Seafarers Log: Vol. 85 No. 9 (2023-09-01)

SEPTEMBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 9

O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O

Food Aid Event
Page 4

Stewards Graduate
Pages 6-7

New Pasha Ship Christened

Union members, pensioners, officials and guests joined together July 25 to commemorate the formal reopening of the hiring hall at 115 Third Street in Norfolk, Virginia. The ceremony
(and luncheon) marked the culmination of a massive renovation that started last year. SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift (above, right) oversaw the project, which met with very favorable
reactions from the assembled guests. Pictured above, left, immediately after the ribbon-cutting portion of the ceremony are (from left) ITF Inspector Bobbi Shipley, Seafarers Trustee
Tony Naccarato, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, Maersk VP Ed Hanley, retired SIU VP Kermett Mangram (who did the honors), Pastor O.L. Cromwell (rear), SIU Secretary-Treasurer
Tom Orzechowski, SIU President David Heindel, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. Pages 10-11.

SIU Celebrates Reopening of Norfolk Hall

SIU President David Heindel (left) was a featured speaker Aug. 9 as Seafarers-contracted
Pasha Hawaii christened its new containership Janet Marie in Oakland, California. Pictured
at the event are (from left) Heindel, company President and CEO George Pasha IV, SIU
VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Elyse Pasha, wife of George. The ship is sailing in the
Jones Act trade. Page 3.

Philly Shipyard Event Underscores
Administration’s Support of Maritime

President Biden on July 20 expressed strong support for the Jones Act and the overall
U.S. maritime industry as he delivered keynote remarks at Philly Shipyard. The cer-
emony marked the start of construction on a first-of-its-kind offshore wind vessel being
built for SIU-contracted Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. SIU President David Heindel met
with Biden before the ceremony – and the union got a shout-out from the commander
in chief during his speech. Pictured at the shipyard are (from left) SIU Philadelphia Port
Agent Joe Baselice, U.S. Rep. Mary Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania) and Heindel. Page 2.

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2 Seafarers LOG September 2023

New and Improved

President’s Report

In the very near future, Seafarers LOG readers will notice some
changes to our official publication’s look. We are taking advantage
of advancements in the printing industry to help improve our
product while not appreciably adding to our costs.

Our format won’t be radically different
(slightly smaller in size) but I’m confident
you’ll agree that the fresh look is an
improvement. We’re not cutting back on
the amount of content, either. Stay tuned.

We regularly examine our methods
of communication, and I believe it still
makes sense for us to produce a monthly
publication. When and if that changes, we
won’t hesitate to adjust accordingly.

Meanwhile, for those who don’t know,
we also have a solid online presence and
we’ve offered a text-alert service for the
last decade. In addition to our website
(launched in 1997), we’re active on social
media, including multi-platform posts

every weekday and usually one day on the weekend. We also post
every edition of the LOG online, going all the way back to the
newspaper’s launch almost 85 years ago.

The printed page remains valuable and viable for the SIU in part
because connectivity at sea is, shall we say, still evolving. There
is no doubt it is improving, and both the union and our contracted
operators are fully committed to maximizing availability. But there
are technological limits (just as there are ashore) that result in
stretches of no cell service or no Wi-Fi or both. That’s not to say
that online reading and skimming the printed page is an either/or
proposition, but, let’s face it, when your phone or tablet or laptop
won’t connect, it’s good to have another option.

We also keep in touch with other unions about the most
effective ways to stay in touch with rank-and-file members.
What I’ve learned is that the organizations who abandoned their
respective publications quickly regretted it. There may be an
exception here or there, but the anecdotal evidence is solid.

Similarly, the feedback we receive from the membership –
across all age groups – strongly supports maintaining a periodical.

Lastly and again for those who may not know, while the LOG
first and foremost serves as a community newspaper, we also use
it to spread the word to the outside world about your outstanding
work, and about the union’s positions on maritime issues and
workers’ rights. We do not skimp with our online efforts, but
you can’t hand somebody a website. And if anyone doubts the
effectiveness of direct mail, check your mailbox ahead of next
year’s elections.

I’m excited about the LOG’s upcoming revamp and I welcome
your feedback once you’ve seen the new look.

The SIU Turns 85
Next month marks 85 years since the Seafarers International

Union received its charter. On a personal note, I am grateful to
have been part of the organization for 50 of those years (and
counting).

We have a proud history and a bright future. Our members
are second to none when it comes to professionalism, efficiency
and (in my view) community-mindedness. We have a world-class
training center to keep up with the times. We have solid working
relationships with our operators, and we have political strength
that helps ensure support for the U.S. Merchant Marine from our
military and at every level of government.

I am proud to be your president and I’m excited to continue
working on your behalf.

David Heindel

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.

Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant
Communications Director, Nick Merrill; Assistant
Editor, Aja Neal; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes.

Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.

Volume 85 Number 9 September 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org

The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environ-
mentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.

O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O

Biden Gives Shout-Out to SIU, Jones Act

Celebrating Maritime in Houston

SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left in both photos) met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete
Buttigieg (right in photo above, right) and U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips (right in remaining
photo) Aug. 4 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Houston for a federally funded container terminal
expansion project. “It was a great opportunity to discuss the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Maritime
Security Program, recruiting and training, and port infrastructure grants,” said Corgey, a longtime member
of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

With SIU President David Heindel seated near the
podium, President Biden on July 20 offered supportive
remarks about both the union and America’s freight
cabotage law during a speech at Philly Shipyard (which
employs union workers).

Biden was there to help celebrate the ceremonial start
of construction of the first offshore wind vessel of its
kind (a scour ship, the Acadia) to be Made in America
and Jones Act-compliant. The vessel, which will place
rocks on the seabed to secure the base for offshore wind
turbines, is being constructed for Seafarers-contracted
Great Lakes Dredge and Dock.

With hundreds of unionized workers in attendance,
Biden noted that the SIU will provide shipboard man-
power when the vessel is completed. He mentioned that
several other unions will be involved in the ship’s con-
struction.

He also stated, “Some folks may not know, there
was a law in 1920 called the Jones Act that was passed.
It says ships travelling between U.S. ports have to be
American-built, American-owned and have American
crews. There are some who are content to rely on ships
built overseas, without American crews to operate them.
Again, not on my watch. We’re strengthening American
shipbuilding, supporting good union jobs, and bringing
offshore-wind supply chains back home.”

Heindel met with Biden before the ceremony.
“I thanked the president for his support of the Jones

Act and the U.S. Merchant Marine. I also thanked him
for bringing good union jobs for the wind industry,”
Heindel stated.

During the ceremony, Biden talked about “the prog-
ress we’ve made building an economy from the middle
out and the bottom up.”

He said unions “built the middle class, and it changed
the economic direction of this country.”

Turning his attention to recent job growth, Biden
cited “over 13 million new jobs built across the country
and nearly half a million of them here in Pennsylvania
just in the last two-and-a-half years. Eight hundred-thou-
sand manufacturing jobs (created in the U.S.), 28,000
here in Pennsylvania alone in the last two-and-a-half
years. That’s more jobs in two years than any president
has created in a four-year term. Unemployment is below
4 percent – the longest stretch of unemployment below
4 percent in the last 50 years. We’re beginning to come
back, folks. We can because we’re giving workers a
chance.”

The president also said that his “Investing in America
agenda is bringing our clean energy supply chains home.
Since I took office, we’ve seen more than $16 billion in
new offshore wind investments, including 18 offshore
wind vessels, 12 manufacturing facilities, and 13 ports.
Today, we announced the first-ever offshore wind sale in
the Gulf of Mexico. We’re going to the Gulf…. Across
the Delaware River in Paulsboro, New Jersey, workers
are welding the steel foundation for another large-scale
wind project. That’s going to create more than 3,000
good-paying jobs. A project off the coast of New York
will use a vessel built in the shipyards of Louisiana, Mis-
sissippi, and Florida and rely on an electrical substation
engineered in Kansas and made in Texas.”

He added, “All this investment means good-paying
jobs here at home. We’re making sure these new jobs
come free and fair and (with) the ability to join a union
if you’re not already in one. I made a commitment that
I’d be the most pro-union president in American history
– and I’m keeping that promise.”

Expanding on that commitment, Biden said he rou-
tinely tells business leaders that “union workers are the
best in the world…. You do the job right, and long-term,
it costs (management) less than non-union labor.”

With union workers in the background, President Biden gives a pro-worker speech during a
ceremony at Philly Shipyard. (Photo from White House Twitter feed)

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The SIU recently helped formally celebrate the addition of a
new Jones Act vessel.

Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii on Aug. 9 hosted a chris-
tening ceremony in Oakland, California, for its containership
MV Janet Marie. SIU President David Heindel was a featured
speaker at the gathering; SIU Vice President West Coast Nick
Marrone also attended, as did rank-and-file Seafarers.

As reported in the August LOG, the LNG-powered vessel
was delivered July 11. In addition to the christening, the com-
pany also previously conducted smaller commemorations for the
Janet Marie’s first calls on the ports of Long Beach, California,
and Honolulu, Hawaii, respectively.

During the christening, Heindel underscored “the signifi-
cance of brand-new, state-of-the-art, American-built tonnage
entering the U.S. fleet and sailing with American mariners. This
is truly something to celebrate.”

He saluted the company’s “incredible commitment to our
Seafarers, to our flag, and to our national, economic and home-
land security. I know that our members are doing great work
aboard this fine new ship, and George (Pasha IV, company presi-
dent and CEO), you can count on us to continue taking good
care of your mother’s namesake and to assure the delivery of
her cargo.”

Heindel also pointed out that “ships like the Janet Marie help
our country maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S.-citizen
seafarers who are available to work aboard military support ships
as needed.”

The Janet Marie is the second of two new ‘Ohana Class, 774-
foot containerships built at AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas. The
company’s first vessel in the class, the SIU-crewed MV George
III, began service in August 2022, becoming the first LNG-pow-
ered containership to call on the Bay Area.

Pasha Hawaii is a subsidiary of the 76-year-old, third-gen-
eration, family-owned company The Pasha Group, whose roots
were planted in the Bay Area in 1947. The George III and Janet
Marie are named in honor of the late parents of George Pasha,
IV.

“These ships represent the legacy of my parents and the
company they helped build from humble beginnings in San
Francisco,” said George Pasha IV. “The success of our family
business has always been based on ingenuity, striving for excel-
lence and doing what is right for our customers and the commu-
nities where we live and work. Both George III and Janet Marie
provide our customers with best-in-class vessels, while setting
the standard for environmental stewardship when it comes to
ship design and construction. Today is a very proud moment for
the entire Pasha team and our family.”

