Seafarers Log
When a large number of civilian-crewed military support ships activated early last month, our members and port officials stepped up and smoothly filled the jobs on all three coasts. It’s a given that the SIU always answers the call, but when you combine a large-scale activation with a short deadline,…
Seafarers Log
One of the American maritime industry’s strongest advocates is receiving one of its most prestigious awards. The United Seamen’s Service (USS) in late June announced that U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao will receive the 2019 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award “based on her careerlong commitment to…
Seafarers Log
A new ship with an old name is joining the SIU fleet. Seafarers-contracted Matson on June 17 christened the Lurline, a combination container roll-on/roll-off (ConRo) vessel built by union workers at the General Dynamics NASSCO yard in San Diego. Billed as the largest American-built ConRo, it’s the sixth Matson vessel…
Seafarers Log
The domestic maritime industry is vital for America – and few states reflect that truth more than Ohio. The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), a powerful coalition to which the SIU is affiliated, hosted a press conference July 1 at Seafarers-contracted Great Lakes Towing Company with U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio),…
Seafarers Log
The 2019 recipient of the Paul Hall Award of Merit set the tone for annual Maritime Port Council of Greater New York/New Jersey…
Seafarers Log
SIU members recently helped bring…
Seafarers Log
America’s domestic maritime industry benefits the nation in numerous ways, but there are untapped opportunities to utilize it even more. Those were some of the main points voiced June 19 when the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation conducted a hearing titled “Short Sea Shipping:…
Seafarers Log
When an opportunity arose to help area homeless people, SIU members didn’t have to be asked twice. SIU personnel recently teamed up with other union members and area residents in Broward County, Florida, to move donated furniture from a hotel into two large containers provided at no cost by Seafarers-contracted…
Seafarers Log
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (June 28, 2019)"Rear Adm. Dee L. Mewbourne addresses service members and civilians at Military Sealift Command™s Change of Command ceremony aboard the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10), at Joint Base Little Creek-Fort Story, June 28. During the ceremony, Rear Adm.…
Seafarers Log
Well-earned recognition for the U.S. Merchant Marine is a big step closer to becoming reality. In late June, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) announced that his bipartisan Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019 has secured the 290 cosponsors necessary to receive a mandatory vote…