Seafarers Log: Vol. 81 No. 7 (2019-07-01)

JULY 2019 VOLUME 81, NO. 7

‘Maritime Heroes’
Page 3

Jones Act News
Pages 2, 4

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

Maintaining a long tradition, the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education turned out in force for this year’s National Maritime Day observance at U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C. Taken immediately after the ceremony
on May 22, the large group photo below includes World War II mariners, Paul Hall Center appren-
tices, featured speakers, SIU officials and others. Among those pictured are (back row, from left)
SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Port Agent Victor Nunez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel,
President Michael Sacco, Gen. Stephen Lyons (USA, commander of the U.S. Transportation Com-
mand), Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski and SIU Exec.
VP Augie Tellez. In the photo at right, Apprentice Shannon Gail Peterson is flanked by Gen. Lyons
and Administrator Buzby as they display a life ring that was used during the ceremony. Pages 12-14.

National Maritime Day
Salutes Past, Present
And Future U.S. Mariners

The SIU recently helped welcome the new Matson vessel Lurline, built by union
members at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The Jones
Act ship is an 870-foot-long, 3,500 TEU, 44,200 deadweight metric ton, combina-
tion container ship/roll-on, roll-off (ConRo) vessel featuring LNG-capable engines.
Christened and launched at the yard June 15, the Lurline is the lead ship of a two-
vessel contract.
At right, the
ship’s final grand
block is eased
into position in
early February.
The photo at left,
taken by drone
in May, shows
the nearly com-
pleted ship. Visit
the SIU website
for additional in-
formation about
the vessel and
the ceremony.
(Photos courtesy
Matson)

Matson Christens ConRo Lurline

USNS Gianella Feature
Page 24

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2 Seafarers LOG July 2019

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
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Mark Clements.

Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.

Volume 81 Number 7 July 2019

The SIU online: www.seafarers.org

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

President’s Report

Reversed to White
Reversed to White

Global tensions were on the rise last month in the aftermath of attacks
on two foreign-flag tankers in the Gulf of Oman. While I’m thankful the
mid-June incidents, which happened in international waters, did not result
in any serious injuries to the crew members, they definitely underscored
the ongoing need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine.

If that sounds like an overstatement, here’s what the U.S. Central Com-
mand stated in response to the attacks: “The U.S. and our partners in the

region will take all necessary measures to defend
ourselves and our interests. Today’s attacks are a clear
threat to international freedom of navigation and free-
dom of commerce.”

History has taught us that it’s not a question of
“if” the next conflict will occur, but when and where.
That’s just reality. And that’s a big reason why our
nation absolutely must be able to carry the fight and
deliver the goods for our men and women in uniform.
It’s usually a surprise to people who aren’t familiar
with our industry when they learn that the U.S. Mer-
chant Marine delivered more than 90 percent of the
materiel needed by our troops in Operation Enduring
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. But, as Sea-

farers know, American citizen mariners have answered the call dating back
to the very earliest days of our country.

The Central Command added, “The United States has no interest in en-
gaging in a new conflict in the Middle East. However, we will defend our
interests.”

It goes without saying that my sincere hope is that these two attacks
were isolated mistakes that won’t be repeated.

And it also goes without saying that if the balloon goes up, the SIU will
answer the call. We are proud to serve as America’s fourth arm of defense.
That’s a role we’ve upheld – without exception – every time we’ve been
needed since our founding in 1938.

New Tonnage
Not all of the recent news was stressful. A few days after the aforemen-

tioned incidents, the SIU helped welcome a new Matson ship in San Diego
that’ll sail in the Jones Act trade. This union-built beauty, the Lurline,
means ongoing job security for SIU members. Like other Jones Act ships,
it boosts America’s national, economic and homeland security. Like many
other new U.S.-built vessels, it has LNG-capable engines.

Congratulations to Matson and to the union workers and executives at
General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego on the christening and launch.
It’s a great milestone and a tribute to our industry’s shared commitment to
produce state-of-the-art vessels that carry the world’s best-trained crews.

Well-Earned Honors
Be sure to check out our coverage of the new “American Maritime He-

roes” campaign that recently was launched by the major coalition Ameri-
can Maritime Partnership (AMP). The first two honorees – U.S. Secretary
of Transportation Elaine L. Chao and, collectively, the U.S. Merchant Ma-
rine of World War II – are nothing short of fantastic, in my estimation.

Secretary Chao is on a short list of greatest advocates our industry has
ever known. That’s why I was incredulous when she recently came under
attack by some in the press for having the audacity to be part of a politi-
cally active family. My bottom line is that Secretary Chao’s pro-maritime
record speaks for itself, and that’s including crucial behind-the-scenes work
for which she won’t take credit.

As for our mariners from The Greatest Generation, their service and
sacrifice remain unsurpassed in our industry. One of our late pensioners who
sailed during the war managed to put a humorous spin on it. He’d often say,
“Just remember, if it weren’t for us, we’d all be speaking German.”

That always cracked me up but the truth in it is noteworthy.
A hearty tip of the SIU white cap to Secretary Chao and to the U.S.

Merchant Marine of World War II!

Michael Sacco

Fourth Arm of Defense Ready

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

AMP Underscores Maritime’s Positive
Impacts on Alaska, Washington State

The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) re-
cently highlighted the positive effects of the Jones
Act on the Pacific Northwest.

The SIU is affiliated with AMP, the primary
coalition representing all components of the do-
mestic maritime industry.

Citing a new study conducted by Pricewater-
houseCoopers on behalf of the Transportation In-
stitute, AMP’s first announcement focused on the
state of Washington. The domestic maritime indus-
try in Washington ranks sixth among all American
states for jobs and labor income relating to the
Jones Act, according to the study, and employs
more than 22,500 individuals. The industry also
produces $6.12 billion for the local economy, and
generates more than $1.5 billion in worker income.

“The Jones Act is a juggernaut when it comes
to helping us, and we are not talking about a relic,
but a key tool in growing our economy for the
future,” said U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash-
ington) while speaking at Seattle maritime event.
“As shown in this report, the Jones Act has created
22,000 jobs here in Washington State, a 34 percent
increase since the last report in 2014.”

The second study focused on the state of
Alaska, where the domestic maritime industry em-
ploys more than 6,500 individuals, produces $1.98
billion for the local economy, and generates $469
million in worker income.

“In my state, a strong domestic maritime indus-
try is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said U.S. Sen.
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). “The welfare of our
people and our economy is dependent on the U.S.
maritime industry, providing over 6,000 Ameri-
cans with maritime jobs that significantly contrib-
ute to the economies of Alaska and our nation. I
proudly support the work of the Alaska and Amer-
ican Maritime Partnerships, and am pleased by the
growth of maritime industry jobs in Alaska.”

“The Jones Act is vital to maintaining a strong
and stable domestic maritime industry that trans-
ports goods to Alaska and, as this study indi-
cates, helps strengthen our economy by providing
good-paying jobs,” said U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan
(R-Alaska). “Further, the Jones Act protects our
homeland, ensuring that in times of dispute,
Alaska and other states across our country will
not be caught in the crossfire and held hostage by
foreign-flagged vessels.”

“The Jones Act is vital for protecting the U.S.
maritime industry and promoting a very important
sector of Alaska’s economy,” said U.S. Rep. Don
Young (R-Alaska). “Simply put, the Jones Act is
critical to maintaining a strong maritime work-
force and ensuring the U.S. has shipbuilding ca-
pabilities that can keep pace with our competitors.
This study is further proof of its immense success
and the importance of protecting the Jones Act.
For the sake of our maritime industry, our jobs,
and national security, we must continue to support
the Jones Act for years to come.”

Some of the largest domestic shipping leaders
also spoke on the importance of the maritime in-
dustry to Washington and Alaska.

“The new economic data is proof positive that
U.S.-built vessels crewed by American mariners
provide our communities and our country sub-
stantial benefits from jobs and investments,” said
Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Seafarers-
contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation. “This
study shows the domestic maritime industry is
integral to the economic success of Alaska, the
Pacific Northwest and the entire nation. The men
and women in the maritime industry also provide
irreplaceable support to our military’s readiness
and homeland security. These benefits demon-
strate why experts and elected officials readily
support the U.S. maritime industry and the legal
framework protecting it.”

TOTE Maritime Alaska President Grace
Greene stated, “TOTE is honored to call Wash-
ington home and we are proud of the many contri-
butions that our employees, vendors, contractors,
partners and peers have made over the last 40
years to help drive one of the most significant
economic engines in the Pacific Northwest, the
domestic maritime industry. TOTE’s success, and
that of our industry, is rooted in our commitment
to safety, innovation and focused investments that
create a significantly positive impact for those we
serve and the areas in which we operate.”

“The Pacific Northwest is a leader in the do-
mestic maritime industry, supporting nearly
22,500 family-wage jobs and contributing over
$6.12 billion to the local economy,” said James
L. Henry, chairman and president of Transporta-
tion Institute. “The findings in our most recent
study demonstrate the strength and necessity of
the Jones Act, which serves as the backbone of
the American maritime industry, the U.S. indus-
trial base, and job creation for the hardworking
men and women that crew the vessels delivering
both in times of war and peace.”