Chris Connor, president and CEO of the American Associa-
tion of Port Authorities and board member of The Pasha Group
served as emcee for the christening ceremony. Connor was joined
by guest speakers Danny Wan, executive director of the Port of
Oakland; Oakland Deputy Mayor Kimberly Mayfield; Heindel;
and Pasha IV. Pastor Michael Ryan and Sister Judy Ryan, of St.
James Cathedral in Seattle and siblings to the late Janet Marie
Ryan Pasha, conducted a Catholic blessing, followed by a tradi-
tional Hawaiian blessing by Kahu (Pastor) Kordell Kekoa of Ho-
nolulu. George Pasha IV’s sister, Mary Jane Pasha, served as the
ship’s sponsor, overseeing the breaking of the champagne bottle.

September 2023 Seafarers LOG 3

Pasha’s Janet Marie Christened

Above: SIU President David Heindel expresses confidence
in the union members sailing aboard the new ship.
Below: Celebrating the ship’s first arrival in Honolulu Har-
bor are Pasha family members, Seafarers and SIU officials.
Pictured from left are Savannah Pasha, George Pasha IV,
Elyse Pasha, AB Eric Bell, AB Harold Harper, Pasha VP
Ed Washburn, SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, SIU VP Nick
Marrone and SIU Safety Director Amber Akana.

The SIU-crewed Janet Marie, pictured in Long Beach, California, is sailing in the Jones Act trade. (Photo
courtesy Port of Long Beach)

Crowley Tug Artemis Signals New Jobs for Seafarers

Seafarers-contracted Crowley recently announced that it
has entered into the company’s fourth long-term charter for
its newest Tier IV ship assist tug, the Artemis, with SIU-con-
tracted Brusco Tug & Barge. “The powerful, state-of-the-art
vessel reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainabil-
ity while providing high performance,” Crowley said in a
news release.

According to Crowley, the 77-foot tug “will deliver 7,000
horsepower with a bollard pull of 96 tons using two Cater-
pillar Marine 3516 Tier IV-compliant engines, meeting U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency emission standards. Arte-
mis will also feature advanced technology to enhance maneu-
verability and provide operators with remote monitoring of
its performance, making it highly efficient and versatile for
various operations.”

“Artemis will not only offer the most power for its size
like its sister vessel Athena; it showcases our dedication to

providing environmentally efficient services while maintain-
ing the highest standards of performance and reliability,”
said Paul Manzi, vice president, Crowley Shipping. “We are
grateful to continue collaborating with Brusco Tug & Barge
and Diversified Marine to bring new vessels that advance the
industry’s capabilities.”

The Artemis is slated to enter service later this year, serv-
ing Los Angeles and Long Beach with ship assists and es-
corts.

“We are proud of our Hercules Class tugs and pleased to
continue our partnership with Crowley and Brusco Tug &
Barge,” said Frank Manning, president, Diversified Marine.
“This will be the sixth DMI-built tug in Crowley’s fleet and
the eleventh we have built for Brusco. Our company is based
on relationships, and we are very thankful for the relationship
we have with these forward-thinking operators.”

The new tug will mean additional jobs for SIU boatmen on the West Coast.

In commemoration of the Janet Marie’s first call to the Port of Long Beach, Harbor Commission President Sharon L.
Weissman (center) presents Pasha Hawaii President and CEO George Pasha IV (center) and Janet Marie Capt. Doug
Fisher (standing next to George Pasha) with a plaque in honor of the captain and crew. (Photo courtesy Port of Long
Beach)

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4 Seafarers LOG September 2023

Port Event Highlights Threat To Food for Peace Program

At the Washington Port of Longview, American farmers, port
workers, millers, mariners, and state and federal policymakers
stood together Aug. 15 to commemorate the significant humani-
tarian shipment of 28,000 metric tons of American-grown wheat
on the SIU-crewed Liberty Glory (Liberty Maritime) as part of
the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Food
for Peace program. The shipment comes as Food for Peace is
under intense pressure from lawmakers working to eliminate
shipments of food produced by American farmers aimed at al-
leviating the worst hunger emergencies around the world.

SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and SIU As-
sistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo attended the event, as did
rank-and-file Seafarers.

American-grown food has been the cornerstone of America’s
foreign aid policy since Food for Peace was launched in the
1950s with crops like corn, sorghum, rice and wheat. The ship-
ments represent an “unbroken chain of humanity” that stretches
from America’s fertile fields to families facing an unprecedented
crisis. During the last three years, the United States has donated
more than one million tons of American-grown wheat per year
through Food for Peace. Much of that wheat has gone to support
hunger hotspots in the Middle East and East Africa, where food
insecurity still persists.

“Food for Peace is one of the most successful humanitarian
programs because of the enduring commitment of America’s
farmers, millers, port workers, longshoremen and merchant mari-
ners to feeding the world,” said William P. Campbell, vice presi-
dent of operations, Liberty Maritime Corporation. “However,
there are some out there who want to eliminate the contribution
of America’s farmers and mariners to Food for Peace or end the
program entirely. World hunger is at its peak as conflict persists
and the traditional breadbasket of Ukraine is disrupted. Against
this backdrop, America must stand up and fight hunger and once
again be the shining beacon of hope for those around the world.
Food for peace is that hope.”

“America’s farmers feed the world and this shipment will
feed one million people facing starvation for an entire year; fo-
cusing on families who need it most,” said Washington Grain
Commissioner Gary Bailey, a wheat grower in Whitman County.
“Washington’s wheat farmers are proud to have connected Amer-

ica’s home-grown food to hungry families half a world away for
70 years and counting.”

In remarks prepared for the ceremony, Marrone stated, “The
Seafarers International Union proudly supports cargo preference
and we strongly believe that the laws should be strengthened for
the betterment of America’s national, economic and homeland
security.”

According to the latest data from the World Bank, across the
Middle East and North Africa, one in five people are severely
food insecure, including eight million children.

Through Food for Peace, American farmers, millers, port
workers, longshoremen and mariners sailing under the U.S. flag
have played a critical role in the program to fight global food
insecurity.

In conjunction with the Longview event, Congressional
representatives and other stakeholders offered their support for
Food for Peace’s mission:

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washing-
ton) - “Eastern Washington’s agricultural community has a rich
history of feeding the world, especially those in need. Thanks to
the Columbia-Snake River system, our wheat farmers are able to
send their products to hungry nations around the world, preserv-
ing their hard-earned legacy and ensuring America continues to
shine as a beacon of hope. Thank you to our farmers, industry
stakeholders, and maritime partners who helped make this tre-
mendous humanitarian effort possible.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) - “The
United States must continue to provide robust international aid to
meet the scale of need in the fight against hunger. I am inspired
by the partnership of the maritime labor, carriers, and agriculture
sectors in Washington and across the country to make this mo-
mentous contribution to global food security.”

Congressman Adam Smith (D-Washington) - “I commend
partners throughout Washington State for their continued com-
mitment to USAID’s Food for Peace Program. Food for Peace
plays an integral role in alleviating hunger throughout the world
while also strengthening the United States’ diplomatic efforts.
Thank you to the many partners, including Washington State ag-
ricultural producers and union workers, who make these efforts

possible.”
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington) -

“Washington State has long been a leader in agricultural produc-
tion and has put us in a position to create positive change. With
eight billion dollars in agricultural exports last year and partner-
ships between public, private, trade groups, and labor, our state
is well positioned to extend beyond our geographic boundaries
and touch the lives of individuals and families facing hunger
emergencies.”

Jane Shey, Senior Policy Consultant, World Food Pro-
gram USA – “Food security is national security. We must
increase our collective efforts to access the funding and com-
modities needed to meet the challenge of a food-insecure world.
Committed leadership on the part of the United States, from
Capitol Hill to the docks where we stand today, is essential to
securing a peaceful and prosperous future.”

Dan McKisson, President, Washington Area District
Council of the International Longshore and Warehouse
Union – “American-grown commodities, like the soft, white
wheat loaded on the U.S.-flagged vessel Liberty Glory here
today, have saved lives all over the world. This is a tangible sym-
bol of our nation’s generosity, loading these cargos and sending
them to those in need overseas, also provides much-needed liv-
ing wage jobs for our union members and for their families.”

Randy Suess, on behalf of the Washington Grain Com-
mission and Washington Association of Wheat Growers
– “Food aid not only benefits everyone around the world and
American farmers, but it also involves everybody in the sup-
ply chain: the truckers, the warehousemen, the shippers and the
longshoremen.... Right now, one U.S. farmer feeds 166 others
across the country and around the world. I am proud to be part
of this program, working to achieve long-lasting and sustainable
food security for the world.”

The SIU crew of the Liberty Glory included Bosun Shatina
Wright, ABs Qaid Alnaawi, Guillermo Legra and Samuel
Vera Davis, STOSs Jose Oliva Umanzor and Venancio Boni-
facio Suazo, OS Sincere Williams, GUDEs Lacorie Ray, Nabil
Said and Virgil Tudorache, Steward/Baker Isabel Sabio, Chief
Cook Eliezer Estremera and SA Yawoub Shack.

SIU members and officials are pictured after the ceremony. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone is sixth from left,
while SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo is at far right.

The Seafarers-crewed vessel prepares for its voyage to the Middle East. (All photos courtesy American Maritime
Congress)

SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (right) and Bosun
Shatina Wright confer aboard the vessel.

Washington State Department of Agriculture Director
Derek Sandison addresses the attendees.

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September 2023 Seafarers LOG 5

Merchant Marine Delivers
Relief Cargoes in Hawaii

At press time for this edition of the
LOG (mid-August), Seafarers and SIU-
contracted vessel operators were involved
in the relief efforts in Hawaii, following the
wildfires that devasted parts of the state.

Additionally, the union is accepting
voluntary donations via the Seafarers Di-
saster Aid Fund. More information about
the fund is available on the SIU website
(prominently linked on the home page).

No SIU members are known to have
been injured or to have lost their homes as
a result of the fires.

Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii re-
ported that its supply chain routes were
fully operational as support efforts for
Maui wildfire relief continue. The com-
pany has enacted its emergency response
plan “which includes prioritizing emer-
gency rations, foodstuffs and medical sup-
plies via available barge capacity to Maui
and its direct vessel roll-on/roll-off ser-
vice,” Pasha said in a news release.

Additionally, Seafarers-contracted Mat-
son reported that it had begun transporting
emergency response equipment and sup-
plies to Maui for the Federal Emergency
Management Administration (FEMA) and
the Hawaii Food Industry Association
(HFIA).

