Seafarers Log: Vol. 66 No. 7 (2004-07-01)

Volume 66, Number 7 July 2004

NCL AMERICA

The SIU last month welcomed new ship-
board jobs as NCL America’s Pride of

Aloha (photos at far left) reflagged
under the Stars and Stripes. The

2,000-passenger cruise ship
is scheduled to begin offer-

ing cruises this month in
Hawaii. Formerly the
Bahamian-flagged
Norwegian Sky, the Pride
of Aloha reflagged U.S.

on June 7 in San
Francisco, following a multi-

million dollar refurbishment.
The vessel employs nearly 800

shipboard personnel. LEFT: SIU Assistant
VP George Tricker (left) and SIU Assistant
VP Nick Celona (right) are pictured with
Bosun Renato Govico aboard the newly
reflagged ship. ABOVE: Crew members
applaud as the U.S. flag is hoisted aboard
the Pride of Aloha. Page 3.

Seafarers Crew Up
Pride of Aloha

Goes

Matson’s Maunawili
Set for Christening
Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company, along with Kvaerner

Philadelphia Shipyard, is scheduled to christen the Maunawili (right) this

month. The Maunawili is the second diesel-powered containership built

for Matson at Kvaerner Philadelphia, which is hosting the July 17 chris-

tening. Page 3.

Advisory Board Weighs
Vital Security Issues

Page 2

Flickertail State Delivers
For U.S. Marines in Haiti

Page 4

U.S. Tax Dollars Help
Fund Foreign-Flag Ferry

Page 5

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2 Seafarers LOG July 2004

School’s Advisory Board
Weighs Key Security Issues

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published month-
ly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf,
Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201
Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301)
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Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp
Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing
Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim
Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty
Dobry.
Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD
All Rights Reserved.

Volume 66, Number 7 July 2004

The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org

A WWelcome RRebirth

The U.S. flag sails over an oceangoing passenger ship again.
Seafarers and other U.S. mariners are showing tourists relaxing on

the high seas why we are the best-trained and
safest professionals in the world.

Last month’s reflagging of NCL America’s
first cruise ship under the Stars and Stripes drew
warm applause and proud salutes during the cer-
emony in San Francisco. It was a great day for
the Seafarers, a great day for NCL America and
a great day for anyone who supports a strong
U.S. Merchant Marine.

But in order to more fully appreciate the moment June 7 when
our flag was raised on the Pride of Aloha, you may have to think
back to one of the darkest days in our nation’s history: September
11, 2001.

Obviously, the loss of innocent lives on that grim day is by far
the most tragic part of the attacks. Yet, there were other significant
aftershocks, not the least of which has been the ongoing impact on
our economy. The travel and tourism industries were crippled in
September 11’s immediate aftermath, and the U.S.-flag deep-sea
cruise business ceased to exist.

It has taken nearly three full years, but at last we can say it:
We’re back!

The work that’s been done to revive U.S.-flag cruise ships has
been well-documented. What’s important now is that the SIU has
a great opportunity for a bright future in this segment of our
industry (and others). NCL America is planning to operate three
U.S.-flag ships in Hawaii. That means more and more jobs for
Seafarers and, as noted at the reflagging ceremony, it also means a
stronger U.S. Merchant Marine in general.

I think the Pride of Aloha also may signify something special
to Seafarers who embrace the opportunity. Namely, it’s a chance
to be part of a vitally important moment in SIU history. It’s a
chance to help your union—in other words, your brother and sister
Seafarers—get off to a strong start in this newly reborn trade.

This isn’t the first time we’ve faced such a challenge. More
than 20 years ago, Seafarers were called upon to revive the U.S.-
flag passenger trade. The Constitution and Independence came
back home to the American flag. Seafarers jumped at the opportu-
nity to make the project work. Sure, we had problems, but we
overcame them. The Connie and the Indy were huge success sto-
ries. Many of our members owe their start in our union to these
vessels.

Maybe you’ve read about some of the SIU’s historic organizing
drives from the 1940s and 1950s, or perhaps you’ve hung around
the union hall and heard some of our old-timers talk about sailing
during World War II. Undoubtedly, many of you know about our
late SIU President Paul Hall defying the skeptics by starting a
training school for seamen in southern Maryland back in 1967.

Those are more than just stories. They’re key components of
who and what Seafarers are today. The hard work and sacrifice
and commitment of our predecessors gave us a chance to become
the strongest maritime union in the United States.

It’s going to take more of the same to help ensure our contin-
ued success. And the new cruise ships definitely involve hard
work and sacrifice and commitment. Let’s face it—when you’re
helping to restart any business, you’re bound to hit a few rough
seas along the way.

But any way you slice it, this is a glorious moment for the SIU.
Every Seafarer can take pride in the fact that our members are
sailing aboard the Pride of Aloha. And I know that every one of us
will do whatever it takes to help ensure the success of our newest
ships.

Michael Sacco

President ’s Report

Maritime Security and related
issues dominated the packed
agenda of the 37th Annual Paul
Hall Maritime Center Advisory
Board Meeting. The yearly con-
ference took place June 10 at the
Piney Point, Md.-based, SIU-
affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education.

Attendees included representa-
tives of U.S.-flag shipping com-
panies, officials from the U.S.
Coast Guard, U.S. Maritime Ad-
ministration, U.S. Military Sealift
Command, Transportation Secur-
ity Administration and Inter-
national Labor Organization, and
representatives of the union and
the school.

Paul Hall Center Vice Presi-
dent Don Nolan welcomed con-
ference participants and intro-
duced SIU President Michael
Sacco. After thanking those pre-
sent for their participation in the
meeting, Sacco said, “As all of
you know, port security and ship-
board security are the hottest top-
ics in our industry….We’re all
facing tremendous challenges
when it comes to keeping our
ships and ports safe.

“But we’re in this together—
the unions, the companies, the
Coast Guard, the Maritime
Administration, MSC, the ports
themselves, and the list goes on,”
Sacco continued. “We’re all on
the same side. It’s important to
keep that in mind, especially
when we get together on the vari-
ous maritime security groups at
ports throughout the nation. That
type of cooperation and participa-
tion can only help when it comes
to training seafarers and improv-
ing safety all around.”

Following his remarks on port
and shipboard security, President
Sacco briefed meeting partici-
pants on some of the Paul Hall
Center’s accomplishments since
the last advisory board meeting in
2002. Among the events Sacco
cited were:
� The Paul Hall Center suc-

cessfully transitioned to the
amended STCW convention.
This accomplishment was
achieved by running a school
with top instructors and staff
who put together curriculums
and assessments to provide
companies with the safe,
qualified shipboard manpow-
er they need.

� The school opened a new
hotel at about the same time
of the last advisory board
meeting. As a result of this
addition, upgraders now have
single-occupancy rooms,
which makes for a more aca-
demically friendly environ-
ment.

� The school added a small
arms facility as well as cur-
riculums. The facility and
courses were approved by
U.S. Military Sealift Com-
mand. The school also added
or improved other courses
including Navigation Funda-
mentals, Marine Electrician,
FOWT and others.

� A diesel engine that is useful
as a training aid recently was
added to the school’s training
equipment inventory.

� The school continued operat-
ing a satellite school in
Hawaii, providing STCW

training which helped in the
rebirth of the U.S.-flag cruise
industry.

� The unlicensed apprentice
program continues to draw
numerous applicants from all
over the country.

� The Paul Hall Center during
the last two months has pro-
vided security training in
Jacksonville, Port Ever-
glades, Mobile, Houston,
Lake Charles and New
Orleans and aboard vessels.
In addition, training has been
scheduled on the West Coast
to help companies meet not
only vessel security officer
training requirements but also
general security awareness
for the membership.

President Sacco thanked advi-
sory board participants for their
previous inputs and suggestions
on how the school could achieve
its varied objectives. “And make
no mistake,” he said, “The advi-
sory board’s input played a big
part in helping achieve these
goals (outlined above).”

SIU Vice President Contracts
Augie Tellez and Paul Hall Center
Training Director Bill Eglinton
then discussed the meeting’s
agenda and outlined its goals.

The principal speakers for the

gathering addressed the audience
via a panel discussion format.
Those giving presentations in
their respective subject areas
were: Cdr. Cindy Stowe, U.S.
Coast Guard (USCG), “Imple-
mentation of the Maritime Secur-
ity Transportation Regulations;”
Robby Moss, Transportation
Security Administration, “Trans-
portation Worker Identification
Card;” Cdr. Linda Fagan, USCG,
“Port State Control Issues;”
Mayte Medina, USCG, “Maritime
Security Training;” Jim Zok, U.S.
Maritime Administration (Mar-
Ad) and International Labor
Organization, “Seafarer Identi-
fication Document Convention;”
Todd Ripley, MarAd, “SOCP
Mariner Administrative Card;”
and Cdr. Ed Wingfield, USCG,
“Mariner Licensing & Docu-
mentation Program.”

Panel members indicated that
despite some setbacks in each of
their respective areas, significant
progress is being made in the
implementation of all phases of
port security requirements set
forth in SOLAS Chapter XI-2, the
ISPS Code and the Maritime
Transportation Security Act of
2002. Collectively, they ex-
pressed strong optimism that most

SIU Contract Remains in Place
Following Sale of Horizon Lines

SIU-contracted Horizon Lines
is being sold to private equity
firm Castle Harlan, according to
the companies involved.

The union’s contract remains
in place and unchanged, noted
SIU Vice President Contracts
Augie Tellez. Horizon Lines will
retain its name and continue oper-
ating the 16 SIU-crewed vessels
included in the sale.

The Carlyle Group had
acquired Horizon Lines (formerly
CSX Lines) from CSX Corp. in
February 2003.

Castle Harlan Managing
Director Marcel Fournier stated,
“We’ve been impressed with the
results that Horizon Lines has
achieved over the last several
years and are excited about the
company’s prospects.”

Continued on page 7

Cdr. Cindy Stowe
U.S. Coast Guard

Cdr. Linda Fagan
U.S. Coast Guard

Cdr. Ed Wingfield
U.S. Coast Guard

Robby Moss, Transportation
Security Administration

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July 2004 Seafarers LOG 3

Pride of Aloha Joins SIU Fleet
Seafarers Crew Up Newly Reflagged Cruise Ship

“This is a great moment for
our union,” SIU President
Michael Sacco said June 7 when
the Stars and Stripes went up on
the Pride of Aloha. “It means new
jobs for Seafarers, but it also rep-
resents a promising start to the
rebirth of the U.S.-flag deep-sea
cruise ship industry.”

“Reflagging this ship is far
more than symbolic,” said U.S.
Secretary of Transportation
Norman Min-
eta. “Raising
the Stars and
Stripes over
more ships rais-
es our maritime
strength and
raises jobs.”

The Pride of
Aloha is sched-
uled to enter
service this
month, offering
cruises in Ha-
waii. Formerly
the Bahamian-
flagged Nor-
wegian Sky, the
vessel recently
underwent a
mult i -mil l ion
dollar refurbish-
ment in San
F r a n c i s c o ,
where it was reflagged. Its home
port will be Honolulu.

The Pride of Aloha employs
nearly 800 shipboard personnel
and can carry 2,000 passengers.

“Today marks a milestone not
only in the cruise industry, but
also in our nation’s maritime his-
tory,” Norwegian Cruise Line
America President and CEO
Colin Veitch said at the reflagging
ceremony. “We are proud to be
the first cruise company in recent
memory to offer travelers an
unparalleled combination of
interisland Hawaii cruising and a
modern U.S.-flagged, U.S.-
crewed mega-ship.”

According to an independent
study by one of the nation’s lead-

ing economic consultants, NCL
America’s three U.S.-flag cruise
ships planned for Hawaii are
expected to create more than
20,000 U.S. jobs and generate
more than $825 million of expen-
ditures in the U.S. economy by
the end of 2007. (The Pride of
America and another cruise ship
yet to be named also will be
flagged as U.S. ships.) Nearly
$360 million in federal tax rev-

enue are also
projected by
2007 from the
ships and the
landside eco-
nomic activities
stimulated by
them.

The U.S.
Maritime Ad-
m i n i s t r a t i o n
noted that it
helped bring the
Pride of Aloha
into the U.S.-
flag fleet by
overseeing im-
plementation of
the reflagging
effort enabling
the ship to meet
requ i remen t s
established by
Congress.

U.S. Maritime Administrator
Capt. William Schubert said of
the reflagging and the other
planned ships, “This is great news
for the U.S. Merchant Marine as
it increases the number of ships
sailing under the American flag.
Our nation’s economic well-
being hinges on an economically
viable maritime industry and
today marks another big step in
the right direction.”

U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant
Tony Guild added, “We worked
in cooperation with NCL America
to ensure that the vessel met all
international standards for a pas-
senger ship. This entailed a com-
plete inspection of the vessel and
its safety and security systems

from life jackets, lifeboats, com-
plex firefighting systems, com-
plex automation systems that
manage the ship’s power and
propulsion plants, to various
security plans and equipment. In
addition, the Coast Guard ensured
that the ship’s crew met all

required U.S. standards for mer-
chant mariner certification.”

Following an inaugural cele-
bration and a christening on July
4, the Pride of Aloha will begin
its regular seven-day, year-round
Hawaii cruise schedule. Visiting

all four main islands and offering
passengers up to 96 hours in port,
the cruise features two overnight
stays in Kauai and Maui while
also making full day calls in Kona
and Hilo on the Big Island of
Hawaii.

“Reflagging this

ship is far more

than symbolic.

Raising the Stars

and Stripes over

more ships raises

our maritime

strength and raises

jobs.”
– U.S. Secretary of

Transportation
Norman Mineta

Pride of Aloha
At a Glance

� Entered service: August
1999

� Reflagged U.S. in June
2004

� Length: 853 feet
� Breadth: 108 feet
� Draft: 26 feet
� Speed: 23 knots
� Tonnage: 77,104 GRT
� Propulsion: Diesel electric,

six diesel generators
� Auxiliary power: From

diesel electric plant
� Guest capacity: 2,002

double occupancy
� Guest decks: 12

The Pride of Aloha signals new jobs for SIU members and a strengthening of the U.S.-flag fleet.

Capt. Gerald Swanson (seated) certifies the Pride of Aloha as a U.S.-flag
vessel while NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch looks on.

Seafarers-contracted Matson
Navigation Company, along with
Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard,
is scheduled to christen the
Maunawili this month. The
Maunawili is the second diesel-
powered containership built for
Matson at Kvaerner Philadelphia,
which is hosting the July 17
christening.

U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-
Calif.), a strong supporter of the
U.S. Merchant Marine, is the
event’s keynote speaker. Lt.
General Gary Hughey, deputy
commander, U.S. Transportation
Command (TRANSCOM), also
will address the audience.

Marianna G. Shaw, great
granddaughter of one of the
founders of Alexander &
Baldwin, Inc. will do the chris-
tening. (Matson is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Alexander &
Baldwin.)

The Maunawili is virtually
identical to sister ship Manukai,

which was christened in July
2003 at Kvaerner Philadelphia.
Each diesel-powered vessel is
712 feet long and can carry 2,600
containers.

The shipyard reported that the
Maunawili was floated for the
first time on May 15. The vessel
is expected to be added to
Matson’s fleet of Jones Act trade

vessels.
The Manukai was the first ves-

sel built in the newly revitalized
Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard
and the first newly constructed
vessel introduced by Matson
since 1992 (the R.J. Pfeiffer).

SIU members sail in the stew-
ard department aboard Matson
ships.

The American flag is raised on the Pride of Aloha during a ceremony
June 7 in San Francisco.

Matson, Kvaerner Philadelphia
To Christen Maunawili July 17

Matson’s newest ves-
sel, the Maunawili, is
scheduled for chris-
tening this month in
Philadelphia.

The SIU has returned to the deep-sea cruise ship indus-
try—and in a big way.

Seafarers recently crewed up NCL America’s newly reflagged
Pride of Aloha, an 853-foot vessel that marks the start of
Norwegian Cruise Line’s U.S.-flag division.

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4 Seafarers LOG July 2004

Happy Retirement to REC Chief

SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean
Corgey (left) and Assistant VP

Jim McGee (right) recently
presented a ship’s wheel to

U.S. Coast Guard REC Chief
C.J. Bidwell in Houston on the

occasion of her retirement
after 32 years of service.

Bidwell most recently worked
at the Coast Guard’s regional
exam center in Houston. The

wheel was donated by
Seafarers and SIU officials,

who wish Chief Bidwell a
happy retirement and thank

her for her work at the REC.