“Quite simply, the Jones Act is American se-
curity,” said Matt Woodruff, president of the
American Maritime Partnership. “In addition to
the job creation benefits detailed in this study,
our American mariners are relied on by defense
leaders to project American force overseas in a
national emergency. Alongside our waterfront
workers, they are the eyes and ears of homeland
security on our nation’s coasts and waterways.
Our American-controlled fleet provides economic
security, ensuring that our nation’s internal freight
transportation system is not subject to foreign in-
terference. American maritime jobs always have
and will continue to be vital in the never-ending
task of keeping America safe, strong and prosper-
ous for generations to come.”

SIU members working for Penn Maritime re-
cently ratified a new three-year contract featuring
annual wage increases while maintaining benefits.
The agreement, approved by an overwhelming ma-
jority, took effect May 1 and lasts through April
2022.

In addition to boosting wages, the contract main-
tains health benefits at the top level available to SIU
members (Core-Plus); maintains Seafarers Pension
Plan benefits; and increases company contributions
to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. It
covers approximately 200 Seafarers.

The SIU bargaining team consisted of Vice Pres-
ident Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President
Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Assistant Vice President

Michael Russo, Engineer Jeff Rydza, Mate John
Harvard and ABT Mike Lyons.

Soresi said, “The negotiations went well and we
ended up with a good contract. I think the majority
of the members are pleased with the outcome.”

“I think it went really well,” said Lyons. “I’m
very excited for the new contract, and very happy
with it. There were some things that we didn’t get,
but overall, I think the majority of the membership
is pretty happy with the results.”

Penn Maritime operates up to 15 tugboats and
barges in the Gulf region, primarily moving as-
phalt along inland and coastal waterways. The
company was acquired by Kirby Corporation in
2012.

SIU Members Ratify Penn Maritime Pact
Union Crews Approve New Three-Year Agreement

TOTE’s SIU-crewed North Star is one of many
Jones Act vessels delivering economic benefits to
the Pacific Northwest.

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July 2019 Seafarers LOG 3

SIU Applauds Launch of ‘Maritime Heroes’
When the American Maritime Partner-

ship (AMP) in early June announced the
kickoff of its year-long celebration titled
“American Maritime Heroes,” the SIU
enthusiastically backed the first two hon-
orees: U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Elaine L. Chao, and the U.S. Merchant
Marine of World War II.

In an online post applauding the selec-
tions, the union noted, “Secretary Chao is a
tireless, unwavering advocate of the Amer-
ican maritime industry. Her effectiveness
and commitment to our industry are unsur-
passed. The SIU is proud and humbled to
respectfully count her as a friend.”

SIU President Michael Sacco de-
scribed Chao as “someone who not only
understands our industry, but also truly
cares about the American worker. She is
a tremendous leader and is universally re-
spected, admired and trusted throughout
our industry.”

Chao’s support for American-flag ship-
ping and U.S. mariners is nothing new.
Beginning in 1986, when she became
Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Mari-
time Administration, she has consistently
advanced programs that boost the indus-
try. This also held true during her service
as Chairwoman of the Federal Maritime
Commission (1988-89), as Deputy Secre-
tary of Transportation beginning in 1989,
and as Secretary of Labor from 2001-2009.

The SIU further stated, “We are honored
to have hosted Secretary Chao at our af-
filiated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in
2002, 2005 and 2017. We deeply appreci-
ated her keynote remarks in October 2003
when the late SIU President Paul Hall was
inducted to the DOL Hall of Fame. And we
enjoyed celebrating together in June 2005
when she christened the Pride of America
in New York City. More recently, we were
heartened when one of her first official acts
as Transportation Secretary was delivering

keynote remarks in Beaumont, Texas, as
the car carrier Liberty Passion formally
reflagged under the Stars and Stripes in
March 2017. Later that same month, SIU
President Sacco was a featured speaker at a
gathering in the nation’s capital that served
as both a formal welcoming of Secretary
Chao and an observance of the depart-
ment’s 50th anniversary.”

Sacco added, “There is nobody better

qualified to be Secretary of Transportation
than Elaine Chao, as she has demonstrated
since day one. Throughout her time in gov-
ernment, she has been a steadfast friend to
the SIU and to maritime labor. She has
stood up to defend the Jones Act, the Mari-
time Security Program, cargo preference
and the other key programs that keep our
industry alive. She understands the impor-
tance of providing jobs to America’s work-

ing families, and she has seen firsthand the
value of the United States Merchant Ma-
rine to our nation’s defense and prosper-
ity.”

AMP’s other selection – the U.S. Mer-
chant Marine of World War II – hits home
with the union. More than 1,200 SIU mem-
bers lost their lives to wartime service;
their names are individually memorialized
on a large plaque at the union’s affiliated
school in Piney Point, Maryland.

Overall, the U.S. Merchant Marine
of World War II proved nothing short of
indispensable for the Allies. As noted by
AMP in its kickoff of the American Mari-
time Heroes campaign, “Almost 250,000
merchant mariners transported tens of
millions of tons of war supplies and more
than seven million servicemen under the
most challenging circumstances imagin-
able. As a result, they suffered the highest
casualty rate of any service during World
War II, with one mariner out of every 26
lost. Often defenseless against enemy ves-
sels, these merchant mariners continued to
sustain the war effort. A total of 8,241 mer-
chant mariners died in World War II, and
many others were captured and became
prisoners of war. Today only about 2,000
remain.”

The late SIU historian John Bunker
wrote in 1951, “Before any of the nation’s
armed services were ready for all-out duty
in World War II, the merchant marine and
the men who manned it were on the front
lines of global action. No executive mani-
festos; no formal enlistment, no testings
of loyalty or pledges of devotion to their
country’s service were required to put SIU
crews into action or prove their willingness
to face danger – and death.”

For more information on the campaign,
which will culminate on the 100th anniver-
sary of the Jones Act becoming law, visit
https://americanmaritimeheroes.com/

DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao speaks at the 2017 SIUNA convention in Piney Point,
Maryland.

New residential facilities in the
U.K. memorialize one of the SIU’s
most steadfast officials.

The union Nautilus International on
May 29 dedicated the John Fay House
at Mariners Park in Wallasey, England.
Built with financial support from Nau-
tilus and  the International Transport
Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) Seafarers’
Trust, the apartments are named after
the late SIU Executive Vice President
John Fay, who died in 2005 at age 73.
In addition to his half-century of ser-
vice with the SIU, Fay also was the first
American ever to serve as chairman of
the ITF Seafarers’ Section, a position
he held from 1995-2002. 

SIU Secretary-Treasurer and Chair-
man of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust David
Heindel – Fay’s SIU successor and
close colleague, and currently also
chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section
– was a featured speaker at the cer-
emonial opening. Several of Fay’s
family members attended, including
his brother, Frank; his son John Jr.;
daughter-in-law Christina Fay; daugh-
ter Kelly Fay; sister, Cathy Tompkins;
and granddaughter, Shaina Fay.

Nautilus (which represents mem-
bers in the U.K., the Netherlands and
Switzerland) described the dozen
dwellings as “state-of-the-art inde-
pendent apartments for retired seafar-
ers and their dependents.” They were
constructed as part of an ongoing
program “to upgrade and expand”
services for retired mariners and their
families. (Two of the apartments in the

new block were built with a donation
from the Aged Veterans Fund and are
reserved for merchant seafarers who
served alongside the armed forces at
times of conflict or during national
emergencies.)

During the dedication, Heindel
noted that he worked with John Fay for
many years. “He became my mentor
and someone I admired,” he recalled.
“John was a true friend and one of those
rare individuals who brought calm to
any heated discussion. Whether it was
contentious labor negotiations or deal-
ing with political leaders, he had a way
of making people feel comfortable.
And if needed, he had a way of intimi-
dating his counterpart without raising
his voice.”

Heindel continued, “On a personal
note, John loved his family. He was
very proud of his children and the path
they chose in life…. This building is a
testament to John’s professional life. 
I hope his spirit brings the peace and
calm that made him the man that I
came to know.”

Nautilus International General
Secretary Mark Dickinson said he
was pleased to see the latest develop-
ment in the 162-year history of the
union’s welfare work. “We are rightly
proud of our past, but we have never
sat back and rested on our laurels,”
he said. “Mariners Park bears wit-
ness to the process of constant change
and reassessment to ensure that we

Building Named in Honor
Of Late SIU VP John Fay

Pictured at the dedication are (from left) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, John Fay Jr.,
ITF Seafarers’ Trust Head Katie Higginbottom and Nautilus International General Secretary
Mark Dickinson.

The expanded facility features 12 new state-of-the-art dwellings.

(Continued on next page)

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4 Seafarers LOG July 2019

A United States congressman from
Texas recently used a hypothetical
image to drive home a very real point.

U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas)
on May 16 spoke on the House floor
to commend President Trump for not
waiving the Jones Act and to express
support for the nation’s freight cabotage
law. The congressman’s office created
a fictional image of a Chinese-flagged
freighter navigating the Mississippi
River under the St. Louis Gateway Arch
to demonstrate what would happen if
the Jones Act were waived or elimi-
nated.

“For the past 100 years, the Jones
Act has brought strength and certainty to
maritime commerce here in the United
States,” said Babin. “It has protected the
rights of American sailors, created and
maintained American jobs, and has been
one of the single largest factors in facili-
tating the strong American economy that
we are enjoying. The Jones Act states
that goods shipped between U.S. ports
are to be built, owned, and operated by
the citizens of the United States.”