Also in mid-August, the American
Maritime Partnership, to which the SIU is
affiliated, issued a “situation report” not-
ing that state, local and federal authorities
in Hawaii continue to respond to the needs
of residents and the devastating impacts of
several large wildfires, which had taken
more the 100 lives and destroyed more
than 2,200 homes and businesses.

In what has been described as the dead-
liest wildfire incident in the U.S. in more

than 100 years, the fires were exacerbated
by extremely dry conditions and strong
winds generated by the passage of Hurri-
cane Dora.

According to AMP, as of Aug. 14, all 10
ports within Hawaii’s Commercial Harbor
System, including Kahului Harbor Piers 1,
2 and 3 on the island of Maui, remained
operational. The coalition also noted the
following, in addition to reporting about
the respective efforts of Pasha and Matson:

- Fuel availability, the movement of
cargo and the flow of humanitarian assis-
tance have not been restricted by the im-
pacts of the wildfires.

- Cargoes from the mainland U.S. to
Maui are generally routed through Hono-
lulu and transshipped to Kahului, Maui
(the main harbor), but there is there is also
direct U.S. barge service and roll-on/roll-
off vessel service from the mainland to
Kahului.

- The American maritime industry is co-
ordinating with county, state, federal, and
emergency departments to prioritize and
move cargo, and ensure safe and expedient
delivery of disaster aid.

- U.S.-flagged barges are arriving at
Kahului Harbor in Maui to provide relief
goods.

- A barge with 20 Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) containers
arrived on Thursday, August 10, carrying
pallets of bottled water and ready-to-eat
meals.

- Another barge arrived on Saturday,
August 12, carrying 191 containers with
generators, emergency supplies, and other
equipment to assist the community re-
sponse efforts.

- The Hawaii Department of Transpor-

tation (HDOT) has waived all wharfage
charges for cargoes inbound to Kahului
Harbor through September 10, 2023 to
support humanitarian relief in Maui.

- HDOT will waive demurrage and stor-
age fees and port entry and dockage for
vessels displaced from small boat harbors
on Maui, and have determined that the de-
clared state of emergency is good cause for

extensions of free time.
- The National Guard has activated 134

troops, including 99 Army National Guard
personnel and 35 Air National Guard per-
sonnel, to assist in the ongoing local and
federal wildfire response efforts.

- FEMA announced it had deployed
more than 150 personnel, including search
and rescue teams.

LCLAA Elects SIU AVP Crespo As Puerto Rico Chapter President
SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Cre-

spo recently earned an additional title.
In August, Crespo was elected president

of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the Labor
Council for Latin American Advancement
(LCLAA) during the organization’s twenty-
fourth convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Also elected as LCLAA officials were Vice
President John Navas (Asociación de Mae-
stros de Puerto Rico, or AMPR), Secretary-
Treasurer Jose Ramirez (American Federation
of State, County and Municipal Employees
or AFSCME), Log Secretary Nadrischka
Martinez (Secretary, AMPR), Board member
Nelly Ayala (President, AMPR), Board Mem-
ber Maria Ortiz (Teacher and Tech Support,
AMPR), and Board Member Hector Reyes
(International Brotherhood of Electrical Work-
ers, or IBEW). All members of the LCLAA-
PR Chapter are also members of the executive
Board of the Puerto Rico Workers Federation
(Federación de Trabajadores de Puerto Rico, or
FTPR AFL-CIO).

During the convention, the new chapter
electees adopted policy priorities and reso-
lutions meant to ensure dignity for working
families. They resolved to prioritize workplace
initiatives for long-term economic stability,
foster strength and success for LGBTQ work-
ers and help build a bright future for the middle
class. The resolutions also emphasize building
power with immigrant workers, empowering
women in the trades, ensuring quality begin-
nings to education, and advocating for work-
ers’ rights in a global economy. The LCLAA
plans to work toward instating workplace
initiatives for longterm economic stability, ad-
vocating for affordable and accessible health
care for all, and fighting for equal rights on the
job and humanitarian protections for those in
harm’s way, the organization reported.

The convention’s theme, “Together To-
wards Tomorrow: Trabajadores para un Fu-
turo Justo,” focused on improving the quality
of life of all Latin Americans in the U.S. and
enriching the benefits necessary to achieve
happiness, good living, and the peace to which
all Americans are entitled according to our
Constitution and Civil Rights. It commenced
with a chapter president’s meeting, during
which Crespo and the other new chapter mem-

bers from Milwaukee, Greater Boston, Puerto
Rico, and South Central Arizona were wel-
comed. Stephanie Sepulveda offered insights
on citizenship clinics, while Lucia Gomez led
a workshop on voter education and partnering
with other organizations for effective voting
efforts. With inspiring speeches and discus-
sions by esteemed speakers including AFL-
CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and
American Federation of Teachers President
Randi Weingarten, the session set the stage for
a dynamic and transformative convention ex-
perience, according to attendees.

During the plenary session, Redmond
and Weingarten effusively exalted the Jones
Act in their respective speeches. They refer-
enced Crespo’s effective work promoting the
law, and they emphasized how necessary and
vital that statute is for Puerto Rico’s economy.
Speakers also mentioned what this means for
U.S. national security, especially in cases of
national emergency like the major, devastating
hurricanes and earthquakes that have hit Puerto
Rico in the past five years. Both Redmond and
Weingarten were received and dismissed with
standing ovations.

SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left in both photos) meets with (above, left) AFL-CIO
Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and with American Federation of Teachers Presi-
dent Randi Weingarten (remaining photo).

Meeting with Labor Secretary

SIU President David Heindel (right) and MM&P President Don Marcus (left) are
pictured with Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su at AFL-CIO headquarters earlier
this year. They discussed her solid support for workers’ rights, including the right to
choose union representation.

LCLAA friends and guests pose for a picture during the convention.

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6 Seafarers LOG September 2023

The newest class of recertified stewards
graduated in August, and the group

had plenty of good things to say about the
experience.

SIU members completing the top-level
course at the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Educa-
tion (PHC) were: Bernard Butts, Natalie
Delgado, Dennison Dizon, Ingra Mad-
dox, Annie T. Nodd, Erwin Renon, J.D.
Reyes and Jermaine Robinson. They
formally completed the class during the
August membership meeting in Piney
Point, Maryland.

During their training, the stewards
were instructed and tested on a variety
of subjects, including leadership, bak-
ing ability, computer skills, social re-
sponsibilities, Coast Guard updates, and
other department-specific workshops on
healthy eating, safe work areas and more.
During the two-week course, each mem-
ber also gained new and additional insight
into the functions of the various depart-
ments of the SIU as well as the Seafarers
Plans, collective bargaining agreements,
and the union’s affiliations with both the
Maritime Trades Department and its par-
ent organization, the AFL-CIO.

As part of the graduation ceremony,
each steward spoke to the assembled
crowd of SIU officials, members and
guests before receiving their certificates
of completion. In each speech, the new
recertified stewards described their expe-
riences with the course, their careers as
mariners and their time spent at the PHC.
Without exception, each member of the
class praised the curriculum, the staff and
faculty of the school and the importance
of upgrading and furthering their careers.

Following are highlights of the respec-
tive graduation speeches.

Bernard Butts
Unable to attend the graduation cer-

emony in person, Butts nevertheless
thanked the union’s executive board,
staff and faculty for their assistance and
instruction throughout the course. The
Norfolk, Virginia-based mariner wrote,
“I would like to thank the president, vice
presidents, officials, patrolmen, chefs, in-
structors, my fellow recertified stewards
and all the stewards that came before me
that imparted wisdom, knowledge and
guidance to help me reach this point in
my career.”

He continued, “It is an honor to stand
before you as a new recertified steward.

I began my career as a mariner in 2001,
after 12 years in the Navy. I embarked on
my first ship, the USNS Bold, beginning
what has become a prosperous and fulfill-
ing career path in the SIU.

“Since I joined the union, my life has
excelled in many different ways. I have
been able to provide the life for my family
that I had always dreamed of. I have been
able to see many different parts of the
world that some only dream or imagine. I
have been able to teach and mentor many
along the way, sharing work knowledge,
life lessons and insight into this great en-
tity we call the SIU.”

He concluded by offering advice to
the apprentices and upgraders: “Continue
to strive to become greater. Never limit
yourself. Always press to take your career
to the next level. Keep your head down,
mouth closed and ears open. There is an
opportunity in the SIU that you can’t find
in a lot of places, called upgrading! Take
full advantage of this opportunity, and
don’t get stagnant or complacent in your
current position.”

Ingra Maddox
Shipping from the Port of Tacoma,

Washington, Maddox spoke about her
career, as well as her family connection
to the SIU. After thanking the officials
seated on the dais, she reflected on her
experiences in the program.

“First, I’d like to say how honored I
am to be here with my fellow recertified
stewards, and humbly thank all of our
great instructors, including Natalie (Del-
gado, who previously taught at the PHC
during her shore time), for all they’ve
done over the years to help me get to
where I am today. I never could have
imagined I’d be here.

“My family has been a part of the SIU
for 45 years,” Maddox continued. “I’ve
been sailing for 20. Being a mariner has
enriched my life in so many ways, but
most importantly, by giving me the fi-
nancial freedom to help in providing for
my family. The long vacations don’t hurt,
either.”

To the apprentices, she said, “Please
don’t waste the opportunity you’ve been
given. Apply yourself, learn all you can
and take full advantage of all our school
has to offer. The school is here to help us
all. When you get out on the ships, listen,
learn and ask questions. The only stupid
questions are ones not asked. Remember
that we all had to start at the bottom.

Never let anyone tell you that you are
not good enough, or that you can’t do it.
Prove them wrong, like I did.”

She concluded, “I thank the SIU, and
will always stand behind my union, as it
has done for me.”

Jermaine Robinson
Next to speak was Robinson, who sails

out of the Port of New Orleans. He de-
tailed his career, starting with his first job
in the industry.

“I’ve been sailing with the SIU now
for 26 years and five months. I took my
first job on February 27, 1997, with the
Delta Queen Steamboat Company. From
there, my journey continued as I moved
on to bigger deep sea vessels, where in
2004 I got a job aboard the USNS Al-
tair.… Aboard that ship I was able to go
completely around the world, where I got
my chance to cross the Equator.”

He thanked the union officials and the
staff at the PHC, as well as talked about

his family: “The SIU has been financially
good to my family and me over the years.
My wife and I have four kids and two
grandkids, and my baby boy is about to
graduate high school.” He then thanked
the union for helping enable him to send
all of his children to college.

