TRANSCOM Conducts Large-Scale Sealift Readiness Exercise When the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) called with an unprecedented assignment, the SIU answered in a big way. TRANSCOM in mid-September launched the largest-ever sealift readiness exercise as part of its “Turbo Activation” series, ordering dozens of ships to sea. [caption id="attachment_20591" align="alignright"…
Oct
10
Oct
09
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao recently reiterated the department’s strong support of American maritime. Speaking Oct. 8 at the National Defense Transportation Association’s fall meeting in St. Louis, Secretary Chao noted the importance of the Jones Act, the U.S. Maritime Security Program, the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) and…
Oct
07
SIU mariners aboard the Maersk Montana recently sprang into action to save a boater whose vessel was sinking. While the Montana was en route to Antwerp, the ship diverted to answer a distress call. The…
Oct
07
Philly Shipyard, a union facility, recently issued the following news item. To access the story on the shipyard's website, click HERE Philly Shipyard Awarded Pollux Dry Docking Contract Philly Shipyard, Inc., the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA (Oslo: PHLY), has been awarded a dry docking contract for the…
Sep
24
The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education applaud several recent changes announced by the U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing. Specifically, the agency on Sept. 23 publicized changes to three Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) pertaining to qualification for certain STCW…
Sep
23
SIU-contracted American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier (ARC) has posted the following news item. For photos from the event, visit the SIU Facebook page HERE. The SIU had a strong presence at the ceremony. SIU President Michael Sacco was a featured speaker; attendees also included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David…
Sep
23
Check out photos of the ceremony on our Facebook page . Additional coverage will be posted later this week. The head of the U.S. Maritime Administration recently underscored his support of America’s freight cabotage law. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby delivered keynote remarks…
Sep
20
The office of U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) has issued the following news item. The SIU strongly supports the legislation. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in World War II. Garamendi’s World War II Merchant Marine Congressional Gold Medal Act Passes House WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman John Garamendi…
Sep
19
The SIU-crewed American Pride on Sept. 18 rescued three individuals from a foundering boat near Tampa, Florida. Recertified Bosun Ronald Webb said the American Pride was headed to anchor when an alarm sounded. “The fishermen’s boat was sinking and they had gotten into a life raft,” Webb stated. “We deployed…
Sep
19
The following news release was issued by the U.S. Navy. It can also be viewed here. The USNS Hershel 'Woody' Williams is partially crewed by SIU Government Services members. USNS Hershel 'Woody' Williams Makes Mine Counter Measure History The crew of Military Sealift Command’s expeditionary sea base USNS Hershel ‘Woody’…