He continued, “Can you imagine a
Chinese-built vessel, flying the Chinese
national flag, and operated by Chinese
citizens traveling through the American
heartland to deliver goods to our ports?
Although this is a hypothetical situa-
tion, it could easily become a reality if
the Jones Act is waived. Our national

security, economic growth, and our
ability to provide American jobs would
be in jeopardy. Worst of all, waiving the
Jones Act would allow these foreign-
operated ships into our waterways and
could be opening the door to espionage.

“We need the Jones Act, and I en-
courage those who want to repeal it to
watch my speech and explain why the
image that you see in the video would
make for a better and stronger Amer-
ica,” he concluded.

As reported in last month’s LOG,
multiple news outlets had indicated the
president was pondering an extended
Jones Act waiver for moving American
LNG to domestic ports. However, U.S.
Senators Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi),
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Bill Cassidy
(R-Louisiana), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska),
John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) and Cindy
Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) as well as
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-
Louisiana) met with the president May 1
and came away assured that he will fully
stand behind the maritime law.

A new study by PricewaterhouseC-
oopers found that the nation’s freight
cabotage law helps sustain nearly
650,000 American jobs while contrib-
uting $154 billion to the nation’s eco-
nomic growth annually.

Moreover, 91 countries across the
globe maintain some form of cabotage
law.

Congressman Babin Backs Jones Act

Congressman Babin speaks on the House floor and uses an illustration to warn of
the dangers of waiving the Jones Act.

NY Waterway Crew Rescues Helicopter Pilot
A NY Waterway ferry crew aboard

the Gov. Thomas Kean on May 15 res-
cued the pilot after a helicopter crashed
in the Hudson River.

SIU member Capt. Adam Sciaino
was carrying passengers between West
39th Street in Manhattan and 14th Street
in Hoboken when he saw the helicopter
go down at about 2:20 p.m. This is Sci-
aino’s second rescue in 10 years with
the company.

SIU member Deckhand Edwin
Montoya deployed the Jason’s cradle
rescue device off the bow of the ferry
and pulled the uninjured pilot (Eric Mo-
rales) aboard. There was no one else on
the helicopter.

“It was just instinct – just another
day for NY Waterway rescues,” Sciaino
said. “We’re right here. Edwin Montoya
is an outstanding deckhand. He moved
instantly to the rescue.”

Both Seafarers have completed safety
training at the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center in Piney Point, Maryland.

According to preliminary report
from the National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB), Morales had just refu-
eled the helicopter and was trying to
maneuver it to the pad where he picks

up passengers when he felt “the loss
of the effectiveness of the tail rotor.”
Shortly thereafter, the aircraft started an
uncontrollable spin, at which time the
pilot deployed floats for a water land-
ing.

News reports quoted Morales as saying
the helicopter functioned normally earlier
that day, including a pair of landings.

Montoya recalled, “We were just
leaving the Jersey side and saw the he-
licopter spinning, and then it went down
in the water. The pilot was hanging out-
side of it, standing on it.”

The ferry was “very close” to the
helicopter, and Montoya said they “ap-
proached very slowly and carefully. The
whole thing only took three minutes. I
asked him (the pilot) a couple of times
if anyone else was on board and if he
was hurt. He said he was okay and there
was no one else. He was a little nervous
but had good overall awareness.”

Montoya also said that the Gov.
Thomas Kean had passengers on board
during the rescue “so we kept people
inside the boat. We did the rescue and
then dropped off the passengers in New
York and continued our service.”

In 32 years, NY Waterway crews

have rescued almost 300 people from
the waters of New York Harbor, includ-
ing 143 people rescued from U.S. Air-

ways Flight 1549 in “The Miracle on
the Hudson,” the most successful ma-
rine rescue in aviation history.

Heroic Extraction Takes Place on Hudson River

Capt. Adam Sciaino (left) and Deckhand Edwin Montoya

deliver not just quality services, but services
that meet the real, changing and increasingly
complex needs of our retired members and
their partners.”

Katie Higginbottom, head of the ITF Sea-
farers’ Trust, said the charity was delighted to
support the new development. “My mission
in the Trust is to learn from great examples
such as this, and to do more work with unions
to improve seafarers’ welfare around the
world,” she said.

John Fay Jr. stated, “I can’t begin to put
into words the thanks and gratitude of the fam-
ily. This really is a great honor for my dad.”

John Fay joined the SIU as a teenager in
1949 and sailed in both the deep sea and in-

land divisions. He came ashore in the mid-
1950s and continued working for the SIU
for the next 49 years. He served as executive
vice president from 1997-2005 after working
as the union’s secretary-treasurer since 1990.
Previously, the Boston native held various
port-level positions in Philadelphia, Balti-
more, Boston, Brooklyn and elsewhere. 

While his contributions to the union’s ad-
vancement in the United States were substan-
tial, he also played a pioneering role in fully
involving not just the SIU but all of Ameri-
can maritime labor in international efforts
to promote and protect mariners’ wellbeing.
Beginning in 1975, he participated in forums
and other activities involving the ITF; the
International Maritime Organization; and the
International Labor Organization.

This plaque is displayed in the new building

(Continued from Page 3)

Coast Guard Issues New Radar Observer Rule

Facility Pays Tribute to Late SIU Official

The U.S. Coast Guard has published a
final rule, titled: “Amendments to the Ma-
rine Radar Observer Refresher Training
Regulations.” The rule amends the require-
ments for renewal of a Radar Observer En-
dorsement, eliminating the stipulation that
a mariner actively using their MMC com-
plete an approved or accepted refresher or
recertification course to maintain a Radar
Observer Endorsement.

When the new rule enters into effect

on July 22, 2019, any mariner who serves
in a “relevant position” aboard a radar-
equipped vessel for one year in the previ-
ous five years will no longer be required to
complete a radar refresher or recertification
course to renew the endorsement.

The official announcement and related
links are posted on the SIU website – look
under News, then Latest Posts. The article
is dated June 11. The respective links go to
the policy letter and the rule itself.

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG_X.indd 4 6/21/2019 3:36:45 AM



July 2019 Seafarers LOG 5

Eight individuals – three active
Seafarers and five dependents – are
one step closer to realizing their
educational aspirations thanks to the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
(SHBP). The SHBP’s 2019 Scholar-
ship Committee on May 17 bestowed
scholarships totaling $132,000 on the
former group.

Convening at the SIU-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train-
ing and Education in Piney Point,
Maryland, the committee selected
OMU Terrell Cuffee and Mate Troy
Janelle as recipients of a pair of two-
year scholarships worth $6,000 each.
Junior Engineer Thomas Swayne was
chosen to receive a four-year award
worth $20,000. Dependents picked
for four-year, $20,000 grants were:
Muhab Abdelwahab, Emily May,
Bjorn Soriano, Katherine Scott and
Alana Thomas.

OMU Terrell Cuffee
Deep Sea OMU Terrell Cuffee

hails from Chesapeake, Virginia. He
signed on with the union in 2014 and
was a member of Paul Hall Center
Class 778.

After completing his apprentice
training, his
initial voyage
was aboard the
Sealift, Inc.-
operated Ad-
vantage where
he sailed in the
engine depart-
ment. When he
applied for the
2019 SHBP Scholarship Program, he
was a crew member aboard the LTC
John U.D. Page, another Sealift, Inc.
vessel.

Cuffee is 2009 graduate of Chesa-
peake’s Oscar Smith High School. He
was active in his community, dedicat-
ing numerous hours making positive
contributions to neighborhood youths.
Cuffee served as a youth leader, men-
tor and basketball coach. He also
volunteered his time assisting in com-
munity center events.

In his SHBP application package,
Cuffee recalled that during his appren-
tice graduation ceremony, he made a
promise to himself (and to the union)
that one day he’d be sailing as a mate
or an engineer.

“Well, it’s now time for me to
begin the process of fulfilling that
promise,” he said.

“I have been sailing for six years,
and during that time, I have come to
be knowledgeable enough to have the
confidence to [say] that I will not only
become an engineer, but a successful
one.”

Cuffee has applied for admission
to Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy,
where he hopes to major in engineer-
ing.

Mate Troy Janelle
Inland Mate Troy Janelle (wife,

Rebecca) was born in Portland, Maine,
and currently makes his home in Dick-
inson, Texas. A 2005 graduate of Oak
Hill High School in Wales, Maine, he
posted an overall 3.502 grade point
average (GPA) and ranked ninth in his
class of 112 students.

Janelle holds a bachelor’s degree
in Community Recreation & Sports
Management, having graduated from
the University of Utah in 2010. Not

long thereafter he
landed what he
thought was his
dream job as a
program coordina-
tor at a Salt Lake
City recreation
center.

As much as he
loved his job, he

quickly realized that he had amassed
far too much student loan debt to pros-
per and enjoy life on his recreation
center salary. At that point he began
looking to the maritime industry as a
solution. Janelle was accepted for ad-
mission at the Maine Maritime Acad-

emy (MMA) in 2012 and enrolled in
the school’s Small Vessels Operations
Program. Two years later, he earned an
associate’s degree and his next move
was to start sailing under the SIU ban-
ner. His current duties involve ship
assist and escort services for the Texas
Ports of Houston, Galveston and Cor-
pus Christi.

“I used my degree and licenses at
MMA to get hired at G&H Towing
Company as a mate where I have been
employed for the past five years,” he
said. “Changing professions turned out
to be one of the best decisions I ever
made.”