SIU Maintains Jobs
On 7 Survey Ships
Horizon Lines Awarded Contract by MSC

The U.S. Military Sealift
Command (MSC) last month
awarded the operating contract
for seven oceanographic survey
ships to SIU-contracted Horizon
Lines. The vessels covered by
the agreement are the USNS
Pathfinder, USNS Bowditch,
USNS Sumner, USNS Henson,
USNS Bruce C. Heezen, USNS
Mary Sears and USNS John Mc-
Donnell.

The ships currently are oper-
ated by Seafarers-contracted
Dyn Marine Services. Turnover
operations are expected to take
place in early October.

In a mid-June letter to ships’
chairmen in the seven-vessel
fleet, SIU Vice President Con-
tracts Augie Tellez pointed out
that when the ships transfer to
the new operating company,
unlicensed personnel will have
the opportunity to continue their
employment aboard the vessels.
Tellez also noted that the new
contract improves medical bene-
fits (under the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan’s top level)
and increases the Seafarers
Vacation Plan benefit. Addi-
tionally, SIU members will
receive Seafarers Money Pur-
chase Pension Plan benefits of 3
percent of the daily base wage
per man, per day.

“To those who opt to continue
with Horizon Lines, we expect

the company to benefit from the
same professionalism and per-
formance you consistently deliv-
er,” Tellez wrote.

According to MSC, oceano-
graphic survey ships “study the
world’s oceans using multi-beam,
wide-angle, precision hydro-

graphic sonar systems to collect
bathymetric data. One coastal
survey ship, the USNS John Mc-
Donnell, surveys the sea bottom
and collects data in the littorals
areas along coastlines. Informa-
tion gathered is used to develop
accurate maritime charts.”

Flickertail State Crew Delivers
Critical Cargo to U.S. Marines in Haiti

Seafarers in March again
answered the country’s call to
deliver the goods when President
Bush sent 1,600 U.S. Marines to
Haiti to quell the bloody uprising
that prompted Haitian president
Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s Feb. 29
resignation.

The SIU-crewed SS Flick-
ertail State—part of the U.S.
Maritime Administration’s Ready
Reserve Force and under the
operational control of Military
Sealift Command (MSC)—was
summoned to deliver cargo to
support the Marines. The
Flickertail State, fresh from par-
ticipating in a joint logistics
over-the-shore military exercise
providing humanitarian relief to
Honduras, was in port in Nor-
folk, Va. for a mere 24 hours
before being again called to duty.

The crane ship sailed from
Norfolk to Morehead City, N.C.
to pick up 12,000 square feet of
Marine Corps support equip-
ment, and on March 7 departed
North Carolina for Haiti. The
ship’s 600-ton load consisted of
Humvees, medical supplies,
crates of bottled water and two
“reverse osmosis water purifica-
tion systems.” According to
MSC, reverse osmosis machines
are designed to purify contami-
nated water into water that is
suitable for drinking—some-
thing for which the Marines had
a critical need and that is in short
supply in Haiti, a country whose
infrastructure has crumbled and
whose utilities system is in a
massive state of disrepair.

MSC Representative John
Gregov, the individual responsi-

ble for coordinating the off-

load of the urgently needed sup-
plies, knew the off-load would
be tricky because the ship was
sailing into Port-au-Prince, Haiti,
where gangs of well-armed
Aristide supporters were on a
rampage of looting and destruc-
tion in response to his fall from
power.

With little lead time to make
arrangements and only a handful
of local port operators on the
ground in Haiti, Gregov planned
the off-load during the Flick-
ertail’s journey south.

“I was sending e-mails from
the ship on the way down, round-
ing up local stevedores and
equipment to help with the off-
loading,” he noted.

Gregov ordered flatbed trucks
to haul cargo and portable gener-
ators to light the pier as it off-
loaded, but only half of the items
made it to the port.

“I was notified by port author-
ities that the items were stuck in
transit due to firefights,” said
Gregov. “I ordered three portable
generators because there were no
lights on the dock. One out of the
three actually made it.

“I also asked the captain for
permission to use the ship’s crew
during the off-load, which we
don’t usually do,” he added. “But
we needed them because, under

the circumstances, we didn’t
want any of the locals coming on
board the ship.”

The captain agreed.
The ship arrived in Port-au-

Prince in the early morning on
March 11, and the crew pitched
in operating the vessel’s four
cranes to transfer cargo from the
ship to the pier. Seafarers aboard
the vessel who assisted in the
freight download were: ABWs
Heather Frizzelle and Curtis
Williams; ABMs Adrian Jones
and Jonathan Davis; OMUs
John Morrison, John Steeber
and Brad Neathery; Wipers
Nathan Jenkins and Vincent
Knight; Chief Cook Adele
George and SAs Willie Uzzle,
Teresa MacMartin and Kareem
Walters. Also aboard the vessel
were STOSs Melvin Stegall,
Christopher Bryan and Melvin
Hall.

The crew worked so quickly
that they turned their expected
72-hour stay into only a day-long
venture. “They really did an out-
standing job,” said Gregov.

At midnight on March 11, the
ship pulled away from Haiti and
sailed home.

“It was a very good, efficient
operation,” said Gregov. “And
everyone got home safely.”

Notice/Reminder
Full Book Applications

Seafarers who have at least 260 days of sea time in the past 24
months are eligible to apply for full book membership in the union.
This of course includes members who were in the NMU when that
union merged into the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District (in 2001).

Members are encouraged to apply at any SIU hall. Please bring
discharges or pay vouchers (or both) verifying the required sea time,
along with two passport-size photos. In order to apply for full book
membership, dues must be current, initiation must be paid in full and
the member must be in good standing. There is a $10 fee for each
application; processing typically takes two to three weeks.

Sea time for any member working on equipment that formerly was
covered by an NMU agreement and now is covered by an SIU/NMU
contract counts toward eligibility for application.

Members are reminded that, among other potential benefits, full
book membership helps allow Seafarers the right to vote for candi-
dates for union office and the right to run for union office. This is an
election year for the SIU.

For more information, please contact your port agent.

The SIU-crewed USNS Bruce C. Heezen is part of the U.S. Military
Sealift Command’s fleet of oceanographic survey ships.

Seafarers aboard the
Flickertail State delivered the
goods for U.S. Marines in
Haiti.

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July 2004 Seafarers LOG 5

The chairman of the Select
Revenue Measures Subcom-
mittee on the House Ways and
Means Committee recently reaf-
firmed his fervent support for the
U.S. Merchant Marine.

U.S. Rep. Jim McCrery (R-
La.), honored May 4 with The
Propeller Club of the United
States’ annual Salute to Congress
Award, in a prepared address told
a maritime audience in Bethesda,
Md. that their industry is vitally
important to his state as well as
the nation.

Speaking specifically about
his state, the congressman said,
“Many of you may not realize
that Louisiana is the top state in
the country for waterborne trans-
portation with more than 500 mil-
lion tons of cargo annually
shipped and received within the
state.

With major coastal and inland
ports, the Gulf Coast, the
Mississippi, Red and other rivers,
Louisiana is a major transloading
point for billions of dollars of
commercial cargo.”

Congressman McCrery con-
tinued, “Your industry is vitally
important to providing jobs for
American workers and enhancing
our nation’s trade and productivi-
ty in all other industrial and eco-
nomic sectors. I am proud to be a
soldier in the fight on your behalf
to make the U.S. maritime indus-
try more competitive in the world
economy.”

He added “I am fortunate
through my seniority on the
House Ways and Means Com-
mittee to be able to lead the effort
to ensure that fair and balanced
trade policies are implemented to
protect your interests, and to
work closely with the Con-
gressional leadership and the
administration to formulate and
enact tax legislation to aid the
vitally important maritime indus-
try.”

Congressman McCrery has
been an advocate of changes to
the U.S. tax code to help improve
the competitiveness of the U.S.-
flag merchant marine, and he has
supported projects to revitalize
the nation’s inland waterway sys-
tem. McCrery was named by the
Congressional Quarterly Maga-
zine as one of the 28 “emerging
players” who will shape the
Congressional agenda in the post-

September 11
world. He has
represented the
4th Congressional

District in Louisiana since 1988.
In accepting the Salute to

Congress Award, the congress-
man offered, “I am extremely
honored by this award, and I am
pleased to know that you appreci-
ate my heartfelt efforts to support
a strong and vibrant United States
maritime industry.

“At the same time, I am hum-
bled to be included among other
distinguished Congressional
members from the great state of
Louisiana who have received the
prestigious Salute to Congress
Award,” he continued, “….Sen-
ator Russell Long, Senator John
Breaux, and of course my former
colleague and dear friend,
Congressman Bob Livingston.”

The annual Salute to Congress
dinner in 1985 was established by
The Propeller Club of the United
States to honor a member of
Congress who demonstrated
leadership in furthering the cause
of the American merchant marine
and allied industries.

The salute affords an opportu-
nity for all segments of the mar-
itime industry to get together at
one forum with not only their
own senators and congressmen,
but also members of Congress
from all over the country to dis-
cuss future growth the U.S. fleet.

Recent recipients of the Salute
to Congress Award include U.S.
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.),
Senator Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.),
Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska)
and U.S. Rep. James L. Oberstar
(D-Minn.).

SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited last month
applauded the U.S. Maritime Administration’s
(MarAd) decision approving the company’s request
to transfer the 15 Maritime Security Program (MSP)
operating agreements for the ships currently being
operated by U.S. Ship Management (USSM).

In a news release, Maersk Line, Limited (MLL)
noted that it had petitioned MarAd in 2003 to trans-
fer the MSP operating agreements so the company
could more effectively and efficiently operate the
vessels. In the original operating contracts between
the two companies, USSM agreed to transfer direct
operation of the 15 vessels to MLL should MLL
elect to become the MSP contractor. The decision
follows an arbitration award concluding that the
applications for the MSP operating agreements
“submitted by MLL to MarAd were properly sub-
mitted by MLL.”

“We are extremely pleased with the MarAd’s
decision approving the transfer of the 15 MSP oper-
ating agreements to MLL,” said Kenneth C.
Gaulden, MLL senior vice president. “Our first pri-
ority with this action was always to ensure that we
deliver the best possible service to the U.S. govern-
ment, both in peacetime and war. Now, we look for-
ward to the benefits that will be brought about by
streamlining operations and creating much-needed
efficiencies.”

Gaulden added, “MLL will work closely with
MarAd to assume direct operation of the ships in an
appropriate, efficient and expeditious manner, while
continuing to support our military forces engaged in
the war on terrorism and serve our commercial cus-
tomers.”

The vessels will remain U.S.-flagged supporting
U.S. global trade and national security, and will be
crewed by American seafarers. MLL also provides
the U.S. government immediate access to its global
network of intermodal assets including terminals,
cranes, logistical platforms, computerized manage-
ment systems and equipment. According to the
company, MarAd’s decision “closely integrates
management of the 15 MSP vessels with that global
system, strengthening the MSP for military purpos-
es and enhancing the U.S.-flag presence in interna-
tional shipping.”

MarAd noted the role of MLL in national securi-
ty in its decision: “[MLL] currently operates vessels
for the U.S. military performing missions as diverse
as the afloat pre-positioning of U.S. Army and U.S.
Marine Corps combat equipment, U.S. Navy
counter-drug operations, and highly classified ocean
surveillance. Maersk also holds a special security
agreement. The United States Transportation
Command supports the transfer and has advised us
that they consider [MLL] to be an industry leader
providing [the Department of Defense] unparalleled
transportation services, not only with regard to
U.S.-flag vessels, but also its extensive global infra-
structure consisting of berths, cranes, IT systems,
transportation systems, regional logistics expertise,
and much more.”

MLL will work with MarAd to meet the condi-
tions specified in the decision for transfer of the
operating agreements, the company noted.

MLL is based in Norfolk, Va., and is one of the
Department of Defense’s primary shipping contrac-
tors.

MarAd Okays MSP Transfer Agreements

SIU President
Michael Sacco
(right) greets
U.S. Rep. Jim
McCrery (R-La.)
shortly before
the congress-
man receives
the 2004 Salute
to Congress
Award.

Representative McCrery Receives
Annual ‘Salute to Congress’ Award

SIU, MTD, Others Protest Bahamian-Flagged Ferry
State, Federal Funds Aid Boat Sailing New York-Toronto Route

The SIU along with the AFL-
CIO Maritime Trades Department
and other labor organizations are
calling upon government officials
in the U.S. and Canada to remove
the Bahamian flag from a new
fast ferry that has been heavily
subsidized by American and
Canadian taxpayer dollars.

The Spirit of Ontario last
month was scheduled to begin of-
fering service between Rochester,
N.Y. and Toronto. Built by Austal
Ships of Australia, the ferry is
owned by Canadian American
Transportation Systems, which
maintains offices in New York
and Ontario.

According to news reports, the
State of New York provided $14
million to help build the $42.5
million boat. Another $25 million
in federal funds have been award-
ed in recent years to redevelop
the Rochester harbor to enable
the ferry project’s launch. More
than $6 million in City of
Rochester funds have been given
for the project. Additionally, the
U.S. Department of Homeland
Security granted $1.1 million to
the owner and the ferry. Canadian
funds also were awarded.

In a letter to U.S. Senator
Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), SIU
and MTD President Michael
Sacco said that the ferry itself and
the harbor improvements are
good ideas, but registering the
Spirit of Ontario under the
Bahamian flag instead of the U.S.

or Canadian flag “is particularly
disturbing. By registering the
ferry under the Bahamian flag,
Canadian American Transport
Systems’ fast ferry operation will
enjoy the success of the public
investment while at the same time
avoid meeting U.S. tax obliga-
tions on the income generated
once the ferry begins service,”
Sacco wrote. “I am certain that
the public officials who backed
this project and who have worked
diligently to ensure its launching
had no clue that the company
would be in a position to skirt
U.S. tax payments. It must be dis-
heartening to those New Yorkers
to know that their tax dollars have
advanced the fast ferry project
but the U.S. Treasury will not see
a truly just return on the invest-
ment.”

The SIU of Canada, the New
York State AFL-CIO, some of the
state’s central labor councils, the
MTD and its port maritime coun-
cils also have spread the word
about the runaway-flag ferry. In a
resolution adopted by its execu-
tive board earlier this year, the
MTD said it “urges officials in
both nations to call on Canadian
American Transportation Sys-
tems to do the right thing by sail-
ing under the American or
Canadian flag and hire American
or Canadian mariners.” Currently,
the ferry reportedly employs a
mix of Australian and U.S.
mariners.

The ferry was supposed to
enter service May 1, but a docking
accident and engine trouble
delayed its opening. The boat can
carry 774 passengers and 238 cars.

Mariners Remembered at Memorial Dedication

President Bush mentioned the U.S. Merchant Marine during the
May 29 dedication of the National World War II Memorial in
Washington, D.C. As previously reported, two identical merchant
marine bronze emblems are featured at the memorial. During the
ceremony, President Bush noted, “In all, more than 16 million
Americans would put on the uniform of the soldier, the sailor, the air-
man, the Marine, the Coast Guardsman or the Merchant Mariner.”
The National World War II Memorial is the first national monument
dedicated to all who served during the Second World War.

Photos by Rick Latoff / American Battle Monuments Commission

23499_p3,5(cx),6,11_13.qxd 6/24/2004 1:24 AM Page 5



6 Seafarers LOG July 2004

Something Fishy on the Expedition

Aboard the Horizon Expedition in Guam, SIU
steward department personnel enthusiastically
prepare sashimi and other fish delicacies for
dinner. Chief Steward Mike Gramer (above)
and Chief Cook Tom Kelly acquired the catch
from local fishermen.

Matson Mourns Passing
Of Retired President Gray

James P. Gray, retired president
of Seafarers-contracted Matson
Navigation Company, died May 5
in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
He was 87.

Gray’s career with Matson
spanned 45 years, beginning in
1936 when he joined the company
as a stenographer and clerk in
Wilmington, Calif. He worked his
way up in various positions during
the next 11 years before leaving
Matson to try a non-maritime busi-
ness venture.

By 1951, Gray was back with
Matson. He earned numerous pro-
motions over the years, eventually
becoming the vice president and general manager of the Matson
subsidiary, Matson Terminals, Inc. in 1970. Two years later, he was
named president of the subsidiary, overseeing all terminal opera-
tions for Matson on the West Coast and in Hawaii.

In 1977, Gray returned to Matson Navigation Company and was
promoted to senior vice president of the freight division, a role that
involved overseeing all vessel and container operations. The fol-
lowing year, he was promoted to executive vice president, opera-
tions.

In 1979, Gray was promoted to president and chief operating
officer of Matson Navigation Company, reporting to Chief
Executive Officer Robert J. Pfeiffer. As president, Gray was respon-
sible for all aspects of Matson’s business activities, including
Matson Terminals.

In a press release announcing Gray’s death, the company noted,
“His extensive experience with the company during his career gave
him a keen understanding of Matson’s operations at all levels of the
organization, and his personable style made him both respected and
well-liked by employees throughout the company.”