He also mentioned some of the skills
he learned during the course, before
turning to address the apprentices in the
auditorium, saying, “Come aboard, work
hard, listen to your supervisors, work
alongside your fellow shipmates, learn as
much as you can, don’t be afraid to ask
questions and always remember to never
stop there. Always come back and up-
grade, upgrade, upgrade.”

J.D. Reyes
Sailing out of Tacoma, Reyes is an-

other legacy mariner in this class, who
followed his mother’s path to a career
at sea: “I became a mariner in the year
2000, in New York, because my family’s
history in the U.S. also began in New
York. My mother was a sailor for more
than 25 years, with the National Maritime
Union,” he recalled.

Reyes continued, “The most important
part of being a mariner is to love what
you are doing. If I wasn’t proud to be
here, I wouldn’t still be sailing.” He then
spoke about the importance of supporting
the Seafarers Political Activities Donation
(SPAD), the union’s voluntary political
action fund.

Finally, he offered the following ad-
vice to future mariners: “At sea, there
is no such thing as half-[hearted]. That
comes back to bite you, and gets you hurt.
We want to send you back to your loved
ones in one piece.”

Dennison Dizon
Dizon, hailing from the Port of Wilm-

ington, California, was next to address
the crowd, saying, “I am honored to be at
this level in my career. It’s a dream come
true to be a recertified steward. I became
a merchant mariner because of my father,
Bosun Dante Dizon. I joined the SIU
and started sailing in 2009, and now I’m
the permanent steward of the USNS Red
Cloud.

“The SIU provides a quality lifestyle,
and I am evidence of that,” he continued,

Eight SIU Stewards Reach Top Level

The latest class of recertified stewards, from left to right: Ingra Maddox, Natalie Delgado, Annie T. Nodd, Erwin Renon,
Jermaine Robinson, J.D. Reyes, Bernard Butts and Dennison Dizon.

Newly Recertified Seafarers Praise School, Union

Recertified Steward Annie T. Nodd

Continues on next page

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG_X.indd 6 8/22/23 2:24 PM



September 2023 Seafarers LOG 7

“The SIU has helped me a lot, especially
when it comes to supporting my family.
It gives us a high standard of living, and
financial security through our future.”

He then offered advice to the trainees,
saying, “Take advantage of the opportu-
nity that you have right now, study hard
while you’re here and learn as much as
you can. Remember, ‘Talent wins games,
but teamwork and hard work wins cham-
pionships.’ Upgrading is a must, never
settle for less than what you deserve, and
you can’t be afraid to fail, because that’s
the only way to succeed.”

He also credited the union officials
and staff of the PHC, before thanking his
wife, who was in attendance: “She is the
reason why I am here. She motivated me
every single day. She’s my inspiration. I
love you, and this is for you!”

Annie T. Nodd
After thanking the officials, Nodd

talked about her history with the SIU. She
hails from Mobile, Alabama.

“I started as a trainee in the appren-
tice program – Class 563 – and that gave
me the right amount of discipline that
I needed, and the skills that I still use
today,” she said. “I’m so grateful to God
for guiding me in this direction. Without
God’s guidance, I don’t know where I
would be.

“The SIU has given me a sense of
stability and security,” she continued. “It
has allowed me to travel the world and
to continue to work and support my fam-
ily, even when everything had shut down
(during the COVID-19 pandemic). I am
so grateful for that.”

She also mentioned the importance of
assisting young mariners, saying, “I had
some great mentors, some old-timers who
took me under their wing and taught me
all they knew. To the trainees, I was once
sitting where you all are now. The train-
ing and knowledge you all will learn here
will take you throughout your career, if
you apply it. Listen to your instructors
and work hard. This school is not set up
to fail you. If you fail, that’s on you.”

She concluded by thanking the staff
and instructors, saying, “Everyone here
has always made me feel at home and
safe. I grew up under you all, and I thank

you all for hosting this year’s steward re-
certification class.”

Erwin Renon
Renon began with the most important

recognition, saying, “It is my distinct
honor to be here, but, first and foremost
I would like to thank my wife, who has
stood with me all these years. I thank her,
God, and my four beautiful daughters for
helping me to be here today.”

He quipped, “I have been a mariner
for 23 years, longer than most of you
have been alive.” He then spoke about
his history with the union, saying, “I fell
in love with my new career, and met so
many wonderful people along the way.
The union has become an important part
of my family’s life. Without the support
of the union, I would not have been able
to provide for my family as well as I can,
and I am forever grateful to the SIU for
that.”

He took a moment to thank the staff of
his home port, Tacoma, before speaking

to the trainees: “All of us can agree that
the road ahead is not going to be easy,
but do try to do your best and take every
opportunity that you are given. Your time
here will teach you many skills, and con-
nect you to many people. Payday is com-
ing for you.”

He concluded by urging his fellow
mariners to contribute to SPAD, and by
thanking the staff and instructors at the
PHC.

Natalie Delgado
Last to speak, Delgado ships out of

Wilmington, and has a long history with
the union. Beyond her sailing career of
more than 20 years, she also worked part-
time at the PHC as an instructor for many
years.

“Prior to joining the union, I found
myself struggling to stay above water fi-
nancially,” she began. “I was working two
full-time jobs…. Shortly after AHC went
out of business, I got a call from a Navy
captain, saying I came highly recom-

mended. For the last 17 years, I’ve been
loyal to the USNS Loyal as the permanent
chief steward.”

She added, “I consider myself truly
blessed to have had the privilege of work-
ing with the chefs here at Piney Point:
John Hetmanski, John Dobson, Paulie
Gelrud, R.J. Johnson, and my mentor who
took me under his wing, Ed White, God
bless his soul. Gentlemen, from the bot-
tom of my heart, I thank you.”

Delgado stated, “Thank you to my
husband, Edwin, for holding down the
hatches while I was at sea.” She then
urged those in attendance to support
SPAD, as well as backing politicians who
support the Jones Act, and getting out to
the polls to vote.

She concluded, “To the trainees, don’t
be the one who years from now says,
‘shoulda, woulda, coulda’ or wonder
where you would be in life if you had just
committed to this industry. Joining the
SIU and becoming a mariner changed my
life.”

Pictured above, from left to right: Jermaine Robinson, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Dennison Dizon, J.D. Reyes, Erwin Renon,
VP Contracts George Tricker, Natalie Delgado, Executive VP Augustin Tellez, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Annie T. Nodd, Ingra
Maddox, VP Great Lakes Bryan Powell, President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, AVP Pat Vandegrift, Port
Agent Jose Argueta and VP Nicholas Celona.

Recertified Stewards Dennison Dizon (left) and Jermaine Robinson Recertified Steward J.D. Reyes

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG_X.indd 7 8/22/23 2:24 PM



8 Seafarers LOG September 2023

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Pictured aboard the Ocean Duchess-operated
vessel following a safety meeting are Capt. Raymond Davis, Recertified
Bosun Ritche Acuman, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, Electrician Salah Saleh
and GUDE Ruel Decrepito. SHIPYARD SNAPSHOT – Many thanks to Recertified Bosun Adel Ahmed for this photo from

the Alaskan Navigator’s recent shipyard period in South Korea. Pictured from left (standing)
near the Alaska Tanker Co. vessel are QMED Ronilo Monares, AB Romeo Escalera, DEU Taher
Ahmed, Bosun Ahmed, Recertified Steward Albert Sison, QMED Aljohn Fernandez, Chief Cook
Nasr Almusab, AB Micheal Adote, AB Francisco Anacta, AB Zaid Said, SA Ammr Ali, AB Walid
Nasser and AB Bonifacio Fortes. In front is DEU Paul Koomson.

ABOARD ATB MILLVILLE – Pictured aboard the Keystone vessel fol-
lowing a union meeting are Recertified Bosun Billy Yurick, AB/Tanker-
man Jimmy Hargrove, Capt. Michael O’Connell, SIU Houston Patrolman
J.B. Niday, SIU Houston Patrolman Kirk Pegan and Second Mate Connor
Shea.

ENCOURAGING PROSPECTIVE APPRENTICES – SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (second from
left) assists candidates at the San Juan hall who are applying for the apprentice program based at
the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point,
Maryland. Behind the lens is Seafarer Jose Encarnacion.

PROMOTING MARITIME CAREERS – SIU personnel
(from left) Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, VP West Coast
Nick Marrone and Junior Engineer Luke Failauga
spread the word at a job and wellness fair in Honolulu.

A-BOOKS IN JERSEY CITY – Picking up their respective A-seniority books
at the hiring hall are QEE Jing Hui Huang (left in photo above, right) and Chief
Cook Leonardo Bagnol (left in remaining photo). They’re pictured with SIU
Port Agent Ray Henderson.

TALKIN’ RECRUITING IN
CRESCENT CITY – SIU New
Orleans Port Agent Chris West-
brook (left) meets with Louisiana
Workforce Commission Appren-
ticeship Division Director Ste-
phen Peychaud at the hiring hall,
where they discussed ongoing
recruiting collaboration.

BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE – These photos were taken during
the August membership meeting at the hall. From left in photo above, both
receiving B-books, are STOS Antione Clark and SA Shantracycia Stripling
(and SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson). From left in the photo at left: Chief Cook
Brittany Williams (B seniority), Steward/Baker Jeffery Toliver (A seniority) and
Chief Cook Armon Bailey (A seniority).

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 8 8/21/23 7:54 PM



September 2023 Seafarers LOG 9

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – SA Budiman Chandra (left)
receives his first pension check following a 20-year career with the SIU.
He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson.

ABOARD G&H TOWING TUG – SIU Patrolman Kirk
Pegan (left) greets Seafarer Clay Casteel aboard
the Atlas.

SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS – SIU VP
Government Services Nicholas Celona
recently attended a change-of-command
ceremony on the West Coast. He’s at
right, with Brigadier General Douglas K.
Clark, Commanding General, 4th Marine
Division.

FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – AB Jose Ortiz (left) picks up his B-book at
the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.

ABOARD PACIFIC TRACKER – During a recent voyage on the TOTE-operated vessel, Sea-
farers (from left) MDR Brandon Maeda, Chief Steward Julito Crodua and Chief Cook Michael
Gramer noted that they all started sailing in the 1980s, with American Hawaii Cruises. “It was
really great seeing each other again and sailing on the same ship,” Maeda wrote.

ABOARD NATIONAL GLORY – These photos from the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning ship, taken while the
vessel was headed to Puerto Rico, include Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo (left in both snapshots), Chief Steward
Melissa McCartney (right in photo at right) and Electrician Joe Flotta (right in remaining photo).