Since joining the maritime indus-
try, Janelle said he has come to realize
that “…the educational backgrounds
of ashore office employees tend to be
drastically different from the vessel
personnel that they are overseeing.
Often this results in hiring people with
the educational background to qualify
them for a position but they have no
idea how the industry of ships systems
actually works.”

Janelle sees this situation as a di-
vide that potentially could negatively
impact a company’s productivity.
“This disconnect between the com-
pany and its workforce is why I want
to get my master’s degree,” he said.
“I believe that getting more people to
go from the ship to the office can only
provide greater communication and
cohesion between the different divi-
sions of companies in our industry.”

His goal is be accepted to the
MMA’s master’s program in interna-
tional logistics management. “[This]
would allow me to use that degree and
my work experience in the maritime
industry to advance my career from
the vessel to the office where I know
that both … would be an asset to any
organization.”

In addition to MMA, Chanelle has
applied for admission to Texas A&M
Galveston, Grand Canyon University
and Sam Houston State University.

JE Thomas Swayne
Deep Sea Junior Engineer Thomas

Swayne (wife, Zakiah) is a native of
San Leandro, California and a 1999
graduate of Oakland, California’s Sky-
line Senior High School. An avid ath-
lete, he participated in football, track
and field, and wrestling. As a com-
munity activist, Swayne contributed
countless volunteer hours serving as
an assistant in a senior citizen facility.

Swayne joined the SIU in 2001
and successfully navigated the Paul

Hall Center’s ap-
prentice program.
Since then, he
has returned to
the Piney Point,
Maryland-based
campus no fewer
than six occasions
to enhance his
skills. Swayne
earned his junior

engineer rating in 2006 and currently
sails aboard the Sunrise Operations
LLC (Pasha) operated Horizon En-
terprise. His first vessel was the Red
River Carriers operated Black Eagle.

“It’s been 20 years since I gradu-

ated from high school and I always
considered myself an overachiever,”
Swayne shared in his scholarship
application package. “I attended a
community college hoping to succeed
from the bottom up but quickly had to
drop out to find employment to sup-
port my grandparents and their needs.

“Soon after, I became a merchant
marine, lived life, traveled around
the world and started a family,” he
continued. “In today’s society, it can
be challenging to raise and teach two
children, and there is a part of me
that’s missing. For the last year I have
been motivated to go back to school
and fulfill a promise I made to myself
and grandmother.”

During his educational pursuits,
Swayne said he hopes not only to
obtain an associate’s degree but also a
bachelor’s as well as master’s degree
and “apply them all in the corporate
world of my trade that I’ve been in for
the past 18 years.” Ultimately his goal
is to secure his engineering license
and “be a better asset to any company
in my field and influential to the next
generation and my peers.”

Swayne has applied for admission
to the College of Southern Maryland,
Cal Maritime and Cal State East Bay.
His focus will be on engineering and
business administration.

Muhab Abdelwahab
Muhab Abdelwahab is the son of

Deep Sea Able Seaman Mohamed
Abdelwahab (mother, Ehram) who
sails aboard the Maersk Atlanta. He
has three siblings who are ages 20, 25
and 28.

Muhab is a 2019 graduate of
Southwest High School in Minneapo-
lis, Minnesota, where he posted an

overall 3.92 GPA.
He participated
in tennis, cross
country, soccer
and ping pong
and held member-
ship in a myriad
of non-athletic
student organiza-
tions. Included

were: National Honor Society, Muslim
Youth of North America, Muslim
Student Alliance, Biology Club, Math
Team and Choir.

He spent numerous hours volun-
teering at a wide variety of Minnesota-
based bodies such as Minneapolis
Community Education, Habitat for
Humanity and Hennepin Healthcare
just to name a few.

“Growing up as a first-generation
American, I recognize the expansive
opportunities that come with receiv-
ing a degree,” he said in his SHBP
application package. “My father was
the sole breadwinner for my family
of six, and my sisters and I became
profoundly aware of the obstacles that
many immigrant families face. This
early realization has motivated me to
strive for academic success, taking the
most challenging courses offered and
involving myself with extracurriculars
in high school with the eventual goal
of attending college.”

Muhab said that as a high school
senior, his aspirations became broader:

“I hope to establish programming, spe-
cifically targeted at elementary-aged
students in underserved communities,
to help promote excellence in aca-
demia and the professional workforce.
I personally have experienced the
disparity in our educational system,
through the limited access I had to
academic-based extracurriculars, and I
believe that this type of programming
would help elevate many underprivi-
leged communities.”

He has applied for admission to
the University of Minnesota, Harvard
College and Yale University. If ac-
cepted, “I will pursue a biological
sciences major. These classes will give
me hands-on opportunities to learn.”

After college, Muhab hopes to at-
tend medical school.

Emily May
Emily May is 2019 graduate of

Alamo Heights High School in San An-
tonio, Texas. She ranked first in her class
of 365 peers and posted a 105.94 GPA.

The daughter of Inland Master
Phillip May
(mother, Nancy,
a dietician) who
works for G&H
Towing, Emily
was extremely
active in extracur-
ricular activities
at her school.

As a baton
twirler she regularly entertained audi-
ences during band performances at
parades, football games and pep ral-
lies. Emily earned superior ratings and
top accolades in her craft during local,
regional, state and national competi-
tions. Included were a host of first
place awards during American Twirl-
ing Federation and National Baton
Twirling Association outings.

She also is an accomplished musi-
cian (saxophone), having participated
in her school’s varsity marching band,
wind ensemble, jazz band and pep
band. Emily was section leader during
her junior and senior years and was
an active member in a host of school
clubs and organizations. Included
were the science Olympiad, mayor’s
fitness council, environmental club,
and National Spanish Honor Society.

In the community service arena,
Emily spent countless hours enhanc-
ing the lives of San Antonio citizens.
Among the organizations that benefit-
ted from her service were: Animal
Defense League of San Antonio,
environmental club and Lake Canyon
Sailing Club. She also reached out to
fellow students, providing tutoring to
freshmen and other students requiring
help in geometry and preparation for
standardized testing.

“I plan to use my skills to study
biochemistry for undergraduate and
advanced degrees,” she said in her
application package. “I am passion-
ate about science and research. I see
a direct path of influential discovery
through cellular communications and
am excited for my growth in the field
through college and beyond. “

Emily has applied for admission to
the University of Texas at Austin, Rice
University and Baylor University. She
plans to major in biochemistry/mo-
lecular biology.

Bjorn Soriano
Bjorn Soriano hails from Olympia,

Washington, and is the son of Deep Sea
ABG Leonard Soriano (mother, Elea-
nor, a certified nursing assistant) who
sails aboard the Alaskan Navigator.

A 2019 graduate of Timberline
High School, Bjorn has one sibling. He
accumulated a 3.92 GPA at Timberline
and participated in both the tennis
and swimming
teams. Bjorn held
membership in the
National Honor
Society, Key Club
and Honor Guard.

As a com-
munity activist,
he donated time

at a neighborhood middle school and
served as a reader to elementary school
children. During the holidays, he col-
lected donations for the Salvation Army
while serving as a bell ringer.

“As a child of Filipino parents, I
understood at an early age the value of
education,” Bjorn said in his applica-
tion package. “Realizing the sacrifice
my parents made by leaving their
homeland in hopes for a better life for
their children, I made a commitment
to myself that I would capitalize on the
opportunities provided to me.”

Bjorn plans to earn a degree in en-
gineering. He has applied for admission
at the University of Washington, Seattle
University and Gonzaga University.

Katherine Scott
Katherine Scott was born in

Galveston, Texas. She is a 2018 gradu-
ate of Ball High School and currently
is attending Galveston College. She
is the daughter of Inland Pilot Mar-
tin Scott (mother, Anne) who works
aboard G&H Towing’s David B. She
has one sibling.

Katherine amassed an overall 3.72
GPA in high school and ranked 44 in

her class, which
numbered 460
graduates. She
participated in
golf and was a
member of the
National Honor
Society, the stu-
dent council and
Key Club.

As a volun-
teer, she donated many hours provid-
ing assistance to the Galveston Island
Humane Society. Katherine also
participated in a community endeavor
dubbed the Big Event Beach Cleanup.

On the collegiate level, Katherine
has already completed five semesters of
work and earned 28 credits at Galves-
ton College. She has posted a 3.12 GPA
and is majoring in kinesiology.

Her ultimate goal to become a
physical therapist. [After obtaining my
degree in kinesiology] “I plan to con-
tinue on into physical therapy at the
University of Texas Medical Branch
and eventually become a physical
therapist that specializes in pediatric
therapy, in order to help children that
need it for their everyday lives,” she
said in her scholarship application
package.

Alana Thomas
Alana Thomas is the daughter of

Deep Sea GUDE Aaron Thomas
(mother, Erinn, a process improve-
ment analyst) who sails aboard
Keystone Shipping Service’s Cape
Domingo. She has three siblings.

Alana hails from Jacksonville,
Florida, and is a 2019 graduate of At-
lantic Coast High School. At Atlantic,
she amassed an overall 3.57 GPA and
ranked 135 in her class, which num-
bered 562 graduates.

Alana held membership in and
was elected to office in both the
National Honor Society and Spanish
National Honor
Society. As a vol-
unteer, she logged
more than 100
hours of service
at the UF Florida
Health Jackson-
ville Hospital.