Gray retired in 1981 but stayed involved in the industry. He
remained a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the
National Defense Transportation Association, among other activi-
ties.

Gray is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn; son, James S.
Gray of Huntington Beach, Calif.; two daughters, Susan Meek of
Potter Valley, Calif. and Janet Gray of Tonopah, Ariz.; four grand-
children and one great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to
the American Cancer Society or a hospice of the donor’s choice.

James P. Gray retired as
president of Matson Navi-
gation Company in 1981.

Detroit Attorney Victor Han-
son, a prominent litigator of high-
profile cases involving major
maritime incidents and also a
founder of a forerunner to today’s
National Football League Players
Association (NFLPA), died May
26 of a heart attack. He was 80.

Hanson in 1973 established
Labor’s International Hall of
Fame to afford recognition to the
founders and heroes of the union
movement as well as to educate
today’s workers and public about
the struggles and sacrifices that

made today’s labor movement
possible. Although not a union
member himself, he did a great
deal of work as a lawyer for
unions including the SIU, the
Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, the
Teamsters, the American Guild of
Variety Arts and many building-
trades unions. Hanson was
involved in cases relating to the
following maritime disasters,
some of which claimed the lives
of Seafarers: the Noronic in 1949
with 119 dead; the Andrea Doria
in 1956 with 52 dead; the Carl D.

Bradley in 1958 with 33 dead; and
the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975
with 29 dead.

Byron Kelley, retired SIU vice
president Great Lakes and current
Labor’s International Hall of
Fame president, knew Hanson
well. “He was really a man’s man,
and he was always a staunch sup-
porter of the Seafarers,” Kelley
said. “Vic was quite a guy. He was
bright, he was politically active,
and he’ll certainly be a viable can-
didate for Labor’s International
Hall of Fame, which he founded.”

Hanson’s nephew, Robert
Edick, told the Detroit Free Press
that his uncle “was very active
with union politics…. He was
very much a people person.”

Born in northwest Detroit,
Hanson was a 1940 graduate of
Redford High School. Following
graduation, he joined the U.S.
Marine Corps where he served as
a paratrooper. An injury suffered
during a jump, however, forced
him to do the majority of his ser-
vice in San Diego. After his 1943
discharge as a private, Hanson
returned to Detroit. There he
enrolled in Wayne State
University and began a decades-
long relationship with the school.

He earned his bachelor’s and
law degrees there. Hanson played
guard for the Wayne State Tartars
football team from 1945 to 1946
and later became an active mem-
ber of the Gas House Gang, a club
of the school’s former football
players.

His gridiron fervor served him
well in the 1950s when he repre-
sented a Detroit Lions football
player who had injured his knee
and wanted worker’s compensa-
tion. During that time, players
were considered independent con-
tractors and, therefore, were not
entitled to benefits. Hanson won
the case—securing weekly pay-
ments of $33 for 500 weeks—for
the hobbled athlete, who was
making $13,000 annually.

Hanson also is credited with
playing a key role in changing the

status of professional football
players for good when he founded
an association which essentially
served as a union. That organiza-
tion was a predecessor to the
NFLPA.

Hanson raised money for
Detroit’s St. Francis Home for
Boys and Most Holy Trinity
Church and was active in the
Democratic Party. He also found-
ed Hands That Help, a charity that
distributes clothing and blankets
to veterans’ homes.

He is survived by a stepdaugh-
ter, Loralee Coomes; three sisters,
Evelyn Hanson, Beatrice Kuhl
and Rose Marie Berry; and two
grandsons.

Retired SIU of Puerto Rico President Keith Terpe
passed away May 30 in California. He was 80.

A native of Minnesota, Brother Terpe embarked
on his profession with the Seafarers in 1949 in the
port of New York. After sailing for several years in
the deep sea division in both the steward and engine
departments, he came ashore as a union official.

SIU Executive Vice President John Fay recalled
first meeting Terpe “while I was still going to sea and
he was head organizer for Atlantic Refinery. He was
a good organizer and he was dedicated to the cause.”

Brother Terpe was elected as a patrolman for the
port of New York in 1969 and later became president
of the SIU of Puerto Rico. He retired in 1981.

Victor Nunez, SIU port agent in Puerto Rico,
noted that Terpe “was very politically active. He also
did a lot of organizing for the UIW. He is remem-
bered by many people in this region.”

Brother Terpe was proud of the pivotal role the
SIU played in the economics of the commonwealth

during his tenure as president. In a piece which was
written for his presidential column in the union’s
magazine in July 1969, Brother Terpe said, “Clearly,
The Island of Dreams as Paul Hall frequently refers
to lovely Puerto Rico, has demonstrated that under a
free, democratic system and with a free democratic
labor movement great progress not only could be
made—bust has been made! Once again we must
state that we are proud to have been an integral part
of this amazing success story that is Puerto Rico
today from the poor house of the Caribbean to the
showcase of affluent democracy.”

Retired SIU Vice President Contracts Red
Campbell worked with Terpe in Puerto Rico for
approximately six years. He recalled that Terpe kept
an unusual pet around the office. “He had a jaguar—
not a car, a real one, “ Campbell said.

Survivors include his wife, Marilu; his sons, Keith
and Kent; daughters Kim Lerman and Karen Palmer;
and his sister, Kaye McMarlin.

Retired SIU of Puerto Rico
President Terpe Passes Away

Retired SIU of Puerto Rico President Keith Terpe, center, walks the pickets with his 400-pound jaguar. The
animal reportedly was the union’s unofficial mascot in Puerto Rico during Terpe’s tenure as president.

Maritime Lawyer Victor Hanson Dies at 80

Victor Hanson, right, posed with
Michigan Attorney General Frank
Kelley, left, and SIU VP Byron
Kelley during an awards dinner in
1990. Hanson assisted the SIU in
a variety of legal matters during
his career as an attorney.

23499_p3,5(cx),6,11_13.qxd 6/23/2004 1:42 PM Page 6



July 2004 Seafarers LOG 7

With Seafarers Aboard the Explorer

The Explorer paid off June 2 in Los Angeles. Among those pic-
tured aboard the USSM vessel are (top photo) AB Al Moore,
GUDE Saleh Ali, QMED Victor Viernes, AB Abdul Musaed,
Steward/Baker William Burdette, AB Leo Bognoson, AB Samuel
Lampshire and Chief Cook James Boss. Pictured below right are

AB William Horton, AB Andres Mano
and QEE Jimmie Robles. At left are
Bosun Phil Corl and AB Al Moore.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management
(OPM) recently announced the first open season for
the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance
Program (FEGLI) since 1999. The FEGLI 2004
Open Season will take place from Sept. 1 through
Sept. 30, 2004, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of
the program.

“The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance
Program is just one of the federal benefits that
employees can use to plan for the future and to antic-
ipate the fulfillment of essential responsibility to
their families,” said OPM Director Kay Coles James
in announcing the open season May 25. “This will
give federal employees the opportunity to make any
adjustments they need to better plan for the future.”

The FEGLI program consists of basic life insur-
ance coverage and three options that include cover-
age for up to five times an employee’s base salary

plus coverage for family members. In most cases, a
new federal employee is automatically covered by
basic life insurance. The types and amounts of cov-
erages available are not changing.

During the open season, federal and U.S. Post
Office employees in eligible positions may enroll in
the FEGLI program or increase or change current
coverage without having a physical or answering
any questions about their health. The earliest that
newly elected coverage will be effective is Sept. 1,
2005.

OPM offers much more information on line at
http://www.opm.gov/asd/htm/2004/04-203.asp.

The federal government established the FEGLI
program on Aug. 29, 1954. It is the largest group life
insurance program in the world, covering over 4
million federal employees and retirees, as well as
many of their family members.

CIVMAR News
Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program Sets ‘Open Season’

of the enforcement provisions
would be in place by established
deadlines.

At the conclusion of the
panel’s discussion on Maritime
Security and a question/answer
session, meeting participants
formed two working groups to
discuss another pair of issues
which have come to the forefront
in the maritime industry: ship-
board food sanitation and tow-
ing/coastal licensing. John
Dobson and J.C. Weigman, both
instructors at the Paul Hall Center,
led the respective discussions.

In a related development, U.S.
Homeland Security Department
Secretary Tom Ridge on June 21
in Los Angeles announced that
the nation’s seaports are ready to
meet the July 1 deadline for inter-
national maritime security stan-
dards. Ridge made the announce-
ment after touring the ports of
Long Beach and Los Angeles.

“I’m very pleased to announce
as of today, the United States is in
full compliance with the require-
ments of this new standard,”
Secretary Ridge said. “For the
first time ever, through an inter-
national effort there will be one
world standard for ship and port
security.”

New security measures are
being implemented across the
United States, providing for safer
ports in America. With the imple-
mentation of these international
standards, in advance of the July
1 deadline, the U.S. is better able
to harden the port’s physical
infrastructure, verify the security
of individual vessels before they
approach a U.S. port, and better
restrict access to the port area, the
secretary noted.

“Over 80 percent of world
trade travels by sea,” Ridge

added. “By taking a layered,
cooperative and balanced ap-
proach to strengthening the inter-
national maritime system, we are
not only further securing our
country, we are also protecting
U.S. economic interests and the
global economy.”

In addition to the international
requirements of the International
Ship and Port Facility Security
Code, the United States has
required vessels, maritime facili-
ties and ports around the country
to implement security measures
by July 1, as part of the domestic
Maritime Transportation Security
Act that establishes a new, robust
baseline of security for our
nation’s ports. Vessels and port
facilities around the country are
now on target to meet the July 1
deadline for these increased secu-
rity measures, as well. An esti-
mated 9,500 vessels, 3,200 facili-
ties, and 40 off-shore oil or natur-
al gas rigs are directly affected.

Secretary Ridge also called on
all citizens to do their part. “Be
alert to things that seem suspi-
cious. Securing our ports and
waterways is a team effort—
everyone, from local govern-

ments and private citizens to the
international community play an
important role in ensuring that
our waterways remain open for
business.”

Elsewhere, the Department of
Homeland Security Appropri-
ations Act, 2005 (H.R. 4567) has
passed both the House of
Representatives and the Senate
and is being forwarded to the
president for his signature and
enactment into law.

Among other things, this bill
provides the following funding:
$4.6 billion for operations of
Customs and Border Protection;
not less than $321 million (with
conditions) for the development
of the Automated Commercial
Environment; $2.37 billion for
operations of Immigration and
Customs Enforcement; $65 mil-
lion for expenses related to mar-
itime and land transportation
security grants and services;
$5.17 billion for expenses of the
Coast Guard; $697 million (with
conditions) for the USCG
Integrated Deepwater System
program; and $125 million for
port security grants.

Jim Zok
MarAd/ILO

Mayte Medina
U.S. Coast Guard

Continued from page 2

Classrooms Upgraded in Simulator Building
In keeping with its tradition of

remaining ahead of industry
demands, the Seafarers-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney
Point, Md. has made major
improvements in its already
excellent simulator building.

Specifically, according to
Assistant Director of Training
J.C. Wiegman, significant
upgrades recently were achieved
in four classrooms which are
housed in the Logan Building.
These enhancements, said
Wiegman, will not only intensify

the quality of training that mer-
chant mariners receive in the
facility, but also augment the
techniques instructors utilize to
deliver their respective course
materials.

The showpiece of the
upgrades is the facility’s electron-
ics technician’s classroom which
will be used in the junior engi-
neer, marine electronics techni-
cian, chief electrician and marine
electrician courses. The room
also may be used for marine
refrigeration training.

“This room already was state-

of-the-art throughout,” said
Instructor Jay Henderson. “These
recent upgrades, however, really
will increase our ability to train
the people coming through here.”
A retired Navy Master Chief
Petty Officer who sailed for three
years as a Seafarer (marine elec-
trician aboard Maersk LMSRs),
Henderson will be the primary
tenant in the renovated class-
room.

Some of the upgrades in the
electronics technician’s class-
room are as follows:
� Twelve new electronic work

Advisory Board Discusses Security Issues

stations have been added.
Each station is now equipped
with 1-½ inch non-conduct-
ing (stone) desktops.

� IBM computers have been
installed at each workstation.
Each workstation also is now
equipped with an assortment
of tools for students to use
should they have to fabricate
a piece of equipment.

� Each workstation is equipped
with new desks, chairs and
stools.

� Instructors now have two
computers at their disposal
(one in their office area and a
second at their lecture loca-
tions).

� Software is on order that will
aid student in their equip-
ment designs.

� Classroom now features an
overhead projector that will
show power point presenta-
tions on screen.

� Old carpet has been replaced
by new tile.

� Classroom has been enlarged
by eight feet.

� Walls have been painted;
new ceiling tiles and light

fixtures have been installed.
“These upgrades will enable

students to go directly to work-
stations to practice concepts they
just received from instructors,”
said Henderson. “This capability
will be a tremendous time saver
because students no longer will
have to go to another room, break
out tools, etc. to do various pro-
jects associated with their train-
ing.”

In addition to the foregoing
renovations, upgrades also have
been made in three other class-
rooms, according to Wiegman.
First, all engineering computers
(used for shipboard assessments)
have been moved to a centralized
location in one room. Paul Hall
Center Instructor Eric Malzkuhn
was instrumental in effecting this
change. Two additional rooms
that once housed simulators have
been converted into one larger,
air conditioned classrooms. The
same upgrades were accom-
plished in a room that contained
diesel simulators. Under the new
setup, simulators are in one room
and two new rooms have been
earmarked for instruction.

Upgraders already are taking advantage of the upgraded facilities in
the Logan Building. Above, Instructor Jay Henderson (standing) assists
(from left) Olie Webber, Lionel Taylor and Richard Huffman.

23499_p1,2,3(cx)_7.qxd 6/24/2004 1:51 PM Page 7



8 Seafarers LOG July 2004

“The officers and men of the Merchant

Marine, by their devotion to duty in the face

of enemy action, as well a natural danger of

the sea, have brought us the tool to finish the

job. Their contribution to final victory will

long be remembered.”

—Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower
Maritime Day, 1945

“The men of our American Merchant Marine have pushed
through despite the perils of the submarine, the dive bomber
and the surface raider. They have returned voluntarily to
their jobs at sea again and again, because they realized that
the life-lines to our battle fronts would be broken if they did
not carry out their vital part in this global war.”

—President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1943

Nation Honors
Service & Sacrifice
Of Merchant Marine

PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS — Father Sinclair Oubre, presi-
dent of the Apostleship of the Sea and an SIU member,
delivers the invocation at Maritime Day ceremonies in Port
Arthur, Texas. This year’s celebration honored the men and
women of the U.S. Merchant Marine—with special recogni-
tion to those who are serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SAN PEDRO, CALIF. — SIU
Wilmington dispatcher Nick Rios
(left) and SIU Wilmington Port
Agent John Cox stand before the
SIU/NMU wreath following a
National Maritime Day obser-
vance and memorial service May
22. (Rios is wearing his Bronze
Star and other medals from the
Vietnam War.) The ceremony
(below) took place at the
American Merchant Marine
Veterans Memorial, which was
dedicated on May 22, 1989.
Included among the speakers
were Councilwoman Janice
Hahn, State Senator Betty
Karnette, Rep. Dana
Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), Capt.
Peter Neffenger of the U.S.
Coast Guard, and Dr. William R.
Eisenhardt, president of the
California Maritime Academy.

NORFOLK, VA. — QMED Tommy
“Coastwise” Taylor was recognized by
the Propeller Club during Maritime Day
ceremonies for his 39 years of service
with the SIU. Taylor, who comes from a
long line of Seafarers, began sailing in
1965 on coal boats running between
Norfolk and Amsterday, Holland. He was
aboard the Joplin Victory in Vietnam dur-
ing the Tet offensive and on the
Stonewall Jackson in the heavily mined
Red Sea. Years later, he earned his nick-
name “Coastwise Tommy” because he
would relieve Waterman crew members
returning from overseas, so that they
could spend a couple weeks with their
families while their vessels discharged
their cargos in ports from Norfolk to New
Orleans.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. —
Maritime Day ceremonies were
held May 22 aboard the Liberty
Ship Jeremiah O’Brien. Capt.
Patrick Moloney sailed the ves-
sel out beyond the Golden Gate
Bridge, where wreaths were laid
in honor of all the maritime
trades, services and unions.
This memorial cruise was dedi-
cated to the men and women
serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
A wreath also was presented in
memory of the late SIU VP
West Coast George McCartney
who died in March. In the photo
at left, Captain Moloney poses
with McCartney’s wife, Helga
(right), and daughter, Heidi.