WORTH CELEBRATING – SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak
(left) attended a workers’ rights event earlier this year
in Lansing, Michigan, featuring Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
(right). The gathering celebrated Whitmer’s signing of
legislation repealing the state’s so-called right-to-work
(for less) law.

MILESTONE IN ALOHA STATE – QE4 Sean Carter
(left) receives his A-book. He’s pictured at the Honolulu
hall with SIU Administrative Assistant Caitlyn Wharton.

BACKING PRO-WORKER CANDIDATE – SIU
Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (left) greets
John Whitmire, the labor-backed candidate for
Houston mayor, during a gathering in support of the
campaign.

BOSUN CREDITS ABs – Many thanks to Recertified Bosun
Lee Hardman for this snapshot of SJ Joe Horton, AB Paul
Jimenez and AB Levi Gorokhovsky aboard the Global Sen-
tinel (SubCom). Photo was taken during a recent trip from
the West Coast to the UK. Hardman said it “was a long trip
but time to catch up on some maintenance. They knocked
it out of the park chipping the lifeboat davits.” All are gradu-
ates of the apprentice program who recently secured their
respective AB tickets.

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 9 8/21/23 7:54 PM



10 Seafarers LOG September 2023

Welcome to Your New Home, Norfolk
The location and exterior bricks are quite familiar,

but the rest of the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, is es-
sentially brand new, following a successful, months-long
renovation.

SIU members, retirees, family members and guests
joined union officials July 25 for a ceremonial reopening
of the facility, located at 115 Third Street. The union has
operated from that spot since 1963, though it maintained
temporary offices in nearby Chesapeake, Virginia, since
late summer 2022, due to the refurbishment.

As with any renovation of such extensive scope, this
one included some figurative speed bumps, but the fin-
ished product elicited nothing but praise.

Bosun Darrol Bates stated, “No joke, this looks really
nice. It’s gorgeous, and I really like the desk area.”

“It’s up to the times for the new generation coming
in,” said Chief Steward Reynard Gibbs. “I think it’ll
definitely bring a positive energy. The map of southeast
Hampton Roads (behind the counter) is cool and the
Wi-Fi works. I just logged in.”

GUDE Blake Thrasher said, “Everything looks a
whole lot better. It’s clean and more modern. The front
desk is more organized and the hall has better spacing.”

Retired Recertified Bosun Aubrey Davis noted, “The
improvements make you feel good. I think it’s absolutely
wonderful and beautiful.”

The ceremony, which was followed by a catered lun-
cheon, included remarks from (in chronological order)
SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, SIU Norfolk
Port Agent Mario Torrey, SIU Assistant Vice President
Pat Vandegrift (who oversaw the renovation), Seafar-
ers Trustee Tony Naccarato, Virginia Delegate Jeion
Ward, and SIU President David Heindel. Attendees then
gathered outside the building, where retired SIU Vice
President Kermett Mangram, long a mainstay in Norfolk,

cut the ceremonial ribbon following a blessing from local
Pastor O.L. Cromwell.

Moments before the program started, Seafarers-
contracted Maersk Line, Limited (which is headquartered
in Norfolk) presented a new, glass-encased model of the
Maersk Peary, unveiled by company Vice President Ed
Hanley.

Heindel commended Vandegrift’s work in oversee-
ing the renovation, which included completely replacing
most or all of the plumbing and drainage systems, electri-
cal components, flooring and ceilings, windows, offices,
counter and more.

“The building started to show its age,” Heindel said.
“We invested in our membership to make sure you had a
comfortable place. It was time.

“Pat did an excellent job,” he continued. “He dedi-
cated more than a year to get this project to conclusions.
It wasn’t easy, but Pat has the tenacity to keep things on
track and he did a hell of a job.”

Heindel said the refurbished hall “symbolizes improve-
ments in the present and the hope for the future. This
location is excellent, and now this facility itself is state of
the art and will serve our membership well into the future.
It’s a place where our members and their families can feel
safe and proud to come and take care of their business.”

He concluded by telling the crowd that plans are being
made to improve a few more of the hiring halls in the near
future.

Naccarato, who has worked in the maritime industry
for 58 years, said the hall is “a beautiful building – a
building that will not only serve to provide good jobs to
members, but a building that will be a testament to the
excellent and valuable labor-management relationships
that owners and operators enjoy with the SIU. Buildings
of this quality do not happen without vision and determi-
nation.”

He also thanked the rank-and-file members “for your
service and for your willingness to sacrifice time away
from family and friends. You serve a very vital role. Being
a seafarer is not an easy life. Please rest assured that you
are truly appreciated not only for providing a decent liv-
ing standard for yourself and for your families, but also
for your valuable contribution to our shipping companies

and to the defense and security of our country. Your par-
ticipation and support absolutely are indispensable, now
more than ever in a very dangerous and uncertain world.”

In addition to her position as a state delegate, Ward
is president of an American Federation of Teachers local
and serves on the Virginia AFL-CIO Executive Council,
where she spearheads the labor movement’s support in the
general assembly.

She complimented the new-look hall and also said,
“If you tell me labor wants it, I’m going to fight for it….
When labor speaks, I listen.”

Orzechowski opened the festivities and stated, “We
couldn’t be more pleased with the product and we really
believe that this building is going to serve the SIU mem-
bership well in the next several decades.”

He also thanked Vandegrift, as did Torrey. The port
agent added, “I can truly say it’s good to be back home.
We’ve got the best of all worlds. We have the same great
location, a beautiful building, and decades of history. No
one knows more about these upgrades than Pat Vandeg-
rift, who’s been in charge of this operation since day one.
He’s worked tirelessly.”

Vandegrift mentioned that he already was familiar with
the area, partly because of family, partly because of his
time in the Navy.

The hall “stood the test of time, but it needed an up-
grade,” he said. “It needed a yard period. We got a great
product in the end, and I’m honored to serve all of you.”

One of the guests, American Maritime Officers Secre-
tary-Treasurer Bob Rice – who sailed with the SIU for a
dozen years – hit the deck and recalled getting his start at
the Norfolk hall.

“Spring of 1990, I walked through that very door right
there,” he said.

Rice added that when he subsequently went to the
union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, “I
learned some of the best life lessons that I’ve ever
learned. Hard work wins. You get out of life what you
put into it. No matter how good you are, or how hard you
work, bad things are going to happen to you. How you
address those things largely will determine your charac-
ter…. I just wanted to say how grateful I am to the SIU.
It’s made me the man I am today.”

From left to right: Maersk Line, Limited Vice President Ed Hanley, SIU VP Contracts
George Tricker and SIU EVP Augustin Tellez show off a new addition to the (model) fleet.

SIU President David Heindel (right) poses for a photo
with Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays.

From left to right: SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Asst. Vice President Pat
Vandegrift and Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orezchowski stand ready to assist the members.

A round of applause for the successful completion of the renovation project.

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 10 8/21/23 7:54 PM



September 2023 Seafarers LOG 11

Bosun Mark Brownell (left) and AB Bartow Bridges enjoy the new hall.

Virginia Delegate Jeion Ward speaks to a crowd
which included many of her constituents.

American Maritime Officers Secretary-Treasurer Bob Rice
talks about his Norfolk Hall memories.Seafarers Trustee Tony Naccarato

Attendees partake of the provided luncheon after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Port Agent Mario TorreyMembers, retirees and guests pose for a photo before the festivities.

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 11 8/21/23 7:54 PM



12 Seafarers LOG September 2023

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from July 16 - August 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of August 16, 2023.

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

September & October
Membership Meetings

Benefits Conferences Continue

*Tuesday: September 5, Monday: October 2
Friday: September 8, October 6

Thursday: September 7, October 5
Thursday: September 21, October 19

Friday: September 15, October 13
Monday: September 11, **Tuesday: October 10

Thursday: September 7, October 5
Thursday: September 14, October 12

Wednesday: September 13, October 11
Tuesday: September 12, October 10

Tuesday: September 5, October 3
Friday: September 8, October 6

Thursday: September 14, October 12
Wednesday: September 6, October 4
Thursday: September 14, October 12

Thursday: September 7, October 5
Friday: September 15, October 13
Friday: September 22, October 20

Monday: September 18, October 16

Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m

Total Registered
All Groups

A B C

Trip
Reliefs

Total Shipped
All Groups

A B CPort

Registered on Beach
All Groups

A B C

Piney Point
Algonac
Baltimore
Guam
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Joliet
Mobile
New Orleans
Jersey City
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Port Everglades
San Juan
St. Louis
Tacoma
Wilmington

*Piney Point change due to Labor Day Observance

**Houston change due to Columbus Day Observance

Representatives from the SIU and the Seafarers Plans are con-
ducting a series of benefits conferences at various hiring halls
(the first took place in July). Seafarers, retirees and their fami-
lies are strongly encouraged to attend at least one of the gath-
erings. Most of the conferences will take place the same days
as the respective membership meetings for the given months.
Designed to educate rank-and-file members as well as union
employees, the conferences focus on various Seafarers Plans.
Conference goals include making enrollees aware of benefits
available to them under each plan. Special emphasis is placed
on points that plan participants may not know about.
There may be an exception or two, but each staff conference
takes place ahead of the membership meeting, and is followed
by a separate conference for members, dependents and retir-
ees immediately after the membership meeting.
The remaining schedule is as follows:

Port

San Juan

Piney Point

Jacksonville

Houston

New Orleans

Mobile

Jersey City

Ft. Lauderdale

Algonac

Conference Date

Thursday, September 7

Monday, October 2

Thursday, October 5

Monday, November 13

Tuesday, November 14

Wednesday, November 15

Thursday, November 30

Monday, February 19, 2024

Friday, March 8, 2024

Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (above)
conducts a benefits conference in Norfolk, Virginia.

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 12 8/21/23 7:54 PM



September 2023 Seafarers LOG 13

Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings

The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as pos-
sible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.

Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requir-
ing attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.

MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk
Line, Limited), May 27 –
Chairman Rufino Giray,
Secretary Caezar Mercado,
Educational Director Casey
Frederick, Deck Delegate
Christopher Justo, Engine
Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov.
Crew reviewed ship’s fund.
Educational director advised
members to upgrade at the
Paul Hall Center. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew
requested unlimited Wi-Fi ac-
cess and a stronger connection
via an additional router. Mem-
bers would like medical exams
to be required annually rather
than every six months. Crew
requested a chair for the gang-
way bridge, gym equipment,
30 for 30 vacation and wage
increases. Next port: Charles-
ton, South Carolina.