“I specifically
want to become
a nurse practitioner because it will
allow me to expand the leadership
qualities I already have and to be-
come a better, more calm problem
evaluator and solver,” she said in
her SHBP scholarship application
package. “These are skills I will
need once I decide to open my own
practice.”

Alana has applied for admis-
sion to Florida State University, the
University of Central Florida and
the University of North Florida. She
plans to major in nursing and minor
in business.

SHBP Awards $132,000 in Scholarships

Members of the 2019 Calendar Year SHBP Scholarship Committee (above,
from left) were Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr.
Trevor Carpenter, College of Southern Maryland (retired); Dr. Hank Toutain,
dean of students, Kenyon College (retired); Dr. Marla Kohlman, professor,
Department of Sociology, Kenyon College; Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s
College (retired); and Dr. Keith Schlender, dean emeritus, college of gradu-
ate studies, University of Toledo College of Medicine.

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG_X.indd 5 6/21/2019 3:36:45 AM



6 Seafarers LOG July 2019

SIU Asst. VP Chester ‘Chet’ Wheeler Retires

Anyone familiar with longtime SIU Government Ser-
vices Division Assistant Vice President Chester “Chet”
Wheeler won’t be surprised by the fact he’s staying quite
active in retirement.

A tireless worker throughout his decades as a mariner
and an official, Wheeler, 74, officially called it a career
earlier this year. He’s enjoying the new lifestyle, but if
the particulars of a given day have changed, the pace
isn’t much different.

“It’s fine and I’m busy,” said Wheeler, who lives with
his wife, Becky, in Cobb, California. “I realize now all
the things my wife did without me, and now those are
my jobs. I’ve remodeled a house and was already help-
ing out at a senior center, which I’m continuing. I’m
service-oriented anyway, but it’s nice to be able to give
back. There are some real characters there.”

Wheeler also plans to accommodate his wife’s request
for European travel – admittedly not a huge concession
from someone who said travel was the highlight of his
32 years as a mariner.

He cited “family considerations” as the driving force
behind his retirement, which officially commenced
March 28. Wheeler also said he thoroughly enjoyed both
his time at sea and the years spent working as an official.

SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone stated,
“Chet had a very steady attitude towards his fairness and
diligence in representing his mariners. He definitely was
dedicated. He grew up in that fleet and was involved as
a delegate under Buck Mercer (the late vice president of
the union’s Government Services Division). Chet under-
stood the complexities of the Military Sealift Command
(MSC) and was able to navigate effectively through the
various processes.”

SIU Vice President Government Services Kate Hunt
said, “Chet and I worked well together over the years. I
always respected him as a union representative who re-
ally had the best interests of the mariners at heart.”

Wheeler came ashore to work for the union in 1997,
first as a representative and soon thereafter as an as-
sistant vice president. Prior to the SIU’s merger with the
National Maritime Union in 2001, he handled all West
Coast representational efforts for MSC and the Suisun
Bay reserve fleet. In fact, since 1997, Wheeler was in-
volved in every MSC and Suisun Bay contract negotia-
tion and “instruction and policy” negotiation.

Colleagues described him as instrumental in ensuring
the safety and health of mariners by negotiating afloat
and ashore habitability agreements, watch hours, stan-
dards for shipboard water potability and air quality, and
shipyard working conditions. He was a guiding force in
the three-year negotiation of Civilian Mariner Personnel
Instruction (CMPI) 610, a key document covering hours
of work and overtime pay. Wheeler also played leading

roles in representing mariners aboard joint high-speed
vessels, and in securing significant compensatory time
for travel for many CIVMARS.

“Most importantly,” said retired SIU Counsel Debo-
rah Kleinberg, who worked very closely with Wheeler,
“Chet guided thousands of CIVMARS, wage mariners
and Suisun Bay boat handlers, representing employees
in grievances and disciplinary actions, and assisting
employees who were injured or ill. He helped mariners
leave their vessel assignments to attend to ill family
members. He assisted many employees with the medical
exam process, retirement counseling, workers’ compen-
sation advocacy and making sure mariners could return
home from afar when sick or injured.”

Never one to worry about popularity, Wheeler defi-
nitely earned respect and appreciation both from fellow
officials and from rank-and-file members. This was re-
flected by his having not one but two retirement parties
– the first at the Oakland, California, SIU hiring hall in
February, the second closer to his home in northern Cali-
fornia in late April.

At those gatherings, Wheeler received large binders
packed with appreciative messages from people he repre-
sented and worked with through the years. Here’s a small
sampling of those sentiments:

“Thanks for all the advice, support, wisdom and guid-
ance you so gracefully gave to all the mariners. You will
be sorely missed.” – Bill Machie, Second Asst. Engineer

“Thank you for looking out for us, your brother
CIVMARS, all these years. You always commanded at-
tention with your booming voice and no-nonsense talks
about our rights. Many mariners benefited from your
advice.” – Rob Cruz

“I have known you for close to 20 years and have
admired your work and indefatigable efforts to make the
working conditions, quarters and lives of CIVMARS
better. I have seen firsthand how CIVMARS and agency
folks alike respected, liked and in some cases, loved
you.” – Joe Vincenzo, SIU Asst. VP

“It has been an honor to have worked with you. I have
learned so much from you and am grateful for all of your
efforts. Your dedication to the Seafarers is unmatched.” –
John Madden, SIU Associate Counsel

When presenting the albums, Kleinberg said, “If a
person’s career is measured by how many people he has
supported and helped during their life’s work, then your
career is truly without measure. You were instrumental
in helping me and all you have come in contact with,
obtain a better understanding and appreciation of the
unique working environment of federal mariners. Your
extraordinary passion, hard work, persistence and excep-
tional dedication to seagoing workers and their families
inspired me each day to live up to your example. I know
for certain that your advocacy and unwavering efforts
will never be duplicated.”

Reflecting primarily on his time as an official,
Wheeler said, “I’m proud of the representation we gave
them. It was a 24/7 job and it’s a complicated unit. Also,
issues affecting government services can also affect the

private sector.”
Wheeler said Kleinberg was “the best support I could

have,” and expressed solid confidence in Vincenzo as his
successor.

Moreover, Wheeler said that while he never was pres-
sured to enter the maritime industry, it came naturally.
“My great grandfather was an indentured servant in the
Swedish merchant marine beginning when he was 10
years old,” he noted. “My uncles all went to sea and I
grew up around water on the coast. I was surrounded by
seamen. But I didn’t have to go to sea; I like it.”

He said his fondest memory of shipboard life is “I got
to travel a lot of places. In the old days, when I sailed, it
took maybe a week or two weeks to unload. There were
lots of adventures.”

His advice for those entering the industry? “Get as
much out of it as you can,” Wheeler replied. “It’s an
adventure. Make this your adventure. The other thing is,
learn everything you can. We have a great school (the
union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education). Keep going back and keep learning. It’s
a wonderful occupation and I’m really glad I did it.”

Retiring SIU Asst. VP Chet Wheeler (second from left in photo directly above) always felt most at home with fellow
CIVMARS. He’s pictured at a 2016 MTD event in San Diego with members of the SIU Government Services Division
and with other officials. The photo at right is a cover page in one of the two keepsake albums Wheeler received at a
retirement gathering.

Wheeler (left) is pictured with SIU President Michael
Sacco in 2008.

Spent 32 Years Sailing,
23 as Union Official

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 6 6/20/2019 12:50:02 PM



July 2019 Seafarers LOG 7

National Maritime Day Celebrated Coast to Coast
The annual National Maritime Day ceremony hosted by

the U.S. Department of Transportation always proves note-
worthy, but it’s definitely not the only such observance. The
SIU once again in 2019 also turned out for ceremonies in
Texas, Virginia and California; some Seafarers also marked

the occasion aboard ship. Additionally, a high-ranking SIU
official made a surprise presentation at a pro-maritime get-
together in Congress.

The photos on this page were taken at those respective
gatherings.

SALUTING WWII MARINERS, AUTHOR – SIU Executive VP
Augie Tellez (right) surprises author William Geroux with a framed,
declassified listing of the U.S. Merchant Marine convoys bringing
supplies to the Soviet Union during World War II via the Arctic
convoys to Murmansk and Archangel. Geroux recently published
a book on the subject: “The Ghost Ships of Archangel – The Arctic
Voyage That Defied the Nazis.” The event was hosted on Capitol
Hill by U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) and U.S. Rep.
Don Young (R-Alaska), both longtime backers of the maritime in-
dustry.

WITH SEAFARERS ON WEST COAST – The SIU contingent at the yearly tribute in San Pedro, California,
included Wilmington Port Agent Jeff Turkus (fourth from right) and (among others) GUDE George Galanas, GVA
Kris Bechtel, Bosun Rick Barnhart, GUDE Hamza Jinah and Bosun Rudy Nuno.

NORFOLK CEREMONY – Chief Cook Michele
Woodley (left) and SIU Safety Director Anthony
Houston (right) helped represent the union at the
city’s Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center.

ABOARD HONOR – Vessel Master Capt. Shawn Hagerty reports: “On May 22nd at 1230 hours local, while at sea from
Charleston to Bremerhaven, the M/V HONOR held an onboard National Maritime Day ceremony. The all-hands event
included learning about the history of National Maritime Day from our Third Officer and hearing this year’s Presidential
Proclamation read by both Kings Point and Maine Maritime Academy cadets. We ended with eight bells struck on the ship
bell followed by a moment of silence.” Thanks to Capt. Hagerty for the photo, which features the whole crew of the TOTE
Services-operated vessel.