Maritime Day was observed across the country in May to honor the courage, determi-
nation, service and sacrifice of the nation’s Merchant Marine. The June 2004 issue of
the Seafarers LOG covered the day’s events from Washington, D.C. Some of the other
celebrations, which took place in various U.S. ports, appear on this page.

Chester Wheeler of the Gov-
ernment Services Division pre-
sents the SIU wreath.

The arrival of
the Color
Guard signals
the beginning
of the ship-
board cere-
mony.

SIU San Francisco Rep Archie
Ware helped commemorate
Maritime Day.

QMED Tommy Taylor (third from left), who was recognized for his 39
years of service with the SIU, poses with SIU VP Government Services
Kermett Mangram (third from right) and members of the U.S Coast
Guard’s Color Guard.

Dave Brown (above, right) receives a
commendation from MarAd for meritori-
ous service as bosun aboard the
Flickertail State. At right, Recertified
Steward Mike Pooler is awarded a com-
mendation for being a “good feeder” dur-
ing the Flickertail State’s mission to Haiti.

23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/22/2004 2:17 PM Page 8



July 2004 Seafarers LOG 9

The APL Philippines, Cape Mohican and Manoa were three of the many SIU-crewed ships calling on the port of San Francisco over the last few months.

Clockwise (from left):

Kenneth Lee, the ship’s

new chief cook, reports

for work; ACU Hussain

Ahmed; and Chief

Steward Brian Burchett.

MANOA APL PPHILIPPINES

LURLINE

CAPE MMOHICAN

Clockwise (from top left): SIU San

Francisco Rep Archie Ware and Bob

Rogers, VP Operations at IUM; AB

Jimmy Crate and Bosun Stephen

Garay; and Chief Steward Louis Morris.

Ivan Zuluaga Gomez
Chief Steward

ACU Mohamed Wasel,
Chief Steward Jill Prescott

Sailing into San Francisco

Steven Sun
Chief Cook

Muckbil Shaibi
ACU

Bonifacio Lozada
Chief Cook

Lucille Aguilar
Chief Steward

23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/25/2004 9:15 PM Page 9



10 Seafarers LOG July 2004

Scenes from the
Far East Aboard
the LNG Libra

The SIU-crewed Libra, a liquid natur-
al gas carrier, was launched in the United
States in 1979. With a capacity of
126,300 cubic meters, the vessel carries
its load from Indonesia to Japan. The
carrier is owned by BGT, Ltd. and man-
aged by Pronav Ship Management.

AB David W. Collins took most of
the photos appearing on this page, and
Bosun Frank P. Hedge sent them to the
LOG.

Other SIU members aboard the LNG
Libra during the voyage included ABs
Craig A. Pare, Lyle J. McCorison,
Hector Barnes, Dennis M. Byrne and
Robert Triano; QMEDs Paul E.
Peterson, John G. Knott and Tran P.
Luu; GUDE Brian D. McBride;
Steward Vernon S. Thibodeaux; Chief
Cook Jose E. Guzman; and SAs Jabr
A. Matari, Paul Armstrong and Luis A.
Sepulveda.

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July 2004 Seafarers LOG 11

Boat Lifting in Long Beach

A recent visit by SIU Port
Agent John Cox to the Port
of Long Beach, Calif. found

Seafarer Paul Jernstrom
(right) lifting one of

American Marine Corp.’s
dive boats from the pier to

the water. The boat is pow-
ered through a transformer
on an “alternative maritime
power” (AMP) barge, elimi-

nating stack emissions.

The Israel Bonds National
Labor Division was created to
perpetuate the historic ties
between North American trade
unionists and Israel. Under
National Labor Division aus-
pices, local, state and internation-
al trade unions have expressed
support for Israel through events,
delegations to Israel and invest-
ment in Israel bonds.

AFL-CIO President John
Sweeney has endorsed the invest-
ment in Israel bonds, declaring,
“We will continue to support the
State of Israel by purchasing the
bonds that build and strengthen
Israel’s economic infrastructure
and create jobs for union workers
in Israel.”

Israel bond investments are
helping to bring the following

projects—all of which will be
built with union labor—to
fruition:
� Laying the latest stretch of the

Trans-Israel Highway, which
eventually will connect the
northern and southern sections
of the country.

� Developing a new community
in the Negev.

� Constructing what will ulti-
mately be the world’s largest

desalination plant along
Israel’s Mediterranean coast.

� Expanding Israel’s interna-
tional airport.

� Creating a light rail system to
alleviate traffic and pollution.
Labor’s solidarity with Israel

has remained steadfast for
decades. At its annual convention
in 1917, the American Federation
of Labor passed the movement’s
first resolution in support of

Jewish people’s right to establish
an independent nation in their
historic homeland. At its 2001
constitutional convention, the
AFL-CIO issued an unequivocal
statement reaffirming Israel’s
right to exist in peace and securi-
ty.

“The strong, durable relation-
ship between the AFL-CIO and
the State of Israel is a source of
great pride to everyone associated
with the American labor move-
ment,” Sweeney noted. “Our sup-
port for Israel is based on com-
mon values and ideals rooted in
democracy and the inalienable
rights of working men and
women.”

Morton Bahr, president of the
Communications Workers of
America, pointed out, Labor’s
ties with Israel pre-date the estab-
lishment of the state, and have
only strengthened over the years.
Israel is the only place in the
Middle East where free trade
unionism is a fact of life.”

Cecil Roberts, International
President of the United Mine
Workers of America, added, “We
reach out to the people and State

of Israel because they deserve the
support of the American labor
movement.”

The Israel Bonds organization
itself was founded in 1951. It
serves as a bridge between Israel
and its friends and supporters
throughout the world.

For more information, visit
www.israelbonds.com.

SIU President Set for Award
SIU President Michael Sacco has been chosen to receive the

Ben-Gurion Labor Award from the State of Israel Bonds National
Labor Division, in recognition of the union’s decades of support for
the State of Israel. The award will be presented in November in
Washington, D.C.

National Labor Division
Helps Unions Back Israel
Federation Continues Supporting Bonds Program

AFL-CIO President
John Sweeney

The 2004 United Seamen’s
Service (USS) Admiral of the
Ocean Sea Award will be present-
ed to Raymond P. Ebeling, chair-
man and president of American
Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC),
and Robert P. Magee, chairman
and CEO of Totem Ocean Trailer
Express (TOTE).

The honors will be awarded at
an industry dinner and dance
scheduled for Nov. 5 at the
Sheraton New York Hotel and
Towers in New York City. John
Bowers, chairman of the USS
AOTOS Committee and presi-
dent of the International Long-
shoremen’s Association, AFL-
CIO, made the announcement.

“These two industry leaders
from management we salute this
year represent the finest in
American spirit,” said Bowers.
“Mr. Ebeling’s career has
spanned some of the finest com-
panies in American shipping and
Bob Magee has been a career
maritime man at sea, on shore
and in shipbuilding.”

Bowers added, “Our recipients
have been selected by those who
know them best—international
transportation leaders who under-
stand very well the challenges
and issues that confront United
States shipping and American
seafarers and who wish to recog-
nize leadership in this area.”

Raymond Ebeling and Robert
Magee led the field of nominees
for the award, solicited by USS
from more than 200 maritime
management, labor and govern-
ment officials. All proceeds from
the event benefit USS communi-
ty services abroad for the U.S.
Merchant Marine and those of
other free world countries. Both
recipients will share the evening
with a group of American seafar-
ers who will be honored for spe-
cific acts of bravery at sea.

Ebeling has been president
and chairman of SIU-contracted
ARC, a U.S.-flag liner service
ocean carrier, since 1990. The
carrier operates three American-
flag ships between the United
States and Northern Europe, and

two U.S.-flag vessels between the
U.S. and the Mediterranean and
Black Seas, and the latter of
which carry most of the U.S. mil-
itary vehicles in those trades. He
also is president and chairman of
American Auto Logistics (AAL),
a logistics management firm that
manages the worldwide move-
ment of military service mem-
ber’s vehicles for the U.S.
Department of Defense.

Ebeling has served on several
advisory commissions to the U.S.
government including appoint-
ment by President Bush as Com-
missioner on the Advisory Com-
mission on Conferences in Ocean
Shipping. Ebeling was awarded
the National Transportation
Award by the National Defense
Transportation Association (NDTA)
and the Herb Brand Award by the
AFL-CIO Maritime Trades
Department for “dedication to a
strong and viable American
Maritime Industry.”

Robert Magee’s professional
career has always been associated
with the maritime industry. A
graduate of the U.S. Merchant
Marine Academy at Kings Point,
he served as a deck officer before
becoming a manager with Sun
Shipbuilding, where he was
instrumental in establishing a
new Sun Shipbuilding subsidiary,
Seafarers-contracted Totem

Ocean Trailer Express, Inc.
Following a stint as senior

vice president with Puerto Rico
Marine Management, Inc., he
returned to TOTE as vice presi-
dent and later as chairman and
CEO. The American Shipping
Group he now heads is a holding
company that comprises the blue
water domestic and military sup-
port shipping businesses of
Saltchuk Resources. These busi-
nesses include: Totem Ocean
Trailer Express, which owns and
operates five ships and 1,500
trailers and serves the main-
land/Alaska trade; Sea Star Line
L.L.C., which operates between
Florida and Puerto Rico with two
RO/RO-container vessels and is a
partnership with Matson Naviga-
tion and Taino Star Investments;
and Interocean Ugland Man-
agement, a technical ship man-
agement and ship crewing com-
pany that manages and operates
22 vessels—11 of which are in
the U.S. Maritime Admin-
istration’s Ready Reserve Force.

His achievements have includ-
ed an awareness of environmen-
tal responsibilities. The new
TOTE diesel-electronic Orca
class vessels, have received
awards for environmental design
elements from government enti-
ties in the United States and
Canada.

Raymond Ebeling, Robert Magee
Selected for 2004 AOTOS Award

Raymond P. Ebeling, chairman
and president, American
Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier

Robert P. Magee,
chairman and CEO,

Totem Ocean Trailer Express

Attention Seafarers:

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12 Seafarers LOG July 2004

The Great Lakes region represents a multi-billion dollar
component of the United States economy, and SIU members
consistently do their part to keep waterborne cargo safely mov-
ing throughout the area.

Seafarers transport approximately half of all cargo that is
shipped on Lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario and
Superior. SIU members in those areas sail aboard self-unload-
ers, cement carriers, tankers, tugs and barges, dredges and
more. The largest SIU-crewed ships on the Great Lakes exceed

1,000 feet apiece.
Cargoes consist of iron ore, stone, coal, cement, salt, sand,

grain and liquid-bulk products. The region’s top economic
activities include steel production (which relies on some of the
aforementioned cargoes), industrial manufacturing and agri-
culture.

SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski noted
that Great Lakes shipping “has been very good this year.
We’ve got jobs ranging from 30 to 120 days, and we’ve seen

m
r
r
s

p
y
th

ABs Larry Curnow (top) and John
Anderson work on the deck of the
Joseph H. Frantz at fitout in
Toledo, Ohio.

Aboard the Indiana Harbor at the
Detroit Edison plant in St. Clair, Mich.
are UA Jamal Ricks (left) and AB
William Padgett.

AB Ray Spooner operates the hatch crane aboard the
American Mariner.

Hosing down the cargo hold on
the Indiana Harbor is AB James
Davison. Ahmed Kaid is an SA on the John J. Boland.

AB Brendan Murphy works on the boom
on board the Joseph H. Frantz.

The gateman on the
Sam Laud is Baisel

Kuvshinikov.

AB Mike Locke tends to the lines on
the deck of the Great Lakes Towing
tug Idaho in Toledo, Ohio.

AB Charles Richardson works
during fitout on the Sam Laud
in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

Bon

Harry Petersen, the 2nd cook on the
Buffalo, gives the pot a stir.

The use of safety gear is important
when working aboard the Southdown
Conquest.

Bosun Mike “Irish” Keogh hoses down the cargo hold aboard the
John J. Boland after unloading coal at the U.S. Steel plant in Detroit.

Unl
lear

23499_p3,5(cx),6,11_13.qxd 6/24/2004 4:13 PM Page 12



July 2004 Seafarers LOG 13

more and more members who normally sail deep sea, taking
relief jobs on the lakes. That’s a credit to the new shipping
rules and the new (Great Lakes) agreement that’s similar to the
standard contract for deep sea.”

For the year, Great Lakes cargoes are up significantly—
partly because of better weather this year compared to last
year. In the past, U.S.-flag Great Lakes ships have moved more
than 125 million tons in a year.

The increased traffic in 2004 is good news for Seafarers,

but it’s not the only welcome story in that region. In recent
months, employees at two companies (Laken Shipping and
also Buffalo Industrial Diving) voted to join the SIU. Also,
SIU-contracted Hannah Marine recently brought in a new oil
barge.

“These developments all point to people having confidence
in the SIU, confidence in our crews,” Orzechowski said. “They
know we’re in this for the long haul and we’re committed to
providing well-trained, loyal crew members.”

From the left aboard the Sam Laud are DEU Ahmed Nasser,
DEU Ken Troy and AB Walter Sipper. Bosun Ron Bochek (left) directs the DEU oper-

ating the hatch crane aboard the Sam Laud.

Bonita Vineyard is an OS on board the Southdown Challenger.

Serving up some
lunch on the American
Mariner is 2nd Cook
Phil Martin.

All is well aboard the Southdown Conquest. From the left are AB Mike Kelley, Cook
Gerald Rifenbark, AB Larry Budnick, AMO Engineer Don McDonald and AB Brian
Goudy.

DEU Abdul Ghaleb operates the hatch
crane aboard the John J. Boland.

AB Mike Kelley works on the deck of
the Southdown Conquest.

SA William Agnello poses in the galley
of the Buffalo.

Unlicensed Apprentices Timothy Bauer (left) and Mark Kane (right)
learn from Conveyorman Richard Mullins aboard the John J. Boland.

23499_p3,5(cx),6,11_13.qxd 6/24/2004 4:13 PM Page 13



14 Seafarers LOG July 2004

SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS

Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes
It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of

any change of address.

Update Your Beneficiary Designations
Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your bene-

ficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation.

Inform the Plan of Your Divorce
In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage

(under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your
spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy
of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.

Full-time College Students
If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a let-

ter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.

Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
P.O. Box 380
Piney Point, MD 20674

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN —

COBRA NOTICE
HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION

Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage
in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act,
better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their
benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end.

A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan
coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or
her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible
for medical benefits.

The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the
result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result
of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules.

If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning
these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are impor-
tant deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the
participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights.

This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific
District Supplemental Benefits Plan, Inc., EIN 94-1431246, for
the year ended July 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed
with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. has
committed itself to pay all supplemental benefits.

Basic Financial Statements
The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of

the plan was $2,109,227 as of July 31, 2003, compared to
$2,535,841 as of August 1, 2002. During the plan year, the plan
experienced a decrease in its net assets of $426,614. During the
plan year, the plan had total income of $8,612,666, including
employer contributions of $8,567,523, earnings from invest-
ments of $42,841 and other income of $2,302.

Plan expenses were $9,039,280. These expenses included
$472,106 in administrative expenses, and $8,567,174 in bene-
fits paid to participants and beneficiaries.

Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual

report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below
are included in that report.

1. An accountant’s report;
2. Financial information and information on payments to

service providers;

3. Assets held for investment; and
4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part there-

of, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental
Benefits Plan, Inc., at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
94102; telephone number (415) 437-6832. The charge to cover
copying costs will be $2.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25
per page for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administra-
tor, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and
liabilities of the plan and the accompanying notes, or a state-
ment of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying
notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report
from the plan administrator, these two statements and the
accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The
charge to cover copying costs does not include a charge for the
copying of these portions of the report because these portions
are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the
annual report at the main office of the plan at 1422 Market
Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, and at the U.S. Department of
Labor Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S.
Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests
to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure
Room, Room N5638, Employee Benefits Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution
Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR
SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN

This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 94-
6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with
the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement
Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were

$12,590,672. These expenses included $920,244 in administrative expenses and
$11,670,428 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 3,929 persons
were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although
not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was
$137,395,691 as of July 31, 2003, compared to $139,693,037 as of August 1, 2002.
During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $2,297,346.
This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan
assets; that is the difference between the value of the Plan’s assets at the end of the
year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets
acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $10,293,326, including
employer contributions of $34,378, gains of $1,175,214 from the sale of assets, earn-
ings from investments of $9,075,571 and other income of $8,163.