SEABULK PRIDE (Eco Tank-
ers Crew Management), May
30 – Chairman Brian Gauntt,
Secretary Moses Scott. Con-
tract posted in crew lounge.
Starlink internet has been in-
stalled, but minor issues and
bugs are still being worked
on. Chairman and secretary
gave positive reports. Educa-
tional director recommended
members upgrade at the Piney
Point school and stay up to
date on credentials. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
requested increases to medical
and pension benefits. Mem-
bers discussed rotary position
procedures and commended
the steward department for a
job well done. Next port: Long
Beach, California.

JEAN ANNE (PASHA), June
4 – Chairman Frank Hedge,
Secretary Samuel Sinclair,
Educational Director Richard
Huffman, Deck Delegate
Robert Knowlton, Engine
Delegate Julius Bollozos,
Steward Delegate Brandy
Clemons. Chairman thanked
crew for working safely and
keeping ship clean. He encour-
aged members to keep vaccina-
tion records up to date and to
leave clean rooms for oncom-
ing reliefs. Secretary thanked
crew for separating garbage
and advised them to donate to
SPAD, the union’s voluntary
political action fund. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
expressed their appreciation
for improvements to medical
benefits. Members asked for
annual physicals and com-
mended steward department
for providing good meals.
Crew requested 30 for 30 vaca-
tion, increases to monthly pen-
sion payments, and expanded
dental and optical coverage.
Members discussed chiroprac-
tic care. Next port: Honolulu,
Hawaii.

KEYSTONE STATE (Pacific-
Gulf Marine), June 11 – Chair-
man Gheorghe Savencu,
Educational Director Milan
Dzurek. Chairman reminded
crew to work diligently to pre-
vent oil spills and commended
their work on the deck plugs.
Educational director suggested
members upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center to secure a lifetime
of valuable benefits. Crew dis-
cussed ship’s wheel functional-

ity with autopilot. Members
reviewed issues regarding
missing-man pay and penalty
pay. Crew requested new air
conditioning in SIU rec room.

MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk
Line, Limited), June 11 –
Chairman Mario Ordonez,
Secretary Charles Brooks,
Educational Director Jing Hui
Huang. Chairman reminded
crew of upcoming raise, tak-
ing effect July 1. Educational
director advised members to
upgrade at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. No beefs
or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested increases in
work boot allowances and for
company-paid travel to ship.
Members asked for raises in
vacation pay and for physicals
to only be required annually.

LIBERTY PASSION (Lib-
erty Maritime Corporation),
June 12 – Chairman Val Cus-
tis, Secretary Christopher
Amigable, Engine Delegate
Denzel Lalin, Steward Del-
egate Xander Farris. Payoff
to occur June 15 in Tacoma,
Washington, per chairman.
Members were advised to
keep documents up to date.
Secretary thanked crew for
keeping mess hall and lounge
orderly and reminded everyone
to leave fresh linen for reliefs.
Educational director cautioned
crew to allow extra time for
renewing documents and to up-
grade at the Paul Hall Center.
He also encouraged everyone
to donate to SPAD. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. New

fans in crew cabins and new
mattresses have been formally
requested. Vote of thanks was
given to steward department
for a job well done. Next port:
Tacoma, Washington.

USNS WATERS (Ocean
Shipholdings Inc.), June 25
– Chairman Sergio Centeno-
Alvarez, Secretary Alexander
Dominguez, Educational
Director Randy Slue, Deck
Delegate Michael Dibe-
lardino, Steward Delegate
Lamarai Jones. Chairman
discussed starting a ship fund
to purchase TVs. Educational
director advised members to
renew MMCs as soon as pos-
sible to avoid delays. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
discussed years of service re-
quirement for retirement and
asked for equal access to Wi-
Fi. Members requested change
in vacation benefit. Crew
asked for clarification on extra
meal pay. Internet unavailable
since last union meeting and
crew’s requests for new mat-
tresses were denied.

EVERGREEN STATE (In-
trepid Personnel & Provision-
ing), June 25 – Chairman John
Cedeno, Secretary Roche
Bonita, Educational Direc-
tor Robert Noble. Ship Wi-Fi
completion to occur in Jack-
sonville, Florida. Chairman
addressed shipping rules by
group and seniority in regards
to sea days allowed by tour
and reiterated the importance
of SPAD. He also conducted a
401K worksheet exercise and

advised crew to stay hydrated.
Secretary reminded everyone
to bag up dirty linen at sign
off and to make sure to leave
clean linen for oncoming
members. Educational director
urged crew to take advantage
of the upgrading opportunities
offered at the Paul Hall Cen-
ter. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman reminded
all rotary personnel to make
sure to obtain a tour of duty
form completed by captain
at completion of tour. Chair-
man offered reminders about
upcoming room sanitation
inspection. Crew went over
questions about retirement
benefits. Members requested
increases to vacation days and
suggested a $200 boot allow-
ance. Next port: Jacksonville,
Florida.

SEABULK PRIDE (Eco Tank-
ers Crew Management), June
29 – Chairman Brian Gauntt,
Secretary Moses Scott, Deck
Delegate David Chance.
Chairman reported a smooth
trip. Secretary praised crew for
keeping ship clean and having
good attitudes. Educational
director advised members to
attend upgrading courses at the
Piney Point school. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
reviewed collective bargaining
agreement. Members requested
repairing or replacing the juice
machine. Crew would like in-
creases to optical benefits and
for completion of tour bonuses
to be offered to reliefs. Stew-
ard department doing a good
job. Next port: New Orleans.

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu-
tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership’s money and
union finances. The constitution requires a
detailed audit by certified public accoun-
tants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommen-
dations. Members of this committee may
make dissenting reports, specific recom-
mendations and separate findings.

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agree-
ments. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management represen-
tatives and their alternates. All expenditures
and disbursements of trust funds are made
only upon approval by a majority of the trust-
ees. All trust fund financial records are avail-
able at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s ship-
ping rights and seniority are protected exclu-
sively by contracts between the union and the
employers. Members should get to know their
shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are
posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations
of their shipping or seniority rights as con-
tained in the contracts between the union and
the employers, they should notify the Seafar-
ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return

receipt requested. The proper address for this
is:

George Tricker, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board

5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746

Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafar-
ers Appeals Board.

CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as fil-
ing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.

EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradition-
ally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has re-
frained from publishing articles deemed harm-
ful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The respon-
sibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.

PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are

to be paid to anyone in any official capacity
in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In
the event anyone attempts to require any
such payment be made without supplying a
receipt, or if a member is required to make
a payment and is given an official receipt,
but feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this should
immediately be reported to union headquar-
ters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls.
All members should obtain copies of this
constitution so as to familiarize them-
selves with its contents. Any time a mem-
ber feels any other member or officer is
attempting to deprive him or her of any
constitutional right or obligation by any
methods, such as dealing with charges,
trials, etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.

EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guar-
anteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no mem-
ber may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.

If any member feels that he or she is de-
nied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.

SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to fur-
ther its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the Ameri-
can merchant marine with improved employ-
ment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD sup-
ports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are vol-
untary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers In-
ternational Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for inves-
tigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.

NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right of
access to union records or information, the
member should immediately notify SIU
President David Heindel at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The
address is:

David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746

Know Your Rights

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 13 8/21/23 7:54 PM



14 Seafarers LOG September 2023

David Heindel, President

Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President

Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer

George Tricker, Vice President Contracts

Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast

Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast

Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast

Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services

Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters

HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive

Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675

ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001

(810) 794-4988

ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B

422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350

HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 845-5222

HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 281-2622

JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306

(201) 434-6000

JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432

(815) 723-8002

MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605

(251) 478-0916

NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NORFOLK
115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 622-1892

OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 444-2360

PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148

(215) 336-3818

PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD

20674
(301) 994-0010

PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

(954) 522-7984

SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills

San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033

ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116

(314) 752-6500

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409

(253) 272-7774

WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744

(310) 549-4001/4002

Seafarers International
Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer

This month’s question was answered by members and one pensioner in Piney Point, Maryland.

Question: What are some things you like(d) about your job?

William Moran
Chief Steward

I get to interact with people from
different cultural backgrounds and
also get to play with food. I’ve been
sailing since 2001 and have been
with the union since 2014.

Frank Messick
Pensioner (Sailed AB)

I liked the travel. The pay was
great and the education was fan-
tastic. The brotherhood is another
great thing. You see a lot of places
you’d never even thought of. The
friendships you get with your fel-
low union members.

Roslyn Anderson
Chief Cook

I like cooking and I like the peo-
ple, my fellow crew members. Being
able to cook with international prod-
ucts and experience different cultures
– I love that.

Michael Jacob Caquias
Chief Cook

It covers three things I like to
do: I’m passionate about the sea, I
love cooking, and I love providing
the best for my daughter. With this
job, I do all three with one shot.

Julian Abreu
Chief Cook

Exploration and adventure. I
would also say situations you don’t
always run into, like making a bar-
beque for a lot of people on the
ship. Keeping the customers happy,
things like that. I actually enjoy that
a lot.

Michael Papaioannou
Electrician

Traveling and working six months
a year. The money is good, and you
see new people all the time. I enjoy
it. I’ve been with the union 20 years.

Pics From The Past

If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org

The SIU-crewed Sea-Land Portland is pictured in 1970 (bow) and 1973 (stern). The containership typically delivered food car-
goes to Puerto Rico. Altogether, Sea-Land ships during that era called on the island’s major ports every 13 hours.

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 14 8/21/23 7:54 PM



September 2023 Seafarers LOG 15

Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland water-
ways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.

DEEP SEA

RICHARD BORDEN

Brother Richard Borden, 65, started
his career with the union in 1978. He
first shipped on the Aries and sailed
in the deck department. Brother Bor-
den upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He last sailed
with Moran Towing of Maryland
and makes his home in Hampstead,
Maryland.

BUDIMAN CHANDRA

Brother Budiman Chandra, 71,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 2004,
initially sailing
aboard the Alatna.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions and
shipped in the
steward depart-
ment. Brother
Chandra most recently sailed on the
Overseas Martinez. He is a resident
of Jacksonville, Florida.

JORGE ELLIS

Brother Jorge Ellis, 62, began sail-
ing with the SIU in 1988. A steward

department mem-
ber, he first sailed
aboard the Bal-
timore. Brother
Ellis upgraded on
several occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center and last
shipped on the
Seakay Star. He

lives in Fort Pierce, Florida.