GALVESTON GATHERING – Pier 21 was the site of the tenth
annual National Maritime Day ceremony in Galveston, Texas.
The group photo at right includes SIU Safety Director Kevin
Sykes (third from left) with U.S. Coast Guard personnel. In
the photo above, longtime SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre ad-
dresses attendees before the tossing of a memorial wreath.

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG_X.indd 7 6/21/2019 3:36:48 AM



8 Seafarers LOG July 2019

Bosun Kwesi Adu-Gyamfi

In the photos below, the USNS Maury approaches, enters and exits the locks at the Panama Canal.

AB Demilton Wheat ABG Eugene Evans ABG George Fababier

RN/MSO Brandon Maeda, medical department rep-
resentative aboard the USNS Maury provided the photos
appearing on these two pages.

The photos were taken during what Maeda described
as the completion of roughly an 11,500 nautical mile voy-
age which had the Maury sailing from Florida to Hawaii

via the Panama Canal. The return trip took the vessel and
crew from Hawaii to California; once again through the
Panama Canal and back to the East Coast.

In his correspondence to the LOG, Maeda portrayed
the Maury’s SIU crew as an interesting blend of mariners,
a real microcosm of the United States. “We have seamen

who are originally from America, Asia, [the] Caribbean,
Africa, Arabia and the Pacific Islands,” he said. Included
are “both men and women, young and old, from the east,
west and gulf coasts with a sprinkling of military veter-
ans.”

The vessel is operated by Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.

USNS Maury Completes Whirlwind Voyage via Panama Canal

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 8 6/20/2019 12:50:07 PM



July 2019 Seafarers LOG 9

STOS Christian Mercado Nunez STOS Terrance Paige QE4 Daniel Resultan Oiler Derrick Walker

Oiler Michael Ribeiro Oiler Zachary Cartwright GVA Camilo Villafania GVA Isaka Koanda

GVA Mason Abdulfattah Kamhed SKS Michael Dupee SA Crystal Cobbs

CC Brandon Hamilton MDR Brandon Maeda

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 9 6/20/2019 12:50:10 PM



10 Seafarers LOG July 2019

At Sea and Ashore with the SIUA-BOOK IN PINEY – Chief Cook Rachel Janssen (left) received
her A-book June 5 from SIU President Michael Sacco (right) in
Piney Point, Maryland. Janssen most recently sailed aboard the
Horizon Spirit before heading to the Paul Hall Center.

CIVMAR MEETING – Members of the SIU Government Services Division met in mid-May in Norfolk, Virginia, with
SIU VP Government Services Kate Hunt (standing fourth from left) and SIU Government Services Representative
Sam Spain (standing far left).

ABOARD CROWLEY TANKER CALIFORNIA – These photos were taken in mid-April in Martinez, California. Pictured at the gangway (above, left) is AB Raymond Contreras. Chief
Cook Najeeb Ginah (above, center) is shown in the galley, while the remaining photo includes (from left) Bosun Ruben Datu, Port Agent Nick Marrone II and QMED/Pumpman Joshua
Zelinsky.

BOOKS GALORE IN HONOLULU – Three members
recently received their respective full B-books at the hall
in Hawaii. AB Rolan Aguilar is at right in photo at left,
with Shureen Yatchmenoff, administrative assistant. As-
sistant Storekeeper Tanya Awong stands at left in photo
above, with Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. The photo at
the immediate right includes Wiper Chanel Peters and
Yatchmenoff.

A-BOOK IN JAX – QMED Samir
Tarsha (left) gets his A-book from
Safety Director Joseph Koncul at the
hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida, on
May 9. The two were classmates in
Piney Point (No. 736) and have been
close friends ever since.

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 10 6/20/2019 12:50:12 PM



July 2019 Seafarers LOG 11

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

FULL BOOK IN PINEY – Chief Cook Luis Perez
Acosta (left) receives his full membership book
from Port Agent Victor Nunez in early May. The
Seafarer was enrolled in the certified chief stew-
ard course at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center.

MILESTONES IN SAN JUAN – Steward
department Seafarer Bernice Reyes (left) is
pictured at the new hiring hall, proudly dis-
playing her first vacation check and her first
Maritime Defense League receipt after com-
pleting her initial voyage. Her next planned
stop was the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center
in Piney Point, Maryland, for upgrading train-
ing. Pictured at right is Port Agent Amancio
Crespo.

ABOARD SAFMARINE NGAMI – Pictured from left are AB Saidu Sesay, AB Or-
lando Da Cruz, Bosun Leroy Sierra, AB Roberto Flores and AB Ron Ramos. Their
chief mate submitted the photo in early June and noted, “I’ve been sailing master
and mate for almost 20 years. This is one of the most productive teams I’ve en-
countered.” The vessel is operated by Maersk Line, Limited.

ABOARD WEST VIRGINIA – Pictured recently on
the Crowley tanker in Houston are (from left) Patrol-
man Kelly Krick and Recertified Bosun John Cedeno.

TAKING THE OATH IN HOUSTON – AB Nexlon Colon Diego (right) is sworn in for his full B-book by Patrolman J.B. Niday at
the hiring hall in late May.

DELIVERING FOOD AID – Bosun Jerrold Foke submitted these photos of fellow Seafarers aboard the Crowley-operated
Ocean Glory. The snapshots were taken in April while the heavy lift ship was in Djibouti, delivering U.S. food aid (wheat
grain) ultimately bound for Yemen. Pictured at the gangway (above, left) is AB Daniel Mensah. AB Lomarro West is shown
in the photo at center, while the photo at right features Chief Steward Johnny Palencia.

NEW CONTRACT APPROVED – Seafarers at the Asso-
ciation of Maryland Pilots have unanimously approved a
new five-year contract featuring wage increases, senior-
ity bonuses and per-diem gains. Pictured recently at the
Solomons Island station are (from left) members Adam
Xenides and Kevin Kuhne, and Port Agent Victor Nunez.
Xenides is the shop delegate.

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 11 6/20/2019 12:50:14 PM



12 Seafarers LOG July 2019 July 2019 Seafarers LOG 13

The SIU made a typically strong showing for this year’s National Maritime Day observance in the na-
tion’s capital. Union officials and an enthusiastic group of apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education – two of whom played key roles in the ceremony –

were on hand at Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters for the annual gathering May 22.
The SIU contingent included President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secre-

tary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President Great Lakes Tom
Orzechowski and Port Agent Victor Nunez. Paul Hall Center Apprentice Shannon Gail Peterson served
as the official wreath-tender while fellow Apprentice Charles Patchin sounded eight bells, consistent with
tradition.

Hosted by the DOT’s Maritime Administration, the ceremony drew hundreds of people from all segments
of the industry. This year’s theme was “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community.”

Speakers were (in order) Deputy Maritime Administrator Richard Balzano (master of ceremonies); Rear
Adm. Margaret Kibben, USN (Ret), who also gave the invocation; Maritime Administrator Rear Adm. Mark
Buzby, USN (Ret); Gen. Stephen Lyons, USA, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command; Rear Adm.
Timothy Gallaudet, Ph.D., USN (Ret), assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and dep-
uty NOAA administrator; Jennifer Boykin (keynote), president, Newport News Shipbuilding; and The Hon.
Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon, commissioner, Puerto Rico.

Awards were presented to: Capt. Arthur R. Murray Jr. for his service as a merchant mariner during World
War II; Andrew Bouchot of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, who saved the life of a stowaway while
training at sea; and Catherine Morrison, a real-life “Rosie the Riveter” who worked as a welder during World
War II. The administration also showed a video highlighting the historic role women have played in various
components of the American maritime industry.

The speakers covered an array of maritime topics. In addition to remarks consistent with this year’s
theme, many also reinforced the ongoing, indispensable role of the U.S. Merchant Marine as America’s
fourth arm of defense. Several recognized the Paul Hall Center apprentices and thanked them for attending.

Buzby during his remarks relayed greetings from Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, a maritime
stalwart who was in Germany that day.

He continued, “As we celebrate our industry today, I salute all the women from the maritime industry,
afloat and ashore, who continue to make a difference…. Maritime Day celebrates our indispensable industry
and commemorates a historic yet largely forgotten technological achievement: the first trans-Atlantic cross-
ing of a ship under steam power, the SS Savannah. Its voyage from Savannah, Georgia, to Liverpool, Eng-
land, that took place began on May 22, 1819, and marked the passing of the era of sail power and the coming
of the first industrial age, which would transform the speed of commerce and the entire nature of naval
warfare. That’s part of why Maritime Day is so important. It’s a time to honor those who served, too many of
whom gave their lives as patriotic merchant mariners.”

He said the day offers a chance “to pause to remind ourselves of just how critical maritime issues are to
the security and prosperity of this island nation of ours – something that’s generally out of the public’s focus.
It’s also up to us to ensure that there is always a new generation of American mariners prepared to relieve the
watch.

“Two centuries on from the historic cruise of the Savannah, America’s strength still rises and falls with
the health of the maritime community,” Buzby concluded. “We will need it to meet the challenges ahead, and
I have great confidence in the future because of the people here today.”

Lyons opened his speech by “recognizing the hard-working men and women of the United States Mer-
chant Marine and the maritime industry that have made and continue to make significant economic and na-
tional security contributions to the United States of America in peace time and war.”

