 11, 2001.
Obviously, the loss of innocent lives on that grim day is by far the most tragic part of the attacks. Yet, there were other significant aftershocks, not the least of which has been the ongoing impact on our economy. The travel and tourism industries were crippled in September 11’s immediate aftermath, and the U.S.-flag deep-sea cruise business ceased to exist.
It has taken nearly three full years, but at last we can say it: We’re back!
The work that’s been done to revive U.S.-flag cruise ships has been well-documented. What’s important now is that the SIU has a great opportunity for a bright future in this segment of our industry (and others). NCL America is planning to operate three U.S.-flag ships in Hawaii. That means more and more jobs for Seafarers and, as noted at the reflagging ceremony, it also means a stronger U.S. Merchant Marine in general.
I think the Pride of Aloha also may signify something special to Seafarers who embrace the opportunity. Namely, it’s a chance to be part of a vitally important moment in SIU history. It’s a chance to help your union—in other words, your brother and sister Seafarers—get off to a strong start in this newly reborn trade.
This isn’t the first time we’ve faced such a challenge. More than 20 years ago, Seafarers were called upon to revive the U.S.-flag passenger trade. The Constitution and Independence came back home to the American flag. Seafarers jumped at the opportunity to make the project work. Sure, we had problems, but we overcame them. The Connie and the Indy were huge success stories. Many of our members owe their start in our union to these vessels.
Maybe you’ve read about some of the SIU’s historic organizing drives from the 1940s and 1950s, or perhaps you’ve hung around the union hall and heard some of our old-timers talk about sailing during World War II. Undoubtedly, many of you know about our late SIU President Paul Hall defying the skeptics by starting a training school for seamen in southern Maryland back in 1967.
Those are more than just stories. They’re key components of who and what Seafarers are today. The hard work and sacrifice and commitment of our predecessors gave us a chance to become the strongest maritime union in the United States.
It’s going to take more of the same to help ensure our continued success. And the new cruise ships definitely involve hard work and sacrifice and commitment. Let’s face it—when you’re helping to restart any business, you’re bound to hit a few rough seas along the way.
But any way you slice it, this is a glorious moment for the SIU. Every Seafarer can take pride in the fact that our members are sailing aboard the Pride of Aloha. And I know that every one of us will do whatever it takes to help ensure the success of our newest ships.
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