ROBERT FIRTH

Brother Robert
Firth, 66, signed
on with the SIU
in 1970, first sail-
ing with Michi-
gan Tankers. He
shipped in the
steward depart-
ment and up-

graded at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school on numerous occasions.
Brother Firth most recently sailed on
the USNS Seay. He resides in Pow-
der Springs, Georgia.

CAREY FOSTER

Brother Carey Foster, 66, became
a member of the Seafarers Inter-
national Union in 1979 and first
shipped on the Merrimac. He sailed
primarily in the deck department and
upgraded on multiple occasions at
the Paul Hall Center. Brother Fos-
ter’s final vessel was the Sumner. He
resides in Conyers, Georgia.

JAMES MORGAN

Brother James Morgan, 65, em-
barked on his career with the Sea-
farers in 1987,
initially working
on the USNS As-
sertive. He was
a member of
the deck depart-
ment and most
recently shipped
on the Jean Anne.
Brother Morgan
upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple oc-
casions. He calls Kamuela, Hawaii,
home.

ROLANDO SALAMAT

Brother Rolando Salamat, 65, joined
the SIU in 2007 when he sailed

on the Pride of
America. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded on sev-
eral occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Salamat last
shipped on the

Louisiana and makes his home in
Riviera Beach, Florida.

MARCELO SOLANO

Brother Marcelo Solano, 65, signed
on with the union in 1991, ini-
tially sailing on the Independence.

He primarily
worked in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
Brother Solano
last shipped on the
Alliance St. Louis
and resides in Houston.

AHMED SULTAN

Brother Ahmed Sultan, 68, began
sailing with the Seafarers in 1997.

He initially
shipped on the
USNS Capella
and sailed in both
the deck and en-
gine departments.
Brother Sultan
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center

on multiple occasions. He most
recently shipped aboard the Maersk
Columbus and lives in Staten Island,
New York.

INLAND

JORGE BORGES DALMAU

Brother Jorge Borges Dalmau, 70,
embarked on his career with the Sea-
farers in 1976. He primarily worked
in the deck department and sailed
with Crowley Puerto Rico Ser-
vices for the duration of his career.
Brother Borges Dalmau makes his
home in Kissimmee, Florida.

CHARLES HODGES

Brother Charles
Hodges, 62,
signed on with the
union in 1984. He
sailed in the deck
department and
first worked with
G&H Towing.
Brother Hodges
upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple oc-
casions. He was last employed by
Crowley Towing & Transportation
and settled in Cuero, Texas.

LONNIE KEYS

Brother Lonnie Keys, 66, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1976 when he sailed with Na-
tional Marine Services. He was a
member of the deck department and
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on
multiple occasions. Brother Keys
last shipped with OLS Transport. He
lives in Potosi, Missouri.

ALBERT LONG

Brother Albert Long, 57, signed on
with the Seafarers in 1986. He sailed
in both the deck and engine depart-
ments. Brother Long worked with
Crescent Towing & Salvage for his
entire career. He makes his home in
Robert, Louisiana.

ANTHONY
ROMAN

Brother Anthony
Roman, 64, joined
the SIU in 1978.
He worked in the
deck department

and upgraded at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Roman’s first and last em-
ployer was Moran Towing of Mary-
land. He is a Baltimore resident.

NMU

MICHAEL FOWLER

Brother Michael Fowler, 66, joined
the Seafarers International Union
during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger.
He shipped in the engine department
and upgraded at the Paul Hall Cen-
ter on multiple occasions. Brother
Fowler’s final vessel was the Chesa-
peake Bay. He lives in Savannah,
Georgia.

STEVEN SANTOS

Brother Steven Santos, 65, sailed
with the NMU prior to the 2001
NMU/SIU merger. He sailed in the
deck department and last worked
with Boston Towing and Transporta-
tion. Brother Santos resides in Stu-
art, Florida.

JOSEPH SHOEL

Brother Joseph Shoel, 65, signed
on with the union
during the NMU/
SIU merger in
2001. He shipped
in the engine de-
partment. Brother
Shoel concluded
his career aboard
the Lykes Discov-
erer and makes
his home in Seattle.

Welcome Ashore

With Seafarers Aboard Maersk Kinloss

Pictured aboard the vessel in Newark, New Jersey, are (back row, from left) ABM Robert Dunton, Re-
certified Steward Caezar Mercado, ABM Mahmoud Elsayes, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and QEE
Tijani Rashid. In front are (also from left) AB Chris Justo and SA Wilson Palacios.

Promoting Maritime, Workers’ Rights

SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (left) meets with U.S. Rep. Jared Mos-
kowitz (D-Florida) at a labor roundtable event in Fort Lauderdale
on Aug. 15.

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 15 8/21/23 7:54 PM



16 Seafarers LOG September 2023

DEEP SEA

CONSTANTINE BAILEY
Pensioner Constantine Bai-

ley, 81, passed away July 28. He
signed on with
the Seafarers
International
Union in 2001
and first sailed
aboard the Ma-
rine Chemist.
He sailed in
both the deck
and engine
departments. Brother Bailey
last shipped on the Overseas
Chinook. He retired in 2021 and
settled in Port Arthur, Texas.


JOSE BAYANI

Pensioner Jose Bayani, 97,
died July 29. He became a mem-

ber of the SIU
in 1978 when
he sailed aboard
the Stuyvesant.
Brother Bayani
was a steward
department
member. He last
shipped on the
Horizon Pacific
before becom-

ing a pensioner in 2007. Brother
Bayani made his home in San
Jose, California.

PAUL BURCKHARD
Pensioner Paul Burckhard, 80,

passed away June 27. He joined
the union in
1970, initially
sailing aboard
the Topa Topa.
Brother Burck-
hard primarily
sailed in the
engine de-
partment. He
concluded his
career aboard
the El Faro in 2002. Brother
Burckhard started collecting his
pension in 2008 and was a resi-
dent of Tacoma, Washington.

TOMAS DEL-ROSARIO
Pensioner Tomas Del-Rosario,

81, died July 2. Born in the
Philippines, he
started sailing
with the SIU in
1976. Brother
Del-Rosario ini-
tially sailed with
States Steamship
Company and
was a steward
department
member. He last

shipped aboard the Independence
and became a pensioner in 2001.
Brother Del-Rosario lived in Ba-
kersfield, California.


JAY DILLON

Pensioner Jay Dillon, 65, has
passed away. First sailing aboard
the Capricorn,
he became a
member of the
SIU in 1979.
Brother Dillon
worked in the
deck depart-
ment. He went
on pension

in 2018 after sailing aboard his
final vessel, the Horizon Pacific.
Brother Dillon resided in Gulf-
port, Mississippi.

AMBROSIO FACHINI
Pensioner Ambrosio Fachini,

80, died May 26. He embarked on
his career with
the Seafarers in
1966, initially
sailing aboard
the Overseas
Joyce. Brother
Fachini was a
steward depart-
ment member
and last sailed
on the Ameri-
can Merlin in 1999. He retired
the following year and settled in
Brazil.

HOWARD HARE
Pensioner Howard Hare, 88,

passed away June 30. He joined
the SIU in 1961
and first shipped
with Bulk Ships
Inc. Brother
Hare was a
member of the
deck department
and last shipped
on the William
Baugh. He went
on pension in

1996 made his home in Mobile,
Alabama.

JOHN MAHONEY
Pensioner John Mahoney, 88,

died June 5. Born in Ireland,
he began his
career with the
Seafarers in
1961. Brother
Mahoney’s first
vessel was the
Rockypoint. A
deck department
member, he
last shipped on
the Endurance.
Brother Mahoney retired in 1999
and resided in Seattle.

RONALD MOORE
Pensioner Ronald Moore, 79,

passed away July 19. He donned
the SIU colors in 1962 when he
shipped on the Del Valle. Work-
ing in the steward department,
Brother Moore concluded his ca-
reer aboard the Robert E. Lee. He
became a pensioner in 1999 and
settled in Mobile, Alabama.

RAFAEL PEREIRA
Pensioner Rafael Pereira,

83, died June 13. He became a
member of the
union in 1962,
initially sailing
with Sea Trans-
port. Brother
Pereira was a
deck department
member and also
worked on shore
gangs. He was
last employed

with American Service Technol-
ogy and retired in 2015. Brother
Pereira was a Houston resident.

CHRISTOS PSANIS
Pensioner Christos Psanis,

89, passed away
July 17. Born
in Greece, he
signed on with
the SIU in 1961.
Brother Psanis
first shipped a
Sea-Land vessel.
He was a deck
department member and also
worked on shore gangs. Brother
Psanis went on pension in 1998.
He called Sebastian, Florida,
home.

JOSEPH QUINTELLA
Pensioner Joseph Quintella,

81, died July 23. He signed on
with the Sea-
farers in 1964.
Brother Quin-
tella’s first
vessel was the
Overseas Rose.
He sailed in the
engine depart-
ment and also
worked on shore

gangs. Brother Quintella became
a pensioner in 2002 and settled in
Buckley, Washington.

CALVIN REID
Pensioner Calvin Reid, 59,

passed away June 19. He joined
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1991.
Brother Reid
first shipped on
the USNS Con-
tender. He was a
deck department
member and
most recently
sailed aboard the
Louisiana. Brother Reid became
a pensioner earlier this year and
made his home in Nashville,
North Carolina.

RONNIE RICHARDSON
Pensioner Ronnie Richardson,

71, died July 25. He began sail-
ing with the SIU
in 1979. A stew-
ard department
member, Brother
Richardson first
sailed aboard the
Santa Maria. He
concluded his
career aboard the
Blue Ridge and
retired in 2016.

Brother Richardson was a San
Francisco resident.

PERCIVAL SHAUGER
Pensioner Percival Shauger,

95, passed away July 8. Brother
Shauger signed
on with the
union in 1947.
He first shipped
aboard the Alice
Brown and was
a member of the
steward depart-
ment. Brother
Shauger’s final
vessel was the
OMI Wabash. He went on pen-
sion in 1989 and lived in Madi-
sonville, Texas.

RAFAEL VEGA
Pensioner Rafael Vega, 83,

died July 22.
He embarked on
his career with
the Seafarers in
1964, initially
sailing on the
Western Planet.
Brother Vega
shipped in the
deck depart-
ment. He last shipped aboard the
Horizon Discovery and retired in
2004. Brother Vega was a Cleve-
land resident.