Minimum Funding Standards
An actuary’s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to

keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA.
Your Rights to Additional Information

You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof,
on request. The items listed below are included in that report:

1. An accountant’s report;
2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers;
3. Assets held for investment;
4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and
5. Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the

office of SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, who is the administrator, 1422 Market
Street, San Francisco CA 94102, telephone (415) 437-6850. The charge to cover
copying costs will be $9.50 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part
thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at
no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying
notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or
both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these
two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The
charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying
of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main
office of the plan, 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 and the U.S.
Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S.
Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department
should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N5638, Employee Benefits
Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, DC 20210.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR
SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS PLAN, INC

An official from SIU-contracted Crowley Liner
Services recently wrote to SIU President Michael
Sacco to convey appreciation for the efforts of offi-
cials at the union’s hall in Tacoma, Wash.

Edwin Colon, crewing coordinator at Crowley,
noted that in answering the call for the first two
phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom, “Many Crowley
Liner Services ships have been called into service
with very short notice and critical deadlines to meet
in order to deliver the goods and satisfy our obliga-
tions…. We would like to take this opportunity to
express our sincere appreciation for the invaluable
assistance rendered by the SIU hall in Tacoma,
Wash.”

Colon continued, “In particular, (Assistant Vice

President) Donnie Anderson has been a tremendous
help in many cases where we had very critical need
and he saved the day on such occasions. In addition,
(Port Agent) Bryan Powell and the other officials
there all regularly go above and beyond the call of
duty to assure the swift and effective crewing of our
ships and deal with any other labor issues that may
arise.”

He concluded, “As a union hall, we feel Tacoma
demonstrates a work ethic and commitment that
goes above and beyond most. We feel that the hard
work and commitment shown by this particular
group of individuals should be recognized and
rewarded. Please convey to them our gratitude and
appreciation.”

Crowley Credits SIU’s Tacoma Hall

Congratulations, Graduates!

SIU President Michael
Sacco (right photo, at
podium) offers his con-
gratulations and encour-
agement to graduates of
the unlicensed appren-
tice program June 11 at
the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and
Education, located in
Piney Point, Md. The
SIU president told the
graduates (also pictured
at left) that he is confi-
dent in a strong future
for the union, the school
and the entire U.S.
Merchant Marine. For
detailed information on
the apprentice program,
visit the Paul Hall Center
section of www.seafar-
ers.org.

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July 2004 Seafarers LOG 15

August & September 2004
Membership Meetings

ROBERT GOLDSON
Please contact Lucinda Jones at 3114 Dumbarton

Road, Richmond, VA 23228; telephone (804) 553-8181.

Personals

Piney Point .............Monday: August 2
................................Tuesday: September 7*
............................................*(change created by Labor Day holiday)

Algonac ..................Friday: August 6, September 10

Baltimore ................Thursday: August 5, September 9

Boston.....................Friday: August 6, September 10

Duluth .....................Wednesday: August 11, September 15

Guam ......................Thursday: August 19, September 23

Honolulu .................Friday: August 13, September 17

Houston ..................Monday: August 9, September 13

Jacksonville ............Thursday: August 5, September 9

Joliet .......................Thursday: August 12, September 16

Mobile ....................Wednesday: August 11, September 15

New Orleans ...........Tuesday: August 10, September 14

New York................Tuesday: August 3, September 7

Norfolk ...................Thursday: August 5, September 9

Philadelphia ............Wednesday: August 4, September 8

Port Everglades.......Thursday: August 12, September 16

San Francisco .........Thursday: August 12, September 16

San Juan..................Thursday: August 5, September 9

St. Louis..................Friday: August 13, September 17

Tacoma ...................Friday: August 20, September 24

Wilmington ...............Tuesday: August 17*
................................Monday: September 20
............................................*(change created by Paul Hall’s birthday holiday)

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

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2004

*TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED **REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups

Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Reliefs Class A Class B Class C

Port DECK DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 3 3
Baltimore 3 7 3 7 6 2 0 5 6 3
Guam 1 1 2 0 3 0 0 2 5 2
Honolulu 3 5 6 6 4 1 1 11 13 5
Houston 24 15 22 23 11 9 24 42 18 38
Jacksonville 38 38 16 22 30 6 21 63 44 33
Joliet 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Mobile 19 11 4 11 7 2 7 29 16 9
New Orleans 23 16 13 15 16 4 13 23 15 23
New York 32 22 14 19 21 9 26 45 25 33
Norfolk 14 15 7 10 12 6 12 21 27 11
Philadelphia 9 3 2 3 2 0 0 10 5 5
Piney Point 1 26 7 0 6 5 2 3 35 3
Puerto Rico 12 6 1 6 8 1 4 12 8 2
San Francisco 30 12 5 13 9 2 13 40 17 13
St. Louis 0 4 3 0 2 2 0 2 7 5
Tacoma 35 20 24 23 18 10 24 60 44 33
Wilmington 28 26 10 17 17 4 9 38 42 28
Totals 272 227 142 176 173 64 156 407 330 250

Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 3
Baltimore 4 5 0 5 4 1 1 5 5 0
Guam 1 1 0 1 3 0 1 1 2 0
Honolulu 4 2 0 10 1 0 5 11 8 1
Houston 13 5 10 11 4 3 5 16 15 13
Jacksonville 18 20 10 14 20 4 11 30 45 15
Joliet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mobile 7 7 4 4 5 1 2 12 7 4
New Orleans 4 9 1 9 4 1 2 13 18 6
New York 15 11 5 6 7 3 5 21 16 14
Norfolk 7 12 6 6 6 1 3 13 24 7
Philadelphia 3 4 1 0 4 1 2 6 4 1
Piney Point 1 1 0 4 2 0 1 3 2 0
Puerto Rico 3 4 1 3 5 0 8 3 2 1
San Francisco 8 15 0 8 8 1 9 17 16 2
St. Louis 2 1 2 1 0 1 1 3 4 2
Tacoma 9 16 3 5 8 1 6 20 25 8
Wilmington 8 12 4 3 8 2 3 14 14 9
Totals 107 125 47 91 89 22 65 188 208 86

Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 1
Baltimore 3 1 1 4 1 2 0 3 1 0
Guam 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Honolulu 9 4 0 10 5 0 3 17 9 1
Houston 18 6 1 9 2 3 6 25 6 5
Jacksonville 23 13 7 14 8 7 8 30 20 11
Joliet 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Mobile 10 4 1 4 3 0 0 11 8 1
New Orleans 11 5 0 6 4 0 3 15 10 2
New York 14 7 1 9 3 0 6 29 17 9
Norfolk 8 13 3 4 11 6 0 13 18 7
Philadelphia 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 4 1 0
Piney Point 4 4 0 2 2 0 0 6 5 0
Puerto Rico 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 4 1 0
San Francisco 26 4 2 17 3 1 9 39 7 2
St. Louis 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1
Tacoma 23 6 1 19 5 3 10 36 7 7
Wilmington 23 11 3 15 8 4 7 34 10 8
Totals 177 85 20 115 59 27 53 269 125 55

Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 2 4 0 1 2 0 0 2 5
Baltimore 0 4 4 0 5 0 0 0 1 7
Guam 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 3
Honolulu 5 12 4 7 5 2 0 4 25 17
Houston 5 13 25 3 16 7 0 8 20 42
Jacksonville 7 17 22 2 9 10 0 9 35 39
Joliet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Mobile 2 4 2 1 5 1 0 1 8 2
New Orleans 1 6 6 2 6 3 0 2 7 16
New York 3 28 33 0 20 4 0 8 51 70
Norfolk 0 8 14 0 2 11 0 0 16 17
Philadelphia 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 4
Piney Point 0 22 21 0 9 6 0 0 23 40
Puerto Rico 0 2 1 2 2 0 0 2 4 2
San Francisco 5 15 10 2 9 3 0 9 21 16
St. Louis 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1
Tacoma 8 21 25 3 12 7 0 10 34 45
Wilmington 6 8 16 2 3 3 0 6 15 28
Totals 42 165 189 24 105 59 0 59 272 354

Totals All
Departments 598 602 398 406 426 172 274 923 935 745

*“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port.
**“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port.

Union Plus gives Seafarers and their
families access to many cost-saving
benefits programs. The SIU partici-
pates in a number of the programs,
including credit card, mortgage and

real estate, life insurance, health savings, auto insur-
ance, education services and more. Below is one of the
newer options. For more information, visit Union Plus at
www.unionplus.org.

23499_p15,17_19,22,23.qxd 6/23/2004 2:08 PM Page 15



16 Seafarers LOG July 2004

Seafarers International Union
Directory

Michael Sacco, President

John Fay, Executive Vice President

David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer

Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts

Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters

Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast

Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast

Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast

Kermett Mangram,
Vice President Government Services

René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large

Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large

HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746

(301) 899-0675

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

(810) 794-4988

ALTON
325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002

(618) 462-3456

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

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

BOSTON
Marine Industrial Park/EDIC

27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210
(617) 261-0790

DULUTH
324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802

(218) 722-4110

GUAM
P.O. Box 31542, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242

125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E
Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911

(671) 647-1350

HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 845-5222

HOUSTON
1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206

(904) 353-0987

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

NEW YORK
635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232

(718) 499-6600
Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767

NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 622-1892

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

(215) 336-3818

PINEY POINT
P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674

(301) 994-0010

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

(954) 522-7984

SAN FRANCISCO
350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 543-5855
Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400

SANTURCE
1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16

Santurce, PR 00907
(787) 721-4033

ST. LOUIS
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) 549-4000

PIC-FROM-THE-PAST

NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report
MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2004

TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups

Group I Group II Group III Group I Group II Group III Reliefs Group I Group II Group III

Port DECK DEPARTMENT

Boston 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Houston 10 0 4 11 0 3 11 29 5 30

Jacksonville 2 0 1 7 0 2 2 12 4 7

New Orleans 4 1 2 3 1 0 2 11 5 13

New York 14 1 3 12 3 3 9 36 3 0

Norfolk 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0

Tacoma 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0

Wilmington 9 1 5 9 1 5 5 21 8 0

Totals 40 3 15 44 5 13 30 130 25 50

Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT

Boston 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

Houston 3 1 0 6 3 0 4 13 6 19

Jacksonville 5 0 0 4 0 0 3 10 4 5

New Orleans 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 6 1 11

New York 10 2 2 5 0 2 4 14 3 0

Norfolk 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0

Tacoma 1 1 2 1 0 2 3 3 1 0

Wilmington 6 0 3 3 0 2 1 20 2 0

Totals 27 4 8 20 3 6 18 68 17 35

Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT

Boston 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Houston 1 1 2 1 0 2 2 7 3 20

Jacksonville 4 1 0 3 1 0 2 7 1 4

New Orleans 2 1 1 2 0 0 1 6 4 11

New York 4 4 1 2 3 1 3 10 16 0

Norfolk 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0

Tacoma 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 0

Wilmington 6 2 3 4 0 3 1 10 5 1

Totals 19 9 8 14 4 7 11 42 31 36

Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT

Boston 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Houston 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

Jacksonville 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

New Orleans 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

New York 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0

Norfolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 3

Totals All
Departments 86 16 31 78 12 26 67 222 73 121

This photo was sent

to the LOG by Adonis
Ard Sr. of Bogalusa,

La. It was taken in

November 1967 in

front of the mess hall

at the Seafarers Harry

Lundeberg School of

Seamanship in Piney

Point, Md.

Ard, now 53, is the

young man on the

right. He doesn’t

remember the two

other students. Can

anyone identify them?

Still sailing as an AB,

Ard most recently

worked aboard the

Lykes Navigator.

If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share
with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way,
Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested.

23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/25/2004 9:36 PM Page 16



July 2004 Seafarers LOG 17

Welcome Ashore
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 waterways 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
ALI M. ABDULLA, 66, began
his seafaring career in 1991 in the
port of New York. He first
shipped on the PFC William
Baugh. Born in Yemen, Brother
Abdulla worked in the steward
department. He last sailed aboard
the Sea-Land Integrity and is a
resident of Dearborn, Mich.

NICK ANDREWS, 67, began
his career with the SIU in 1978 in
Seattle. Brother Andrews was
born in Greece and shipped in the
steward department. He complet-
ed steward recertification training
in 1987 at the union’s affiliated
school in Piney Point, Md.
Brother Andrews first went to sea
aboard the Westward Venture and
last sailed aboard the Horizon
Challenger. Brother Andrews
lives in his native country.

PATRICK
CORLESS,
65, was born
in Altoona, Pa.
Brother
Corless joined
the SIU in
1990 in the
port of Piney

Point, Md., initially sailing
aboard the Cape Florida. A U.S.
Army veteran, Brother Corless
shipped in the engine department.
He upgraded his skills on numer-
ous occasions at the Paul Hall
Center in Piney Point, Md. His
last ship was the Captain Steven
L Bennett. Brother Corless makes
his home in Ft. Myers, Fla.

JACK GARTON, 65, hails from
Iowa. After serving in the U.S.
Coast Guard, Brother Garton
joined the SIU in 1972 in Seattle.
He shipped in the steward depart-
ment and upgraded his skills
often at the Paul Hall Center in
Piney Point, Md. Brother Garton
last sailed aboard the Northern
Lights. He resides in Seattle.

RICHARD
HOUGH-
TON, 65,
began his sea-
faring career
in 1980 in
Houston. Born
in Phila-
delphia, he
shipped in the deck department
and was a frequent upgrader at
the Paul Hall Center. Brother
Houghton last sailed on the
Liberty Sun. He continues to live
in Houston.

HUSSEIN M.
NASSER, 65,
started his
career with the
SIU in 1979 in
the port of
Wilmington,
Calif. An
engine depart-

ment member, he sailed primarily
aboard vessels operated by CSX
Lines including the Sea-Land
Shining and the Exchange.
Brother Nasser was born in
Yemen and makes his home in
Dearborn, Mich.

JAMES OSBEY, 65, joined the
SIU in 1964 in New Orleans. He

worked in the steward department
and last went to sea aboard the
Sea-Land Pride. Brother Osbey
makes his home in Houston.

HIGOLD
SCHULTZE,
70, joined the
SIU in 1992 in
the port of
New York.
Born in
Argentina, his
first voyage
was aboard the ITB Baltimore.
Brother Schultze sailed in the
engine department and upgraded
his skills often at the Paul Hall
Center. He most recently sailed
on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s
Sgt. Matej Kocak. North Miami
Beach, Fla. is his home.

CHARLES
SCOTT, 70,
began his
career with the
SIU in 1959 in
the port of
New York. His
first ship was
the Coeur

D’Alene Victory. Brother Scott
worked in the steward department
and upgraded his skills in 1980
when he completed steward
recertification training at the Paul
Hall Center. His last voyage was
aboard Pacific-Gulf Marine’s
Equity State. Brother Scott was
born in Arkansas. He now calls
Webster, Texas home.

Inland
NORMAN
HANCOCK
SR., 65, start-
ed his SIU
career in 1973
in St. Louis
after serving
in both the
U.S. Army
and U.S. Air Force. Boatman
Hancock worked in the deck
department and on numerous
occasions enhanced his skills at
the Paul Hall Center. He last
shipped aboard the Buffalo
Soldier. Boatman Hancock was
born in St. Louis. He currently
resides in Farmington, Mo.

Editor’s Note: The following
brothers and sisters, all former
members of the National Maritime
Union (NMU) and participants in
the NMU Pension and Trust,
recently went on pension.

JUAN
ADAMS, 65,
embarked on
his NMU
career in 1967.
He first
shipped out of
the New York
port aboard

the Constitution. Born in St.
Croix, V.I., Brother Adams last
sailed on the Pacifico.

CORNEAL
BRAXTON,
70, launched
his NMU pro-
fession in
1978. Brother
Braxton’s first
ocean voyage
was aboard the

American Lark. Born in Mobile,
Ala., he worked in the steward
department. Brother Corneal last
went to sea on the Cape Hudson.

JOSE
GARCIA, 68,
hails from La
Habana, Cuba.
Brother Garcia
launched his
career with the
NMU in 1996,
initially sail-

ing aboard the Cape Horn.
Brother Garcia worked in the
steward department. His last ship
was the Chesapeake Bay.

JAMES
GARRITY,
68, began his
seafaring
career with the
NMU in 1976.
Brother
Garrity was
born in
Liverpool, England. He worked
in the deck department and made
his last voyage on the Lykes
Liberator.

JAMES
HILL, 60,
launched his
seafaring
career with the
NMU in 1964
in San Fran-
cisco. Brother
Hill was born

in the Philippines. His first ship
was the Exminster. Brother Hill
shipped as a member of the
engine department.

LEROY HOCKINS, 66, was
born in Philadelphia. He joined
the NMU in 1964 in the port of
New York. A deck department
member, Brother Hockins first

shipped aboard the Gorden.
His last ship was the Louise
Lykes.

GEORGE
HUDDLE-
STON, 63,
began his pro-
fession with
the NMU in
1965. Born in
San Pedro,
Calif., his first
voyage was aboard the Volunteer
State. Brother Huddleston worked
in the engine department and last
went to sea on the Cape Island.

