An enthusiastic U.S. Merchant Marine supporter recently received a prestigious honor from the nation’s premier domestic maritime coalition.
U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia)
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, on Aug. 18 announced it is honoring U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) “with the celebrated American Maritime Hero Award. The award recognizes individuals or groups of individuals who have added to the rich heritage of the United States as a maritime nation through their professional contributions, courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.”
AMP pointed out that as “a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, Representative Luria is one of the first women to serve her entire military career aboard combatant ships. In her final assignment, she commanded a maritime prepositioning force of 400 sailors. With that knowledge; Representative Luria came to Congress in 2018 as a strong supporter of the maritime industry as a member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. The Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee oversees key commercial and military maritime programs and laws.”
Rep. Luria stated, “In Coastal Virginia, the maritime industry is integral to our regional economy, national security, and constituents’ livelihoods. As a tireless advocate for the maritime community, it is an honor to receive this award. As a 20-year Navy veteran, I know the importance of supporting and advocating for the maritime industry. In Congress, I will continue to be a staunch advocate for the Jones Act and the U.S. maritime industry.”
“Representative Luria has been steadfast in her commitment to this nation, and to the men and women of maritime” said Mike Roberts, president of AMP. “She has led in Congress on key issues to support the domestic and deep sea U.S.-flag fleets, including programs related to shipbuilding, mariners, and vessel operations. It is our honor to recognize Representative Luria with the American Maritime Hero Award, for her dedication to American maritime companies and American mariners.”
Luria earlier this year sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate leaders asking for their support of American-flag ships and their crews. Around that same time, she hosted a pro-maritime video conference call during which she stated that a drop-off in both government cargo and commercial cargo means it’s the right time to boost the Maritime Security Program. “This program is an essential part of our national security,” she said, and then added her ongoing backing of the Jones Act and cargo preference.
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