He recalled the crucial service of World War II mariners specifically and the U.S. Merchant Marine in
general through the centuries, which he said “has made significant contributions to our nation’s survival.”

Lyons noted that upwards of 9,000 civilian U.S. seamen died in World War II (including more than 1,200
SIU members), either during the formal hostilities or afterward as a result of injuries sustained.

Rear Adm. Margaret Kibben (USN, Ret.) Rear Adm. Mark Buzby (USN, Ret.)
Maritime Administrator

Gen. Stephen Lyons, USA
Commander, USTRANSCOM

Jennifer Boykin, President
Newport News Shipbuilding

Rear Adm. Timothy Gallaudet, Ph.D. (USN, Ret.)
Deputy NOAA Administrator

Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon
Commissioner, Puerto Rico

From left: SIU President Michael Sacco, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski
and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard arrives. The U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard posts the Colors.

Paul Hall Center Apprentice Charles Patchin prepares to ring “eight
bells.”

SIU Celebrates National Maritime Day in Nation’s Capital

Paul Hall Center Apprentice Shannon Peterson carries a life ring, used
this year in lieu of a wreath. SIU President Michael Sacco is at the right.

Continued on next page

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG_X.indd 12-13 6/21/2019 3:56:30 AM



“Fast forward to today,” he stated. “The DOD and TRANS-
COM continue to depend on U.S.-flag merchant ships, their
incredible trade networks, and our incredible mariners – excep-
tional mariners who sail. These ships that carry important ex-
ports in peace time rapidly transition to a Navy auxiliary in war
time, delivering the vast majority of supplies and equipment to
protect and sustain our military forces globally.”

He described the merchant marine as “an essential part of
our DOD war plan. This is why I remain a strong advocate of
Administrator Buzby and MARAD’s selfless work to preserve
emergency preparedness programs like VISA, and incentive
programs like the Maritime Security Program. It’s vitally im-
portant to the United States of America to retain the viability
of a fleet of ships that sail underneath the U.S. flag. This fleet
provides assured access to the United States Transportation
Command and the Department of Defense, and these programs
and the work that MARAD does are critical to our national
security.”

He concluded, “To all the merchant mariners around the
globe, thank you for your patriotism, for your support, and
your unwavering commitment to defend our great nation. To-
gether, we deliver.”

Boykin, who overseas a union shipyard with 24,000 em-
ployees, discussed changing times in the maritime industry and
how she recognizes the significance of having become the first
woman president of Newport News Shipbuilding.

“There’s never been a more exciting time to be a ship-
builder,” she said. “For the first time in over a decade, all
of our available drydocks are full…. We have more work
under contract than we’ve had in two decades.” (For ex-

ample, the yard recently signed a contract to build two
aircraft carriers. That means 14 years’ worth of work, she
explained.)

Gonzalez-Colon saluted America’s rich maritime history
and emphasized the reliable service provided by Jones Act
ships to Puerto Rico. She recalled Hurricane Maria and cred-
ited the domestic maritime industry for timely delivery of all
the supplies needed to survive and rebuild. She said it was a

“lifeline” and that the “American shipping industry” made re-
covery possible.

Domestic maritime is “a loyal, dependable partner” with the
territory, she stated.

Gallaudet, a Navy veteran, recalled serving on an aircraft
carrier during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Free-
dom. “We could have done none of that without the sealift and
supplies from our merchant marine,” he said.

14 Seafarers LOG July 2019

Continued from Page 13

Catherine Morrison (second from right), age 95, worked as a welder during World War II to support the war effort. She’s
pictured with (from left) Gen. Lyons, Jennifer Boykin and Maritime Administrator Buzby.

SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (standing, center) and SIU Piney Point Port Agent Victor Nunez (standing, left) chat with Paul Hall Center apprentices before the ceremony.

Event Theme Recognizes
Importance of Empowering
Women in Maritime Industry

On National Maritime Day, we honor the men and
women who, throughout our history, have served
with professionalism, dedication, and patriotism in
the United States Merchant Marine. We recognize
these seafaring merchant mariners for helping to
fuel our economy, maintain our sea power, and
support our national security.

Merchant mariners extend goodwill into all parts
of the world, serving as a peaceful United States
presence on international waterways. Today,
American mariners facilitate the import and ex-
port of billions of dollars of goods, including fuel,
agricultural products, and raw materials through
the Marine Transportation System. They are also
among the first to respond to help their fellow citi-
zens in the wake of national disasters.

During times of war, merchant mariners coura-
geously sail into combat zones to provide sealift for
the Department of Defense, carrying weapons and
supplies to America’s fighting forces. In every con-

flict, United States citizen mariners have answered
the call to duty and risked their lives. Some have
sadly made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Because the United States Merchant Marine
plays a central role in bringing American goods
to market and in bolstering our military readiness
abroad, we must encourage more people to pur-
sue career opportunities on America’s waterways
and the oceans of the world. For this reason, I
recently signed an Executive Order to help vet-
erans of the Armed Forces transition seamlessly
into civilian careers in the United States Merchant
Marine by allowing them to apply relevant military
training and experience toward becoming creden-
tialed merchant mariners. This will help support
a robust, well-equipped, and safe merchant fleet
crewed by well-trained mariners.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May
20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as
“National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first

transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by
the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Con-
gress has authorized and requested the President
to issue annually a proclamation calling for its ap-
propriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, Pres-
ident of the United States of America, do hereby
proclaim May 22, 2019, as National Maritime
Day. I call upon the people of the United States to
mark this observance and to display the flag of the
United States at their homes and in their commu-
nities. I also request that all ships sailing under the
American flag dress ship on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of
our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the In-
dependence of the United States of America the
two hundred and forty-third.

DONALD J. TRUMP

President Trump Issues Proclamation for National Maritime Day 2019

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG_X.indd 14 6/21/2019 3:36:50 AM



July 2019 Seafarers LOG 15

May 16, 2019 - June 15, 2019

Total Registered Total Shipped Registered on Beach
All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups

Port A B C A B C Reliefs A B C

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

Deck Department
Algonac 18 6 1 11 6 0 5 29 12 2
Anchorage 4 1 1 1 0 1 2 5 2 2
Baltimore 7 4 1 1 3 0 1 8 4 2
Fort Lauderdale 27 15 3 18 10 1 10 35 20 6
Guam 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 0
Harvey 13 3 2 4 5 1 3 22 4 3
Honolulu 6 7 1 3 5 0 2 15 6 1
Houston 46 20 13 42 24 6 29 93 35 17
Jacksonville 33 19 6 23 19 1 20 54 28 10
Jersey City 39 10 4 25 11 3 13 61 14 8
Joliet 3 3 0 2 3 1 0 4 4 1
Mobile 11 10 2 7 5 1 6 17 9 4
Norfolk 25 10 5 15 9 6 13 43 18 19
Oakland 15 3 4 7 5 1 7 18 4 5
Philadelphia 1 4 0 1 4 0 2 4 2 1
Piney Point 4 6 1 4 3 0 4 4 7 1
Puerto Rico 8 2 1 4 0 0 3 16 8 2
Tacoma 20 11 5 20 12 2 18 55 14 5
St. Louis 2 0 2 2 0 2 2 3 2 2
Wilmington 30 10 6 17 8 1 13 53 21 11
TOTALS 313 144 58 208 132 27 153 543 214 102

Engine Department
Algonac 2 0 4 0 0 2 0 5 0 2
Anchorage 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Baltimore 2 2 1 5 3 0 2 4 3 1
Fort Lauderdale 9 11 1 6 9 0 7 15 12 1
Guam 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0
Harvey 1 5 0 4 1 0 3 4 5 0
Honolulu 5 6 1 8 2 1 1 15 7 2
Houston 20 9 4 11 6 2 9 34 13 5
Jacksonville 22 14 2 10 7 1 10 31 26 3
Jersey City 12 6 2 8 7 0 7 20 8 2
Joliet 2 0 1 1 0 0 2 3 1 3
Mobile 4 4 1 3 8 0 1 5 3 3
Norfolk 15 13 9 16 13 4 11 21 14 9
Oakland 4 6 1 6 0 0 3 10 7 3
Philadelphia 3 2 1 1 3 0 1 2 2 1
Piney Point 4 3 0 2 2 0 1 2 3 0
Puerto Rico 3 5 0 4 1 0 2 9 8 0
Tacoma 11 7 2 9 4 0 3 28 8 2
St. Louis 3 0 0 1 1 1 0 3 3 0
Wilmington 10 10 2 7 7 2 7 21 15 4
TOTALS 133 105 32 102 75 13 70 235 141 41

Steward Department
Algonac 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 0
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Baltimore 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 2 4 0
Fort Lauderdale 7 2 0 7 1 0 7 16 5 1
Guam 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Harvey 5 2 2 3 1 1 2 8 1 1
Honolulu 9 1 1 4 0 0 2 22 0 1
Houston 20 4 1 18 5 1 9 38 4 2
Jacksonville 22 9 0 17 7 0 9 32 18 1
Jersey City 7 1 1 10 0 2 2 16 4 1
Joliet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Mobile 2 2 0 3 0 0 2 7 5 0
Norfolk 10 6 3 11 8 1 5 22 9 5
Oakland 15 5 1 11 3 1 5 34 4 0
Philadelphia 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 0
Piney Point 2 3 3 0 1 3 2 3 4 0
Puerto Rico 2 1 0 0 3 0 2 7 5 0
Tacoma 11 0 2 7 2 1 5 16 8 3
St. Louis 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 1
Wilmington 11 7 1 10 3 0 7 35 25 2
TOTALS 133 46 16 104 34 10 60 276 98 20