MOISES
MARTINEZ,
81, started
sailing with
the NMU in
1968 from the
port of Phila-
delphia. His
first ship was

the African Grove. Brother
Martinez was born in Puerto Rico
and was a member of the steward
department. He last worked
aboard the Texaco Maryland.

JUAN
RAMIREZ,
70, joined the
NMU in 1969
in the port of
New York.
Brother
Ramirez ini-
tially went to
sea on the United States. The
Puerto Rico-born mariner shipped
in the steward department and
last sailed aboard the American
Archer.

LORENE ROBINSON, 59, hails
from Los Angeles. Sister

Robinson
started her
career with the
NMU in 1980
in the port of
Wilmington,
Calif. Her first
ship was the
Howell Lykes

and her last was the Cape
Hudson. Sister Robinson worked
in the steward department.

GHALEB
SALEH, 65,
joined the
NMU in 1966.
The Yemen-
born mariner
first sailed
aboard the
American
Falcon. He shipped in the engine
department.

RONALD SMITH, 55,
embarked on his NMU profession
in 1977. His first ship was the
USNS Shoshone. Born in Nampa,
Idaho, Brother Smith worked as a
member of the steward depart-
ment. He last sailed on the
Fredericksburg.

In addition to the foregoing indi-
viduals, the following NMU broth-
ers went on pension effective the
date indicated.

Name Age EDP

Cepedes, Salvador 72 May 1

Esquibel, Alberto 58 May 1

Johnson, Gerald 71 May 1

Williams, Wells 61 May 1

Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG.

1944
The War Shipping Administration has estab-
lished new rules for
medical examinations
for merchant seamen.
The new directive
requires a complete
annual physical exami-
nation for all seafarers
shipping aboard WSA
ships in addition to
the regular signing-on
physical. The WSA designated that the U.S.
Department of Public Health and its facilities
be in charge of implementing the new regula-
tions. It also established that any seaman who
does not pass a physical examination can
appeal the rejection in accordance with the
provisions of his collective bargaining agree-
ment.
The WSA also established a requirement that
seamen be required to take immunization shots
when their vessels will be proceeding into
pestilence areas.

1966
Earl Shepard, vice president in charge of the
Atlantic Coast, has been assigned the responsi-
bility of meeting SIU Atlantic and Gulf Coast

manpower needs. The Vietnam War has put
great pressure on the existing SIU manpower,
but the SIU has always provided enough men
to man the needed ships. The SIU, through its

extensive upgrading
and training programs,
is able to provide a
pool of manpower to
meet sudden crises,
such as the Vietnam
call-up. The break-out
of vessels from the
reserve fleet has
meant that more jobs

are available to SIU men, and the union has
effectively filled them.

1994
SIU members in the port of San Juan, P.R.
last month helped pull a grounded oil tanker
to safety without spilling any of the 13 million
gallons of fuel oil the runaway-flag vessel was
carrying. Seafarers aboard tugs operated by
Crowley Maritime moved the Greek-flagged,
Liberian-owned Mantinia safely into Guayanilla
Bay. The 749-foot ship had been grounded in
sand.
Other SIU members were standing by with oil
containment booms and skimming equipment
in case of a spill. SIU tankermen also were on
hand in case the Mantinia needed to be light-
ened before the move.

This Month

In SIU History

23499_p15,17_19,22,23.qxd 6/23/2004 2:09 PM Page 17



18 Seafarers LOG July 2004

Final Departures
DEEP SEA

PAUL ANDERSEN
Pensioner Paul
Andersen, 89,
passed away
March 14.
Brother An-
dersen launched
his seafaring
career in 1946
in the port of
New York. He

was born in Denmark and worked in
the deck department. Brother Ander-
sen initially sailed on a Louisiana
Sulphur Carrier vessel. His final
voyage was on the Arecibo, a Puerto
Rico Marine Management vessel.
Brother Andersen resided in Florida
and went on pension in 1978.

GEORGE BERTHOLD
Pensioner
George
Berthold, 93,
died Feb. 23.
Brother
Berthold was
born in New
Orleans and
joined the SIU
there in 1951.

The U.S. Army veteran was a mem-
ber of the engine department.
Brother Berthold last went to sea on
the Sea-Land McLean. He called
Foley, Ala. home and started receiv-
ing his retirement income in 1977.

KENNETH BETHEA
Brother Kenneth Bethea, 45, passed
away Jan. 20. Brother Bethea joined
the SIU in 1989 in the port of
Jacksonville. He initially shipped
with Crowley Towing & Transport
Co. The steward department mem-
ber’s last voyage was on the Sea-
Land Performance. Brother Bethea
resided in his native state of Florida.

VINCENT CARAFA
Pensioner
Vincent Carafa,
75, died Jan.
15. Brother
Carafa joined
the SIU in 1967
in the port of
San Francisco.
He first went to
sea on the

Panoceanic Faith. The Penn-
sylvania-born mariner sailed in the
deck department, last working
aboard the Sea-Land Mariner. He
lived in Santa Rosa, Calif. and began
receiving retirement compensation in
1992.

JOSE CORTES
Pensioner Jose
Cortes, 83,
passed away
Feb. 12.
Brother Cortes
began his SIU
career in 1946
in the port of
Baltimore. His
first voyage

was aboard an A.H. Bull Steamship
Co. vessel. Brother Cortes shipped
in the deck department, last sailing
on the Seattle. He made his home in
Puerto Rico and went on pension in
1982.

FRANK CUNNINGHAM
Pensioner Frank Cunningham, 80,
died Feb. 5. Brother Cunningham
became a Seafarer in 1953. The deck
department member shipped as a
bosun, most recently aboard the
Overseas Ohio. He began receiving
retirement stipends in 1987. Brother
Cunningham resided in Mathis,
Texas.

MANNING DAVIS
Pensioner Manning Davis, 78, died
Jan. 29, 2003. Brother Davis was
born in Louisiana and embarked on

his career with
the Marine,
Cooks & Stew-
ards (MC&S)
in 1965 in San
Francisco. He
made his home
in Oakland,
Calif. and went
on pension in
1979.

RAYMOND DAVIS
Pensioner
Raymond
Davis, 77,
passed away
Nov. 3, 2003.
Brother Davis
began his sea-
faring career in
1953 in the port
of New York.

Born in Athol, Mass., he was a
member of the engine department.
Brother Davis first went to sea on
Delta Steamship Lines’ Del Alba.
His last voyage was aboard the
Overseas Ulla. Brother Davis began
receiving retirement compensation in
1983. He lived in Contoocook, N.H.

LLOYD HAWKINS
Pensioner Lloyd Hawkins, 88, died
Feb. 8. Brother Hawkins joined the
MC&S in San Francisco. He resided
in Houston and began receiving his
pension in 1978.

JOHN HAYES
Brother John
Hayes, 63,
passed away
Jan. 20. He
joined the SIU
in 1966 in the
port of New
York. Brother
Hayes initially
sailed aboard

Waterman Steamship Corp.’s
Madaket. The deck department
member’s last voyage was on the
Sea-Land Discovery. Brother Hayes
was born in New York but called
San Juan, P.R. home.

JUAN HERNANDEZ
Pensioner Juan
Hernandez, 79,
died March 25.
Brother
Hernandez
started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1953 in the port
of Baltimore.

Born in Manati, P.R., he was a veter-
an of the U.S. Army. Brother
Hernandez sailed in the engine
department, initially working aboard
an Ore Navigation vessel. He last
worked on the Sea-Land Expedition.
Brother Hernandez made his home
in Davie, Fla. and went on pension
in 1989.

WALTER MCCALLUM
Pensioner
Walter
McCallum, 85,
died Feb. 14.
After serving in
the U.S. Navy,
Brother
McCallum
embarked on
his SIU career

in 1966 in the port of Wilmington,
Calif. The New York-born mariner
shipped in the engine department
and worked primarily aboard vessels
operated by Sea-Land/CSX Lines.
Brother McCallum resided in
Yountville, Calif. and began receiv-
ing stipends for his retirement in
1984.

SCOTT MILLS
Brother Scott Mills, 49, passed away
Feb. 13. He joined the SIU in 2001.
A member of the deck department,

Brother Mills also sailed in the
inland division. He was born in
Georgia and resided in Honolulu.
His last voyage was on Maersk
Line’s USNS Capable.

WILLIAM MITCHELL
Pensioner
William
Mitchell, 83,
died Jan. 27.
After serving in
the U.S. Navy,
Brother
Mitchell joined
the SIU in 1963
in the port of

Norfolk, Va. His first voyage was on
the Madaket. Born in South
Carolina, he sailed in the steward
department. Brother Mitchell last
went to sea aboard the Walter Rice.
He lived in Chesapeake Va. and
began receiving retirement compen-
sation in 1991.

INLAND
CALVIN BARLETTO
Boatman Calvin Barletto, 51, died
March 21. Born in Louisiana, he
launched his SIU career in 1978 in
New Orleans. He first sailed on a
Crescent Towing vessel. Boatman
Barletto last worked aboard a Moran
Towing of Texas vessel. He called
Franklin, La. home.

A.B. COCEK
Pensioner A.B. Cocek, 80, passed
away Jan. 14. Boatman Cocek joined
the union in 1967 in Houston, after
serving in the U.S. Army. The Texas
born-mariner sailed primarily aboard
vessels operated by G&H Towing.
Boatman Cocek shipped in the deck
department as a captain and went on
pension in 1986. Houston was his
home.

EDMOND RUBERTO
Boatman Edmond Ruberto, 57, died
February 25. The New Jersey-born
mariner joined the Seafarers in 1966
in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman
Ruberto initially worked aboard the
Geneva, a vessel operated by U.S.
Steel Corp. He shipped in the deck
department, last working aboard a
Maritrans vessel. Boatman Ruberto
called Rockhall, Md. home.

GREAT LAKES

WILLIAM COCHENET
Pensioner
William
Cochenet, 65,
died April 4.
Brother
Cochenet
joined the SIU
in 1960 in
Detroit. Born in
Wisconsin, his

first voyage was on an American
Steamship Co. vessel. Brother
Cochenet sailed in the engine depart-
ment, last working aboard the
Southdown Challenger. He resided
in Las Vegas and began receiving his
pension in 2000.

DONALD LING
Pensioner
Donald Ling,
73, died May 8.
Brother Ling
joined the SIU
in 1949 in
Detroit. He first
sailed aboard
the Bob-Lo
Island; his last

voyage was on the Steel Crapo. Born
in Port Huron, Mich., Boatman Ling
worked in the engine department. He
continued to live in Michigan and
began receiving his pension in 1997.

ANTONIO DIACCI
Pensioner Antonio Diacci, 80, died
May 27. Born in Yugoslavia, Brother
Diacci joined the SIU in 1969 in

Toledo, Ohio. He shipped primarily
aboard American Steamship Co. ves-
sels as a member of the engine
department. Brother Diacci, who
called Chicago home, went on pen-
sion in 1988.

FRANK SIWIK
Brother Frank
Siwik, 48,
passed away
March 14. He
launched his
seafaring career
in 1979 in
Detroit after
serving in the
U.S. Coast

Guard. Born in Michigan, Brother
Siwik sailed primarily aboard ves-
sels operated by American Steam-
ship Co. The deck department mem-
ber first went to sea on the J.T.
Hutchinson. His last voyage was on
the Indiana Harbor. Brother Siwik
called Detroit home.

Editor’s Note: The following broth-
ers, all former members of the
National Maritime Union (NMU) and
participants in the NMU Pension
Trust, have passed away.

DIONISIO AGUILAR
Pensioner Dionisio Aguilar, 80,
passed away April 26. Brother
Aguilar joined the NMU in 1945,
initially sailing aboard a Lykes
Brothers vessel. Born in Honduras,
his final voyage was on another
Lykes Brothers ship. Brother Aguilar
went on pension in 1968.

PEDRO ALVARADO
Pensioner Pedro
Alvarado, 82,
died May 14.
Brother
Alvarado start-
ed his seafaring
career with the
NMU in 1966,
first shipping
on the

American Forwarder. Born in
Honduras, he worked in the engine
department. Brother Alvarado last
sailed aboard the Export Champion.
He began receiving compensation
for his retirement in 1983.

MANUEL BARBOZA
Pensioner Manuel Barboza, 88,
passed away April 30. Brother
Barboza started sailing with NMU in
1932 from the port of Boston. He
worked in the steward department.
Brother Barboza’s final voyage was
aboard a Hess Petroleum vessel. He
went on pension in 1968.

HARRIS BLAKE
Pensioner
Harris Blake,
87, died May 5.
Brother Blake
was born in
Georgia. He
joined the
NMU in 1950,
first shipping
from the port of

Boston on the Reading. Brother
Blake worked in the steward depart-
ment and began receiving his pen-
sion in 1985.

ZOLLIE CLARK
Pensioner
Zollie Clark,
76, passed
away May 4.
Brother Clark
first sailed with
the NMU in
1945 aboard the
Ohio. He
worked in the

deck department, last sailing on the
American Trader. Brother Clark
went on pension in 1979.

THOMAS DAHER
Pensioner
Thomas Daher,
75, died May 7.
After joining
the NMU in
1963, his initial
voyage was
from the port of
New Bedford,
Mass. aboard

the Marthas Vineyard. He last went
to sea on the MV Islander. Brother
Daher worked as a member of the
deck department. He began receiv-
ing his pension in 1975.

SERGIO ESQUADRA
Pensioner
Sergio
Esquadra, 90,
passed away
May 7. Brother
Esquadra start-
ed his career
with the NMU
in 1944. Sailing
from the port of

New York, he first sailed on a Lykes
Brothers vessel. He was born in the
Philippines and worked in the stew-
ard department. Brother Esquadra
began collecting compensation for
his retirement in 1970.

RICHARD MITCHELL
Pensioner Richard Mitchell, 80, died
March 24. Brother Mitchell was
born in Georgia and joined the NMU
in 1964. He last shipped aboard the
Star Massachusetts and started
receiving his pension in 1984.

In addition to the foregoing individu-
als, the following NMU brothers and
sisters, all of whom were pensioners,
passed away on the dates indicated.

NAME AGE DOD

Adam, Hassen 82 May 16

Archie, Charles 71 April 29

Aviles, Ismael 82 April 25

Baran, Briggie 90 April 26

Brideau, Arthur 78 April 27

Brin, Alexandre 68 March 4

Camargo, Juan 81 March 6

Clarke, Walter 93 May 2

Colville, Frank 89 Dec 20

Coram, Ethelbert 84 Feb. 20

Daw, Mary 68 May 18

Emil, Edward 77 April 13

Farris, Earl 76 March 1

Franklin, Victor 96 April 30

Heinz,

Henry Elliot 68 May 6

Irizarry, Pablo 87 Dec. 23

Jones, John 70 May 1

Lopes, Howard 79 Jan. 18

Lorenzo, Luis 87 April 30

Mallard, Otis 78 May 13

Martin, Juan 77 April 13

Minnard, Melvin 82 April 27

Miskulin, Nicholas 74 May 18

Murphy, Cornelia 71 May 16

Myslinski, Stefan 89 May 11

Pedro, Christian 80 Feb. 27

Peele, Robert 67 May 4

Robinson, Donald 78 Dec. 25

Ryan, Donald 79 Jan. 2

Sanchez, Daniel 82 May 14

Stokes, Calvin 70 March 21

Tolcha, Samuel 85 March 1

Washington,
Johnnie 80 May 8

23499_p15,17_19,22,23.qxd 6/23/2004 2:14 PM Page 18



July 2004 Seafarers LOG 19

CAPE ISLAND (Crowley Liner
Services), April 25—Chairman
Stephen D. Castle, Secretary
Terry N. White, Educational
Director Stanley D. Castro,
Engine Delegate Allen E. Ward,
Steward Delegate Cynthia C.
Beatley. Chairman thanked crew
members for smooth trip and pro-
fessional job. Secretary reminded
everyone getting off to leave
rooms clean and place dirty linen
in bags. Educational director
emphasized educational opportuni-
ties available at Paul Hall Center
in Piney Point, Md. for upgrading
skills and ratings. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. Suggestion
made for contracts department to
look into increasing pension bene-
fits and decreasing seatime needed.
Request made for improved mail
service. Next port: Tacoma, Wash.

GT DILIGENCE (Maritrans),
April 29—Chairman Ronald L.
Paradise, Secretary Mary Lou
Smith, Educational Director
Arthur K. Outlaw, Engine
Delegate Patrick Carroll, Steward
Delegate Audry C. Flemings.
Chairman announced payoff April
30 in Jacksonville. He talked about
waste management program and
thanked deck department for job
well done. He expressed sympathy
on behalf of entire crew to family
of George McCartney, who will be
missed and thought of often.
Secretary thanked crew for helping
keep living areas orderly. Educa-
tional director encouraged Sea-
farers to upgrade skills at Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Communications
read from headquarters regarding
vacation pay and unemployment
benefits.

