For Seafarers, there’s no better sight than the American flag being raised on modern ships as they join the SIU-contracted fleet.Lately, that has been a very familiar sight—and certainly one that’s never taken for granted.
In particular, with the expansion of the Maritime Security Program (MSP) from 47 to 60 ships, the union gains new jobs aboard 13 vessels. LOG, starting on the front page.
This is a great moment for our union because it means new jobs, new ships and a brighter future. And there’s no question that the expanded MSP also is good news for our nation as a whole. As so many of the program’s supporters have noted, the growth of the MSP fleet protects America’s national and economic security—and does so at great value. It helps expand the pool of well-trained, U.S. citizen mariners, which is a big consideration in these unstable times.
In short, it’s a win-win situation. A feel-good story for our union and our industry, and a definite plus not only for America’s defense capabilities but also her economic safety.
But amid the reflaggings and celebrations, let’s not overlook the important lessons we can learn from a quick review of the MSP’s history.
As many Seafarers remember, the original program was enacted in 1996 as part of broader legislation known as the Maritime Security Act. That law itself took years to pass—the initial maritime revitalization program was proposed back in 1992.
The updated version of the MSP, which took effect in October, also was the result of years of work by pro-U.S.-flag interests, the SIU most definitely included.
Basically, the program provides partial reimbursement to certain U.S.-flag ship operators who agree to make their vessels available to the government in times of war or other emergency. (A related component of the Maritime Security Act, known as the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement or VISA, also provides access to important infrastructure.)
It’s a great bargain for our country. Extremely credible, high-level studies have shown that the cost for each MSP vessel is less than one-tenth of the estimated annual operating cost of providing the same capability for our military using government-owned ships. In fact, the U.S. military itself has stated it would cost literally billions of dollars to duplicate everything they get with the MSP and VISA.
So, I think it’s very safe to say that the MSP is valuable and affordable.
It’s also important to note that the program has received support from the highest levels—from President Bush, who signed the expanded program into law, to top military leaders, to the Defense Department and the Transportation Department, to senators and congressmen.
That support didn’t happen without a sustained effort to spread the word about the U.S. Merchant Marine and what it means to our country. And this is where political action comes into play. Without political action, our industry never would have been able to consider the MSP, let alone expand it. On that note, I thank our rank-and-file members for your consistent understanding of the importance of politics, and for your consistent support of SPAD, our union’s voluntary political action fund.
Finally, the new MSP wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding shipboard work of American mariners, including, of course, SIU members. It is your dedication—your reliability and professionalism and patriotism—that helps inspire so much confidence in the program and in the U.S.-flag fleet as a whole. So, when you read about—and sail on—these new MSP ships, give yourselves a pat on the back.
Perhaps most of all, the lesson of the MSP is that significant growth in the American-flag commercial fleet continues. Like anything else that’s worth achieving, it doesn’t come easy. But with the cooperation that exists today in our industry, and with the knowledge and appreciation of our leaders in the military and in government, and with the continued outstanding performance of our crews, I know that we’re headed for even greater success.
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