DAWUD YAMINI
Pensioner Dawud Yamini, 78,

passed away July 23. He signed
on with the
Seafarers Inter-
national Union
in 1991. Brother
Yamini was
first employed
by Delta Queen
Steamboat and
primarily sailed
in the deck de-
partment. He

concluded his career aboard the
Louis J. Hauge Jr. and became
a pensioner in 2006. Brother
Yamini resided in Brookhaven,
Mississippi.

GREAT LAKES

JOHN CLARK
Pensioner John Clark, 73, died

July 5. He joined the SIU in 1971
when he sailed
aboard a Great
Lakes Associates
ship. Brother
Clark was a
member of the
deck department
and last shipped
on the Walter J.
McCarthy. He
went on pension
in 2007 and settled in Duluth,
Minnesota.

INLAND

JOHN BRYAN
Pensioner John Bryan, 82,

passed away July 22. He joined
the SIU in 1980.
Brother Bryan
sailed in the
deck depart-
ment. He retired
in 2003 after
concluding his
career with
Crowley Towing
and Transporta-
tion. Brother

Bryan made his home in Orange
Park, Florida.

WILLIAM CARTER
Pensioner William Carter, 82,

died July 19. Signing on with the
union in 1966, he first sailed with
Berg Towing.
Brother Carter
worked in the
deck department.
He was last
employed with
Express Marine
before going on
pension in 2007.
Brother Carter
lived in Smyrna, Delaware.

AMOS DANIELS
Pensioner Amos Daniels,

89, has passed away. He began
sailing with the Seafarers in
1976 and worked in the deck
department. Brother Daniels was
employed with Moran Towing
of Virginia for almost all of his
career. He became a pensioner in
1995 and called Chesapeake, Vir-
ginia, home.

ISRAEL DEJESUS
Pensioner Israel DeJesus, 62,

died July 8. He joined the union
in 1993. Brother DeJesus was a
deck department member. He re-
tired in 2019 after concluding his
career with Port Imperial Ferry.
Brother DeJesus resided in May-
wood, New Jersey.

CHARLIE FOSTER
Pensioner Charlie Foster, 85,

passed away July 15. He donned
the union col-
ors in 1961 and
first worked
with Gulf At-
lantic Transport.
Brother Foster
shipped in the
deck depart-
ment. He last
worked with
Express Marine
and became a pensioner in 2002.
Brother Foster was a resident of
Belhaven, North Carolina.

JAMES GODWIN
Pensioner James Godwin,

82, died June 17. He became a
member of the
Seafarers Inter-
national Union
in 1981. Brother
Godwin was a
deck department
member. He
retired in 2008
after concluding
his career with

Allied Transportation. Brother
Godwin called Portsmouth, Vir-
ginia, home.

CHARLES ROLLINS
Pensioner Charles Rollins, 90,

passed away July 20. He signed
on with the union in 1961 and
first sailed with Gulf Atlantic
Transport. Brother Rollins was
a deck department member and
last worked for OSG Ship Man-
agement. He became a pensioner
in 1995 and lived in Claremont,
Virginia.

FREDERICK TAYLOR
Pensioner Frederick Taylor,

68, died July 3. He embarked on
his career with the SIU in 1970,
initially sailing with Michigan
Tankers. Brother Taylor primarily
shipped in the engine department.
He last worked with Allied Trans-
portation and retired in 1993.
Brother Taylor resided in Ports-
mouth, Virginia.

BLAINE VALOIS
Brother Blaine Valois, 64,

passed away June 6. Born in
Pineville, Louisiana, he joined
the union in 1998. Brother Valois
was employed by E.N. Bisso &
Son Inc for the duration of his
career. He lived in Cottonport,
Louisiana.

Final
Departures

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 16 8/21/23 7:54 PM



September 2023 Seafarers LOG 17

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates

UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o

If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.

Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this applica-
tion, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.

COURSE START DATE OF
DATE COMPLETION
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________

Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________

SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________

NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any ques-
tions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reim-
bursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.

The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits stu-
dents, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
9/23

The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change. All programs are geared toward improving the
job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry.

Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Deck Department Upgrading Courses

Able Seafarer-Deck October 23 November 10

Lifeboat/Water Survival September 25 October 6
October 23 November 3

RFPNW October 9 October 27
November 13 December 1

Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6

Advanced Stability October 9 October 13

Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20

Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

RFPEW November 13 December 15

FOWT October 2 October 27

Junior Engineer Program October 23 December 15

Marine Electrician September 18 October 20

Advanced Refer Containers October 23 November 3

Pumpman September 18 September 22

Machinist September 25 October 13

Welding October 16 November 3

Steward Department Upgrading Courses

Certified Chief Cook September 25 October 27
October 30 December 1
December 4 January 5

ServSafe Management September 18 September 22
October 23 October 27
November 27 December 1

Advanced Galley Operations October 16 November 10

Chief Steward September 11 October 6
November 13 December 8

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Safety/Open Upgrading Courses

Basic Training October 9 October 13

Basic Training (Revalidation) September 25 September 25
September 29 September 29
October 23 October 23

Government Vessels September 11 September 15
September 25 September 29
October 16 October 20
October 23 October 27
November 6 November 10

Tank Ship Familiarization DL September 18 September 22

Tank Ship Familiarization LG September 25 September 29
October 9 October 13

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 17 8/21/23 7:54 PM



18 Seafarers LOG September 2023

Paul Hall Center Classes

Phase III Deck – Graduated July 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Tahjarian Campbell,
Ayman Elahi Jr., Tahj Horton, Stephen Hoskins, Adam Mason, Cody Miranda, Jawuam Mixon,
Jovanny Otero Negron, Malik Oxendine Jr., Nick Randall, and Ubaydulwakeel Shambley.

Water Survival (Lifeboatman) – Graduated July 14: Tammy Gammage.
Instructor Charles A. Noell III is also pictured (right).

Junior Engineer - Basic Electricity – Graduated July 28 (above, in alphabetical
order): Majed Alsharif, Christian Fredrick, Mohammed Gir, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Michael
Papaioannou, Corey Reseburg, Alonzo Devinn Sanz, Tara Trillo, Jorge Valencia
Bon, Oscar Jan Vencer III and Roberto Wadsworth. Instructor Roy Graham is also
pictured (far right).

RFPNW – Graduated July 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Ryan Heimberger, Jamzie Shepard III,
Dacobi Timmons and Marvin White.

Apprentice Water Survival Class #897 – Graduated July 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Darwin Alvarez-Lopez, Isaiah Jaim Balicha, Andrew Brown, D’Angelo Brown, Dedrick
Carpenter, Patrick English, Christopher Flood, Lawrence Girard III, Theodore Hampton IV, Jacob Isaacs, Jonathan Jeronimo, Jacob Kemper, Victor Mak, Shaderricka McLaurin, Troy
Mitchell, David Rojas and Ernest Ross Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Government Vessels – Graduated July 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Amado Paulito
Estimada Angeles, Joseph Bowen, Randall Campbell, Joshua Chamorro, Wilbur Edwards Jr.,
Raymond Forse, Ronald Glenn Jr., Eric Hondel, Calvin Johnson, Montree Nakwichet, Fidel
Saludo Pascua, Mused Saleh, Terry Taylor Jr., Lucas Tiderman, and Gerald Toledo. (Note: Not
all are pictured.)

Fast Rescue Boat – July 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Kingdom Alozie, Aaron
Burnett, Raymond Green, Vernon Humbles, and Terence Pitts.

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG_X.indd 18 8/22/23 2:24 PM



September 2023 Seafarers LOG 19

Paul Hall Center, Union Host Military Sealift Command Officials
The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Edu-
cation in late July hosted a quarterly labor-management meeting at the
school that also included personnel from the U.S. Military Sealift Com-
mand (MSC), the MM&P and the MEBA. Attendees covered a wide range
of topics pertaining to federal-sector mariners. Following the meeting, they
toured the campus in Piney Point, Maryland. Among those pictured in the
posed photo (right to left, starting at far right) are SIU Representative Sam
Spain, SIU Counsel Jon Madden, SIU VP Government Services Nicholas
Celona and (far left) SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo.

Students Helping Students
Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education
recently volunteered for an annual back-to-school event sponsored by the local NAACP.
Pictured in the photo below are trainees Christian Smith, Laron James, Brize Agbayani,
Robert Crain, J’lon Williams, Dallas Smith, Adam Mason, Marcus Olmedo, Nick Randall,
Ayman Elahi, Tajh Horton, Jovanny Otero and Cody Miranda (along with longtime Paul Hall
Center employee Howard Thompson, third from left). Standing at far right in the photo at
right is Maryland Delegate Todd Morgan (from St. Mary’s County).

Notice
During the August membership meetings, votes were taken at
all of the union’s constitutional ports on a matter proposed by
SIU President Dave Heindel and unanimously approved by the
SIU Executive Board to change the status of four informational
port facilities: the halls in Norfolk, Virgina; Jacksonville, Florida;
Wilmington, California; and Tacoma, Washington.
A majority of the voting membership concurred and, as a result,
effective October 1, 2023, the port offices in Norfolk, Jackson-
ville, Wilmington and Tacoma will all be classified as constitu-
tional ports – meaning that official actions can be taken at the
meetings in those ports, along with all other constitutional ports,
starting with the October membership meetings.

Members Approve Changes to 4 Ports

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 19 8/21/23 7:54 PM



20 Seafarers LOG May 202320 Seafarers LOG May 2023

O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O

SEPTEMBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 9

Norfolk Hall
Grand Reopening

Pages 10-11

Greetings from the USNS Mary Sears
Many thanks to AMO member Ed McDonnell
for these snapshots from the USNS Mary
Sears (Ocean Shipholdings). The group
photo was taken in Sydney, Australia. SIU
members in the various photos include
Recertified Bosun Joe Gierbolini, ABs
Julian Lina, Mark Bolitho and Toby Blunt, OS
Mohamed Saleh, QMEDs Mackenzie Latta,
Peter Solis and Russ Bravo, Storekeeper
Ana Calma, GVA Chris Gonse and SA Surait
Kajuna. Ed also offered special kudos to
Gierbolini, who "is above and beyond. He's
super safety-conscious and always taking
care of everyone. Amazing guy and has his
kids following him into the industry.”

A creative approach to life ring storage. The crew of the USNS Mary Sears poses for a photo while in Sydney, Australia.

Recertified Bosun Joe Gierbolini, alongside a
35-lb Mahi Mahi he caught. QMED Mackenzie Latta AB Toby Blunt AB Mark Bolitho

Storekeeper Ana Calma SA Surait Kajuna QMED Peter Solis OS Mohamed Saleh

79208_Seafarers_September_2023_LOG.indd 20 8/21/23 7:55 PM