COLUMBIA (ATC), May 20—
Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton,
Secretary John F. Huyett,
Educational Director Ronald
Gordon, Deck Delegate Ramon
T. Guimba Jr., Engine Delegate
Detricke R. Kelly, Steward
Delegate Albert Sison. Secretary
reported on company applications
for new builds and explained pro-
cedure and time constraints.
Treasurer stated $5,576 in crew’s
fund of which $750 earmarked for
installation of XM radio antenna.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Recommendations made that funds
expended for fishing gear and
replacement DVD players be reim-
bursed. Next port: Long Beach,
Calif.

ENDURANCE (USSM), May
10—Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu,
Secretary Jesse B. Natividad Sr.,
Educational Director Tesfaye
Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate
Dennis A. Hurley, Engine
Delegate Teddie H. Carter,
Steward Delegate Thurman C.
Johnson. Chairman noted smooth
sailing. He talked about reflagged
passenger ships soon to be in oper-
ation around Hawaiian Islands,
which could mean more jobs for
SIU members. Ship’s fund, tem-
porarily held by captain, contains
about $1,100. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Suggestion made to
purchase dart set. Crew inquired

about having satellite reception
aboard ship.

ERIC G. GIBSON (Osprey Ship
Management), May 9—Chairman
Thomas E. Minton, Secretary
Steve E. Parker III, Educational
Director Doug Foley. Bosun
advised crew of letter written to
headquarters requesting clarifica-
tion of transportation issues. He
gave thanks to all departments for
job well done, with special kudos
to AB Robert“Mango” Hinckley
Jr. for his smooth crane skills
while loading ammunition.
Secretary thanked crew for helping
keep mess halls and lounge clean.
Educational director stressed
importance of attending upgrading
courses at Paul Hall Center. He
also encouraged Seafarers to con-
tribute to SPAD. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. Vessel has
gone from prepositioning status to
ammunition cargo carrier to grain
ship and back to container ship.
Crew members requested contract
to reflect that, mirroring contract
of American Tern or going to stan-
dard contract. Crew requested new
pillows, fitted sheets and fan.
Suggestion made to build saltwater
pool. Vote of thanks given to stew-
ard department for innovative
menus and barbecues. Next port:
Singapore.

HORIZON ANCHORAGE
(Horizon Lines), May 2—Chair-
man Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary
Amanda F. Suncin, Educational
Director William M. Pinkham,
Engine Delegate John R. Day.
Chairman announced payoff May
11 in Tacoma, Wash. Blanket day
off moved to next day. Coast
Guard inspection scheduled for
May 21 in Tacoma. Educational
director advised everyone to check
expiration dates on all documents
and renew in plenty of time. He
also spoke about new security
plans to go into effect July 1. No
beefs reported; OT issue in stew-
ard department to be discussed
with boarding patrolman at payoff.
Crew members asked to help keep
lounge and laundry areas clean.
Next ports: Anchorage and
Kodiak, Alaska.

HORIZON CONSUMER
(Horizon Lines), May 2—Chair-
man Jay C. Dillon, Secretary
Terry L. Allen, Educational
Director Donnel C. Tagart Jr.,
Deck Delegate John T. Emrich,
Engine Delegate Gregorio M.
Abalos Jr., Steward Delegate
Thomas E. Kleine. Chairman
announced payoff on arrival May 4
in Oakland, Calif. He thanked
crew for smooth, safe trip. Secre-
tary informed crew members about
new guidelines being drawn up for
port security scheduled to go into
effect July 1. He advised everyone
to have proper identification when
entering terminal. Educational
director encouraged Seafarers to
take advantage of upgrading
opportunities available at Paul Hall
Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Recommendation made
for contracts department to look
into increasing pension benefits
and lowering age requirement.
Suggestion made to start collection

for new movies and entertainment.
Crew members encouraged to sign
up for SPAD contributions when
filing for vacation. Next ports:
Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif.;
Honolulu.

HORIZON ENTERPRISE
(Horizon Lines), May 16—Chair-
man Roger J. Reinke, Secretary
Franchesca Rose, Educational
Director Mike J. Wells, Deck
Delegate Robert G. Crooks,
Engine Delegate Cecilio A.
Banga, Steward Delegate Alejo
Fabia. Chairman announced
arrival May 21 in Tacoma, Wash.
Payoff will take place after clear-
ing customs and immigration. New
security regulations go into effect
July 1. Everyone reminded to carry
current, up-to-date z-card to com-
ply with port security. Secretary
stated captain will conduct sanitary
inspection of cabins and boxes
May 20. He also discussed order-
ing of consumable food stores and
cleaning material. Educational
director reminded crew to allow
several months when renewing
Coast Guard documentation. He
also talked about upgrading cours-
es available at Piney Point and led
discussion about SPAD and how
that fund gets used. No beefs
reported; some disputed OT noted
in engine department. Written pro-
posals for next negotiating session
sent to contracts department. New
refrigerator installed in crew mess.
Engine and deck departments were
thanked for their work in moving,
installing and securing the appli-
ance. Vote of thanks given to stew-
ard department for two great bar-
becues. Thanks also given to
Oakland and Tacoma shoregangs
for all their help and support while
ship is in those ports. Next ports:
Tacoma; Oakland; Honolulu;
Guam.

HORIZON EXPEDITION
(Horizon Lines), May 9—Chair-
man Winston D. Thompson,
Secretary Michael J. Gramer,
Educational Director Glenn A.
Snow, Engine Delegate Eric D
Vieira, Steward Delegate Thomas
M. Kelly. Chairman stated he was
not sure whether ship would make
another trip before laying up.
Captain said he was very happy
with recent sanitation inspection
and thanked crew for their efforts
in getting ship ready on short
notice. If another voyage is made,
captain said there is a 35-day food
order ready. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Next port: Tacoma,
Wash.

HORIZON NAVIGATOR
(Horizon Lines), May 9—Chair-
man Werner H. Becher, Secretary
Vainuu L. Sili, Educational
Director Daniel F. Dean, Deck
Delegate Robert J. Natividad,
Steward Delegate Henry O.
Wright Jr. Chairman announced
payoff upon arrival May 11 in
Oakland, Calif. He advised crew
members to keep doors locked and
be aware of strangers or others
who may not belong aboard ship.
He thanked everyone for good job
separating plastic items from regu-
lar trash and asked that those get-
ting off ship leave set of clean
linen for next person. Secretary
stated everything running smooth-
ly. Educational director encour-
aged Seafarers to upgrade skills at
Paul Hall Center for better paying
jobs. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Suggestion made regard-
ing prescription benefits for sea-
men living abroad.

INNOVATOR (USSM), May 16—
Chairman Dirk W Adams, Secre-
tary Jose M. Bayani, Educational
Director Paul B. Flores, Deck
Delegate James D. Morgan,
Engine Delegate Adel B. Irani,

Steward Delegate Ahmed M.
Quraish. Chairman expressed con-
dolences to family of ARC
Director Rick Reisman, who died
March 8. He informed crew of
change in shipping rules. Secretary
thanked chairman, ABs and engine
department for jobs well done.
Educational director reminded
crew members of upgrading op-
portunities available at Piney Point
and of need to make sure all ship-
ping documents are up to date.
Treasurer stated $316 in ship’s
fund. No beefs reported; some dis-
puted OT noted in deck depart-
ment. Recommendation made for
contracts department to look into

reducing seatime needed for retire-
ment and to increase pension bene-
fits. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif.

INTEGRITY (USSM), May 16—
Chairman Domingo Leon Jr.,
Secretary Gerhard Schwarz,
Educational Director Dennis R.
Baker, Deck Delegate Alexander
Nicholson, Engine Delegate
Gregorio A. Blanco, Steward
Delegate Lonnie Jordan.
Chairman thanked crew for good
voyage. Secretary joined bosun in
asking those getting off ship to
leave clean linen for next person.
Educational director advised crew
members to check z-cards for
expiration date and leave plenty of
time for renewal. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. Suggestion
made to upgrade pension, medical
and dental benefits. Request made
for locker for crew storage. Thanks
given to steward department for
good job. Next ports: Elizabeth,
N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Miami;
Houston.

LNG VIRGO (Pronav), May 16—
Chairman Daniel S. Marcus,
Secretary John A. Palughi, Edu-
cational Director John W. Stew-
art, Deck Delegate Raymond
Naterlin, Steward Delegate
Joseph Welle. Chairman thanked
everyone for good, safe work.
Secretary reported cabin stores
ordered for Japan delivery are to
be delivered May 22. Educational
director encouraged crew members
to upgrade skills at Paul Hall
Center as often as possible.
Treasurer stated $500 in crew
fund. No beefs reported; some dis-
puted OT noted by engine dele-
gate. Clarification requested on
formula used for reliefs for vessel
and whether seniority matters in
being relieved. Suggestion made
for contracts department to look
into allowing full medical benefits
to retirees at age 55. New mat-
tresses will be ordered for entire

ship when in drydock. Any infor-
mation about extension or renewal
of contract would be welcome.
Next ports: Nagoya, Japan;
Bontang, Indonesia; Tobata, Japan.

MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk
Line Ltd.), May 13—Chairman
Carlton P. Hall, Secretary Hugh
E. Wildermuth, Educational
Director John A Collins Jr.,
Steward Delegate Radfan A.
Almaklani. Chairman announced
payoff May 18 in Newark, N.J. He
thanked everyone for doing a great
job. “Keep it up.” Secretary
expressed appreciation to crew for
keeping vessel clean and secure.

Educational director recommended
Seafarers attend upgrading classes
at Piney Point. He also suggested
they allow plenty of time when
renewing shipping documents.
Treasurer stated $1,652 in ship’s
fund. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Vote of thanks given to
steward department for outstand-
ing food and support.

USNS BELLATRIX (Amsea),
May 21—Chairman Wayne
Venison, Secretary Anthony L.
Curran, Educational Director
Francis C. Quebedeaux, Deck
Delegate Corrie J. Stockton,
Engine Delegate Michael L,
Mefferd. Chairman announced
arrival in Texas followed by layup
in Boston. Educational director
noted many new upgrading cours-
es available at Paul Hall Center.
Steward thanked everyone for
trouble-free and enjoyable voyage.
He asked departing crew to sort
laundry and place outside door
prior to departure. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. Thanks given
to steward department and store-
keeper for jobs well done.

USNS SISLER (Maersk Line
Ltd.), May 23—Chairman
Kenneth L. Steiner, Secretary
Walter J. Matt, Educational
Director Thomas P. Arthur, Deck
Delegate Dale Harrison, Engine
Delegate Pati F. Taototo, Steward
Delegate Kimberly A. Strate.
Vessel currently in Diego Garcia.
Chairman talked about security
and keeping safe while working
and on liberty. Educational director
encouraged crew members to
upgrade skills at Piney Point when
possible and contribute to SPAD.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Recommendation made regarding
pension plan. Request made to
replace refrigerator in crew lounge.
TV reception needs to be improved
for lounge area and staterooms.

Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings

The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard
minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space

limitations, some will be omitted.

Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department.
Those issues requiring 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.```

Payoff on the Endurance

SIU Wilmington, Calif. Safety Director Marshall Novack met with
Seafarers May 12 for a payoff on the Endurance in Los Angeles.
Pictured aboard the USSM vessel are (from left) QMED Teddie
Carter, Electrician Tes Gebregziabher, AB Dennis Hurley, AB Don
Pegram, Chief Cook Danny Guerrero, GSU Hassan Mohamed,
Chief Steward Jesse Natividad Sr. and Bosun Romeo Lugtu.

23499_p15,17_19,22,23.qxd 6/25/2004 9:27 PM Page 19



20 Seafarers LOG July 2004

THE
GALLEY

CORNER

(Editor’s note: The Seafarers
LOG reserves the right to edit
letters for grammar as well as
space provisions without chang-
ing the writer’s intent. The LOG
welcomes letters from members,
pensioners, their families and
shipmates and will publish them
on a timely basis.)

Former SSeafarer
Still AActive oon SShips

On my 17th birthday, I
joined the USMS and took
basic training at Catalina
Island in December 1944. I
later sailed with the NMU in
the Atlantic as a messman on
the USAT George Washington
and Laconia Victory. When
the war in Europe was over, I
sailed in the Pacific on the
Standard Oil tanker R.C.
Stoner and then back on the
East Coast aboard a collier, the
Walter D. Noyes.

I returned to California to
finish my schooling, never
sailing again except in 1985,
when I went on board the
German ship Lillooet, a 723-
foot RO/RO with rear ramp. I
worked as an ordinary seaman
and was the oldest person and
only American on the ship,
which had German officers
and engine crew and a Spanish
deck crew. I sailed as a work-
a-way passenger from Oak-

land, Calif. to Brisbane,
Australia and had 21 days
ashore while the ship went to
Sydney, Melbourne and back
to Brisbane, where I once
again boarded it. It then sailed
to Noumea and Suva and back
to Tacoma, Wash., where I
took a bus home.

Since I retired from the cor-
rectional system in California
in 1979, I have been a volun-
teer with the Coos Bay
Seamen’s Center for 21 years,
14 of those as manager (with
no pay). We closed the center
about two years ago for lack of
ships. However, now at age
76, I still board each ship that
stops here and take aboard
magazines, Christian tracts,
calendars in season, a map of
the area, and copies of the
Seafarers LOG.

My hobby is collecting old
or new paper money from
around the world and would
appreciate any donations. You
can write to me at the address
below or e-mail me at
buddy.san@verizon.net. All
letters or e-mails will be
answered.

Check out my web page at:
http://home1.gte.net/res0gtse.
Buddy Hincke
66642 East Bay Road, #50
North Bend, OR 97459

Letter to the Editor

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The
Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf,
Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU
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-trea-
surer. 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 recommendations.
Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommenda-
tions and separate findings.

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

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s
shipping rights and seniority are protected
exclusively 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 ship-
ping or seniority rights as contained in the
contracts between the union and the
employers, they should notify the
Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The proper
address for this is:

Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board

5201 Auth Way
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
Seafarers Appeals Board.

CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU con-
tracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and condi-
tions 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 filing for
overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in
the proper manner. If, at any time, a mem-
ber 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 tradi-
tionally has refrained from publishing any
article serving the political purposes of
any individual in the union, officer or
member. It also has refrained from pub-
lishing articles deemed harmful 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
responsibility 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
headquarters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU
Constitution 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, tri-
als, etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.

EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are
guaranteed 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 employ-
ers. Consequently, no member may be dis-
criminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.

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

MEMBER RIGHTS/LMRDA. The
Labor-Management Reporting and
Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees cer-
tain rights to union members and imposes
certain responsibilities on union officers.
The Office of Labor-Management
Standards (OLMS) enforces many
LMRDA provisions while other provi-
sions, such as the bill of rights, may only
be enforced by union members through
private suit in Federal court.

Union Member Rights
Bill of Rights: Union members have

equal rights to participate in union activi-
ties; freedom of speech and assembly; a
voice in setting rates of dues, fees and
assessments; protection of the right to sue;
and safeguards against improper disci-
pline.

Copies of Collective Bargaining
Agreements: Union members and
nonunion employees have the right to
receive or inspect copies of collective bar-
gaining agreements.

Reports: Unions are required to file an
initial information report (Form LM-1),
copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an
annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4)
with OLMS. Unions must make the
reports available to members and permit
members to examine supporting records
for just cause. The reports are public infor-
mation and copies are available from
OLMS.

Officer Elections: Union members
have the right to nominate candidates for
office; run for office; cast a secret ballot;
and protest the conduct of an election.

Officer Removal: Local union mem-
bers have the right to an adequate proce-
dure for the removal of an elected officer
guilty of serious misconduct.

Trusteeships: Unions may only be
placed in trusteeship by a parent body for
the reasons specified in the LMRDA.

Prohibition Against Violence: No one
may use or threaten to use force or vio-
lence to interfere with a union member in
the exercise of LMRDA rights.

Union Officer Responsibilities
Financial Safeguards: Union officers

have a duty to manage the funds and prop-
erty of the union solely for the benefit of
the union and its members in accordance
with the union’s constitution and bylaws.
Union officers or employees who embez-
zle or steal union funds or other assets
commit a Federal crime punishable by a
fine and/or imprisonment.

Bonding: Union officers or employees
who handle union funds or property must
be bonded to provide protection against
losses if their union has property and
annual financial receipts which exceed
$5,000.

Labor Organization Reports: Union
officers must file an initial information
report (Form LM-1) and annual financial
reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS;
and retain the records necessary to verify
the reports for at least five years.

Officer Reports: Union officers and
employees must file reports concerning
any loans and benefits received from, or
certain financial interests in, employers
whose employees their unions represent
and businesses that deal with their unions.

Officer Elections: Unions must hold
elections of officers of local unions by
secret ballot at least every three years;
conduct regular elections in accordance
with their constitution and bylaws and
preserve all records for one year; mail a
notice of election to every member at least
15 days prior to the election; comply with
a candidate’s request to distribute cam-
paign material; not use union funds or
resources to promote any candidate (nor
may employer funds or resources be
used); permit candidates to have election
observers; and allow candidates to inspect
the union’s membership list once within
30 days prior to the election.

Restrictions on Holding Office: A per-
son convicted of certain crimes may not
serve as a union officer, employee or other
representative of a union for up to 13
years.

Loans: A union may not have outstand-
ing loans to any one officer or employee

that in total exceed $2,000 at any time.
Fines: A union may not pay the fine of

any officer or employee convicted of any
willful violation of the LMRDA.

(Note: The above is only a summary of
the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which
comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of
the United States Code, may be found in
many public libraries, or by writing the
U.S. Department of Labor, Office of
Labor-Management Standards, 200
Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616,
Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet
at www.dol.gov.)

SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVI-
TY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a
separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are
used to further 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 American merchant
marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and
the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD
supports and contributes to political can-
didates for elective office. All contribu-
tions are voluntary. 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 employ-
ment. If a contribution is made by reason
of the above improper conduct, the mem-
ber should notify the Seafarers
International Union or SPAD by certified
mail within 30 days of the contribution for
investigation and appropriate action and
refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or
her economic, political and social inter-
ests, 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 Michael Sacco at headquarters
by certified mail, return receipt requested.
The address is:

Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union

5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.

Know Your Rights

Jim Battista sent in this
article, recipe and accom-
panying photograph from
aboard the Maersk Con-
stellation, where he cur-
rently is the chief steward.

The Kane, Pa. native
came to the SIU through
the veterans’ program at
the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and
Education. After fulfilling
his STCW requirements
and other mandatory train-
ing, Battista began his
career as a merchant
mariner in the SIU.

Into Africa: Stores Aboard!
by Chief Steward Jim Battista

Under Capt. Thomas Tankersley, the Maersk
Constellation left the USA loaded with what seemed to be
a million bags of rice and grain. Through a United Nations
effort, they were to be delivered to five ports in East Africa
for the starving people there.

The trip went as scheduled, and the seas were calm.
Obviously, Neptune smiled upon us. We traveled from one
port to the next and saw the people in need of our cargo. We
saw men who unloaded the rice eating it raw off the deck.
Sights such as these have to make one reflect on the great
country we live in, the union that supports us, the jobs we
have, and the abundance of food for our families.

But, on a lighter side, let’s talk food. When we arrived
in Tanzania, we decided to try and get some fruit and veg-
etables for the vessel. I contacted the chandlers in port and
put in our order. The next day, to my surprise, there was a
line of people with woven baskets on their heads loaded
with our produce. Fresh melons, pineapples, mangoes like
footballs, and all sorts of fresh fruit and vegetables they
thought we would like to check out and try. To say the least,
it was like going back in time 150 years. Now don’t get me
wrong. The inventory was excellent, and some of the items
left Chief Cook Cesar Macias and myself scratching our
heads. But all was well in Africa, and the chandlers
instructed us in what an item was and how and when to eat

it or combine it with other items and how to cook it.
The people brought huge stalks of bananas to the ship

with easily 100 bananas on each, so we had plenty of pud-
ding, banana splits, banana cake and one of the crew’
favorites: banana bread (see recipe on this page).

The trip to Africa was, to say the least, enlightening and
eventful.

Smooth sailing to all the departments out there. Keep up
the good work, stand tall for what you do, and don’t forget
the support you get is what you give.

Banana Nut Bread
5 cups flour
2 cups sugar
4 tablespoons baking

powder
2 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons salad oil
1½ cups milk
2 large eggs
2 cups very ripe

bananas, mashed
2 cups chopped nuts

(pecans or walnuts)

Chief Steward Jim Bat-
tista decides what to do
with some of the fresh
produce that was deliv-
ered to the ship in woven
baskets.

Mix all ingredients
together for three or
four minutes until
well blended. Pour
¾ full into three
sprayed bread loaf
pans. Bake at 350
degrees F for 55-65
minutes.

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July 2004 Seafarers LOG 21

SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER
UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE

The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of 2004. All programs are
geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime
industry.

Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the
maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security.

Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their
course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the
start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for
Saturday.

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

Deck Upgrading Courses
Start Date of

Course Date Completion

Able Seaman July 5 July 30
August 16 September 10
September 27 October 22
November 8 December 3

Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* September 13 September 17
(ARPA) November 15 November 19
*(must have radar unlimited)

Celestial Navigation September 27 October 22

GMDSS (Simulator) July 12 July 23
August 23 September 3
September 27 October 8
November 1 November 12

Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 2 August 13
September 13 September 24
October 25 November 5

Navigation Fundamentals July 19 July 30
November 29 December 10

Radar August 30 September 10
November 1 November 12

Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman August 9 August 20
(STOS) October 4 October 15

November 29 December 10

Steward Upgrading Courses

Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief

Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning June 21, 2004.

Recertification

Bosun October 11 November 8

Engine Upgrading Courses
Start Date of

Course Date Completion

Basic Auxiliary Plant Operation July 26 August 20

September 20 October 15

November 15 December 10

FOWT July 12 September 3

October 25 December 17

QMED - Junior Engineer September 27 December 17

Welding August 23 September 10

October 4 October 22

November 1 November 19

Safety Specialty Courses

Start Date of

Course Date Completion

Advanced Fire Fighting* July 19 July 30

(*must have basic fire fighting) August 23 September 3

September 20 October 1

November 8 November 19

Basic Safety Training (BST) July 19 July 23

August 2 August 6

August 30 September 3

Fast Rescue Boat July 26 July 30

August 30 September 3

Government Vessels July 19 August 6

September 13 October 1

Tankerman (PIC) Barge* July 26 July 30

(*must have basic fire fighting) October 4 October 8

Academic Department Courses
General education and college courses are available as needed. In addi-

tion, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout

the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED Junior Engineer, FOWT,

Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduc-

tion to computers course will be self-study.

UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________

Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member

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

Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________

Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________

U.S. Citizen: Yes No Home Port _____________________________

Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No

If yes, class # __________________________________________________________

Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No

If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________

Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement?

Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No

Primary language spoken ________________________________________________

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty
(120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date
your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indi-
cating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is
Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of
$140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to
LMSS.

BEGIN END
COURSE DATE DATE

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

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.

RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education,
Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (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 students, who are otherwise qual-
ified, of 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. 7/04

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22 Seafarers LOG July 2004

P a u l H a l l C e n t e r C l a s s e s

Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 650 — Graduating from the water sur-
vival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 650. They are (from left, kneeling) De’shanna
Sherrod, Zsuzsanna Balla, (second row) Christian Oding, Kyle Rayborn, Norman Rodriguez,
Richard McKain, Gregory Lariviere, Sigfrid Mayer, Ernie Smith, Harry Smith, William Brinson,
Matthew Wright, (third row) Lando Adams, Jason Brown, Kyle Pillsworth, Jerry Stamer, John
Tullier, Joshua Smith, Daniel Gaffney and Christopher Dickens.

Government Vessels — Upgrading Seafarers graduating May 21 from the
government vessels course are (in no particular order) Brooks Crawford, Mark
Beck, Kevin Johnson, Jaime Medina, Gary Santos, Neftali Erausquin, Phillip
Maxfield, Joseph Waldera, Damar Shaw, Nathaniel Leachman, Timothy Dexter,
Jor-el Holmberg, Christopher Czarske, Richard Wiltison, John Niday, Coda
Russell, Ty Varnadoe, Damian Spedale, Christopher Yore, William Bell and
Kent Harper. Their instructor, Greg Thompson, is at far left. (Note: not all are
pictured.)

Fundamental Concepts of Navigation—
Upgrading deck department members who successfully
completed the navigation fundamentals course May 7 are
(in no particular order) Miles Janecka, Wayne Smiley,
John Mensah, Johnie Chavis, Jared Blavat, David
Steinberg, Philip Perry, Adeeb Saleh and Vasiliy
Semesjuks. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, as at far left.

Specially Trained OS — Completing the STOS
course May 14 are Alaska fishermen (in alphabetical
order) Ronaldo Aguirre, Ruben Aguirre, Dianna Baines,
Reynaldo Dineros, Kyle Hudson, Jay Jones, Robert
Makowski and Alexander Millendez. Their instructor,
Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right.

Welding — Graduation certificates for completion of
the welding course were given May 14 to (in alphabetical
order) Ramaninder Bhyllor, James Buchowski, Francisco
Cordeiro, John Cull and Quincy Wilson. Their instructor,
Buzzy Andrews, is third from left.

ARPA — Earning their ARPA certificate May 28
are (in alphabetical order) Jared Blavat, James
Enah, Peter Madden, Steve Randle, George Rew
and Jerry Sobieraj. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is
at far right.

Fast Rescue Boat — Instructor Stan Beck (far left) sits with
upgrading students who completed the fast rescue boat class May
7. They are (in alphabetical order) Alexander Fyodorovykh, Richard
Huffman, Elisha Johnson, William Schuppman and Lawrence Rose.

GMDSS — Finishing the 70-hour GMDSS course May 7 are
(in alphabetical order) James Enah, Aryid Friberg III, Tzvetan
Ovalov, Kenneth Salgado, Ovidio Santos and William Sholley.
Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far left.

Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot
attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place.

Computer Lab Class

Left: Showing off their cer-
tificates of achievement for
completion of computer
classes May 14 at the Paul
Hall Center are (from left,
front row) Adeeb M. Saleh,
Tzvetan Ovalov and (back
row) David E. Steinberg.
With them is their instructor,
Rick Prucha.

Right: Also being congratu-
lated by instructor Rick

Prucha is Joao F. Cordeiro,
holding his certificate.

Advanced Fire Fighting — Earning their advanced
fire fighting endorsements May 28 are (in alphabetical
order) Ian Ferguson, Charles Huggins, Elisha Johnson,
Carlos Majao, Steven Medina, Brandon Purcell and
Anthony Simon. Their instructor, Anthony Hammett, is at
far right.

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July 2004 Seafarers LOG 23

P a u l H a l l C e n t e r C l a s s e s

Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — May 28
graduates of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course are
(in no particular order) Emilio Gonzalez, Marvin St. George, Adeeb
Saleh, John Gilliam, David Steinberg, Paul Kucan II, Agustin Arriaga,
Duane Evans, George Mazzola, Nebojisa Milosevic, Douglas
Maravelias, Randolph Sutton, Charles Franks, Ziting Zu, Kevin Carraby
and Maximo Lambert. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing at far
right.

Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL)— Two tanker assistant classes, both ending
May 7, included the following students (in no specific order): Lloyd Clark, Nigel Williams, Gilbert Johnson,
Rocky Dupraw, Phillip Maxfield, Taneisha Johnson, Neftali Erausquin, Gary Santos, Jaime Medina, Timothy
Dexter, Nicholas Doffoh, Jess Cooper, Joseph Waldera, Daniel Miler, Adam Begleiter, Damian Spedale, Jor-
el Holmberg, Mark Beck, Brooks Crawford, John Niday IV, Coda Russell, Hashiem Pittman, Orlando Pabon,
Antonie Rainey, Kevin Johhnson, Michael Maskalenko, Kent Harper, Michael Snowden Jr, Christopher Yohe,
Richard Wiltison, Christopher Czarske, Michael Cox, Nicholas Collins, Joseph Walter Jr., Darrion Intram,
Damar Shaw, Nathaniel Leachman and Ty Varnadoe.

Basic Safety Training Classes

Lifeboatman/Water Survival

STCW — Two classes, both ending April 16: Megdi Bady, Brandon Barnato, Francis Butler,
Michael Caputo, Diana Chaloux, Sherry Collins, Steve Dalton, Jeremy Fleck, Antonio Garcia,
Andrew Gay, Anthony Harris, Natasha Jefferson, Akram Khoury, William Laurila Jr., Joshua
Longley, Robert Mathias, Brandy McCracken, Matthew Meeker, Rose Ocampo, Catherina
O’Keefe, Tanner Raban, Ryan Riviere, Matthew Rubin, Myka Schwagmeier, Jennifer Sheets,
John Siekkinen, Kiera Smith, Dominic Swanek, Jessica Smith, Delinda Dontje and Carl Barnett.

Water Survival — May 7: Ronaldo Aguirre, Ruben Aguirre, Dianna Bawes, Reynaldo
Dineros, Jeffrey Fiegel, Kyle Hudson, Jay Jones, Robert Makowski, Alexander Millendez,
Milissa Oakley and Iris Zwack. Their instructors were Tony Sevilla and Tom Gilliland. Sevilla
is at far right.

Water Survival —
April 23: Antonio
Garcia, James Cedillo,
Jeremy Fleck, Michael
Caputo, R.C.
Cabalouinto, Rose
Ocampo, John
Siekkinen, Andrew
Gay, Josef Mansour,
Diana Chaloux,
Matthew Meeker,
Delinda Dontje,
Brandon Barnato,
Marion Flores and
Natasha Jefferson.
Standing at the stern
of the boat are their
instructors, Tom
Gilliland (left) and Stan
Beck.

Water Survival
— April 9: Will
Laurila Jr., Jessica
Smith, Anthony
Harris, Akram
Khoury, Tanner
Raban, Megdi
Bady, Jennifer
Sheets, Ryan
Riviere, Michael
Smeltzer, Joshua
Longley, Kiera
Smith, Dominic
Swanek, Romeo
Alcain, John Alonzo
and Duane Judd.
(Note: not all are
pictured.)

Water Survival — April 30: Jessica Koutecky, Noah Rowan, Amanda Haun,
Charles Burton, Chantry McSherry, Kieran McSherry, Lamar Solomon, Andrew
Baumrucker and Johnny Cothren. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right.

STCW — April 30: Ann Adam, Ronaldo Agirre, Ruben Aguirre, Justin Bagley,
Dianna Baines, Kim Blosser, Reynaldo ineros, Kyle Hudson, Jay Jones, Colin Lemon,
Robert Makowski, Alexander Millendez, Marc Pferdekamper, Jennifer Sanders, Stacy
Silverman, Josef Mansour, Cheri Sigford, Anton Nedeltchey, Deborah Hamilton, Terje
Ostbye and Iris Zwack. Their instructor, Tom Gilliland, is at far right.

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AA RR
PP DD PP PP

PP DD SS
PP II

pp 11

The photos of the Lykes Navigator
crew members on this page were
sent to the LOG by Jevon
Vontoure of Gulfport, Miss. They
were taken during a union meeting
following completion of a recent
voyage from northern Europe.

At left are Steward Clyde (Chuck)
Thompson and Demac Eloris
(Moosie) Tart.

At right, signing the patrolman’s
forms, are (from left) Steward
Clyde Thompson, Demac Eloris
Tart, Chief Cook Michael Brown,
Bosun Sandy Price and OS Kenny
Gaston.

Following construction of
the Lykes Navigator in Japan,
the vessel entered service in
1987 as the Almeria Lykes.
Throughout its career, the
ship has always flown the
U.S. flag, although it has had
several name changes since
then. In 1996, it was called
the President Buchanan; in
1998, it was again named the
Almeria Lykes and finally the
Lykes Navigator.

Six years ago, the U.S.
Maritime Administration
approved an application for
three Lykes vessels
(Discoverer, Liberator and
Navigator) to participate in
the Maritime Security
Program and be operated by
Marine Transport Lines.

The 259-meter Lykes
Navigator, a container ship,
is on a regular run from the
Gulf ports of New Orleans
and Houston to the northern
European ports of Bremer-
haven, Germany,
Thamesport, England and
Antwerp, Belgium.

The Lykes Navigator carries about 3,000 containers as it crosses the Atlantic.

Steward Clyde Thompson does much of his menu planning on
the computer.

Great camaraderie exists in the galley of the Lykes Navigator
with Clyde Thompson (left) as steward and Michael Brown as the
chief cook.

Jevon Vontoure, who was relief electrician aboard
the Lykes Navigator, is shown in photo above and
at home in the engine room at left.

Lykes Navigator Specifications:
Gross Tonnage ..................................................39,100

Deadweight ......................................................45,000

LOA ..............................................................259.01m

Beam................................................................32.21m

Draft ................................................................11.92m

Service Speed............................................21.25 knots

Container Capacity ....................................3,010 TEU

Shaft Horsepower ............................................18,800

Launched in 1987 as the Almeria Lykes

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