Entry Department
Algonac 2 6 16 1 3 9 1 4 10 13
Anchorage 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 1
Baltimore 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 1 2
Fort Lauderdale 0 3 2 0 3 2 2 0 6 2
Guam 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1
Harvey 1 2 3 0 1 0 0 1 5 4
Honolulu 0 6 2 1 3 2 1 0 9 2
Houston 2 14 11 1 6 4 4 5 26 15
Jacksonville 1 24 25 1 21 14 6 2 40 43
Jersey City 0 19 8 2 10 6 2 0 27 11
Joliet 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 1
Mobile 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
Norfolk 0 15 25 0 11 27 4 0 26 35
Oakland 1 12 10 2 4 5 7 4 24 12
Philadelphia 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0
Piney Point 0 3 0 0 2 2 3 0 1 0
Puerto Rico 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0
Tacoma 2 10 10 4 6 0 2 7 17 19
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Wilmington 1 16 11 4 12 4 5 3 40 24
TOTALS 13 136 128 17 83 81 40 31 243 187

GRAND TOTAL: 592 431 234 431 324 131 323 1,085 696 350

Piney Point........................................Monday: July 8, August 5
Algonac.............................................Friday: July 12, August 9
Baltimore.......................................Thursday: July 11, August 8
Guam............................................Thursday: July 25, August 22
Honolulu...........................................Friday: July 19, August 16

Houston............................................Monday: July 15, August 12

Jacksonville....................................Thursday: July 11, August 8

Joliet.............................................Thursday: July 18, August 15

Mobile......................................Wednesday: July 17, August 14

New Orleans....................................Tuesday: July 16, August 13

Jersey City........................................Tuesday: July 9 , August 6

Norfolk...........................................Thursday: July 11, August 8

Oakland........................................Thursday: July18, August 15

Philadelphia................................Wednesday: July 10, August 7

Port Everglades.............................Thursday: July 18, August 15

San Juan..........................................Thursday: July 11, August 8

St. Louis............................................Friday: July 19, August 16

Tacoma.............................................Friday: July 26, August 23

Wilmington........................................Monday: July 22, August 19

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

July & August 2019
Membership Meetings

As previously reported, the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Ed-
ucation continues to offer Cu-
linary 2.0 classes designed to
help students boost their skills
while complying with a new
rule that takes effect next year.
Completing the coursework
also is intended to aid indi-
vidual shipping opportunities.

Shipping Rule 5.A.(6),
which will go into effect Janu-
ary 1, 2020, states, “Within
each class of seniority in the
Steward Department, priority
shall be given to those seamen
who possess an advanced Cu-
linary 2.0 certificate from the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School of Seamanship, in the
event such program is being
offered and that the seaman is
registered in Group I, Steward
Department.”

While every new member
of the steward department who
completes their apprenticeship
at the Paul Hall Center’s Lun-
deberg School of Seamanship
will have successfully passed
Culinary 2.0, it’s important to
remember that those already

sailing as chief cooks and
chief stewards must also take
the coursework in order to ex-
ercise preference and priority
beginning next year (unless
they have received training
after January 1, 2017 at the
Piney Point, Maryland-based
campus).

For those seamen currently
employed as permanent stew-
ards aboard commercial ves-
sels, they must attend Culinary
2.0 in order to maintain their
current employment status.

For those already sailing
as chief cooks and chief stew-
ards, there are two new revali-
dation courses that have been
designed to ensure a consis-
tent level of culinary training
and efficiency: Orientation/
Assessment Chief Steward 2.0
and Orientation/Assessment
Chief Cook 2.0. The courses
are being offered regularly, but
spaces are limited, so members
are encouraged to plan ahead
and enroll as soon as possible.

For more information,
contact your port agent and/
or the school’s admissions
office.

Urgent Notice/Reminder

Culinary 2.0 Training
Available at Paul Hall Center

ATTENTION SEAFARERS
Contribute To The

Seafarers Political Activities Donation

SPAD Works For You.

Correction
An article in the June LOG misidentified the union affilia-

tion of Christopher Kalinowski. He’s a member of the Inter-
national Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P).

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 15 6/20/2019 12:50:19 PM



16 Seafarers LOG July 2019

Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President

David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, 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

Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services

HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746

(301) 899-0675

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

(810) 794-4988

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

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

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

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

HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 845-5222

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

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 281-2622

JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306

(201) 434-6000

JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432

(815) 723-8002

MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605

(251) 478-0916

NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 622-1892

OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 444-2360

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

(215) 336-3818

PINEY POINT
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 JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills

San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033

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

(314) 752-6500

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409

(253) 272-7774

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

(310) 549-400

Seafarers International
Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer

This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent class of recertified stewards.

Frank Ramones
Recertified Steward

I joined the SIU because of the op-
portunities that I got. I was able to
send my daughter to graduate school,
thanks to the economic stability af-
forded by the union. Plus, I travel the
world for free! I enjoy everything
this organization has done for me.

Rocky Dupraw
Recertified Steward

My parents decided to send my
younger brother to Piney Point, and
asked if I wanted to go. It was the
best decision I’ve ever made. The
SIU has provided my family and me
with a better quality of life.

Ali Munsar
Recertified Steward

I joined the union because my dad
was in the union, and he told me how
nice it was to go to sea, and that was
the truth. I love it, and I am going to
get my kids to join the union. I want
to thank everyone in the union for ev-
erything you’ve done for me.

Fakhruddin Malahi
Recertified Steward

I joined the union in 1998 in San
Francisco, and joined the steward de-
partment. I started from the bottom,
and built my way up to recertified
steward. The SIU is a great union,
and works with the best maritime
school in the U.S.

Question: Why did you join the SIU, and why have you remained with the union?

Robert Owens
Recertified Steward

After a 10-year stint in the Navy, I
wanted more adventure. I’ve traveled
to all parts of the world thanks to the
SIU. The union has provided me and
my family a most beautiful life, and
joining has been one of the best deci-
sions I’ve made.

Angela Robertson
Recertified Steward

I decided to join the union to
travel, and meet people from differ-
ent parts of the world. Continuing to
travel and meet new people keeps me
sailing SIU.

Pics From The Past

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

These 1984 photos were taken during and after the SS Inger paid off in New Jersey. The inset features then-SIU Representative
Kermett Mangram (now a retired VP). The larger image shows Bosun Stanley Jandora and his wife “happily reunited,” according
to the original caption.

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG_X.indd 16 6/21/2019 3:36:53 AM



July 2019 Seafarers LOG 17

DEEP SEA

AUBREY BENJAMIN
Brother Aubrey Benjamin, 65,
signed on with the Seafarers in
1997, initially
sailing with
Crowley Towing
and Transporta-
tion. A member
of the deck
department, he
last worked with
Maersk Line,
Limited when
he sailed on the Constellation.
Brother Benjamin makes his home
in San Diego.

MICHAEL BREWLEY
Brother Michael Brewley, 71,
became a member of the union
in 1974 when he shipped on the
Arizpa. He primarily sailed in the
deck department and upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school. Brother Brewley
most recently sailed on the Maersk
Memphis. He resides in Bayonne,
New Jersey.

LAWRENCE CLINE
Brother Lawrence Cline, 65,

joined the SIU
in 1975, first
sailing on the
Arecibo. He
sailed in all three
departments and
upgraded on nu-
merous occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother

Cline last shipped on the Voyager
and lives in Ashford, Washington.

JOAQUIM FIGUEIREDO
Brother Joaquim Figueiredo, 68,
began sailing with the union in
2003, first ship-
ping on the
Maersk Maine.
In 2010, he en-
hanced his skills
by upgrading at
the Piney Point
school. A member
of the engine de-
partment, Brother
Figueiredo most recently sailed
aboard the Maersk Columbus. He
calls Palm Coast, Florida, home.

KEVIN GIBBONS
Brother Kevin Gibbons, 65, em-

barked on his
SIU career in
1978. His first
ship was the
Santa Maria
and he sailed in
both the deck
and steward
departments.
Brother Gibbons

concluded his career sailing on
the Reliance. He resides in San
Francisco.

DANIEL HAEGELE
Brother Daniel Haegele, 66, joined

the union in 1991 when he sailed
on the USNS Tenacious. He was
a deck department member and
upgraded on multiple occasions
at the Piney Point school. Brother
Haegele’s last vessel was the
Balboa. He calls Woodbury, Min-
nesota, home.

RICHARD HICKS
Brother Richard Hicks, 63, donned
the SIU colors in 1976, initially
sailing aboard the Sealand Re-
source. A stew-
ard department
member, he
upgraded on nu-
merous occasions
at the maritime
training center
located in Piney
Point, Maryland.
Brother Hicks
most recently sailed on the Maersk
Columbus. He resides in West
Palm Beach, Florida.

DONALD HUFFMAN
Brother Donald Huffman, 65,
became an SIU member in 1978

when he shipped
on the Pisces. He
was a member of
the steward de-
partment and up-
graded on several
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Huffman
last shipped on

the Green Lake. He lives in Jack-
sonville, Florida.

LEROY JENKINS
Brother Leroy Jenkins, 71, signed
on with the SIU in 1968 and
first sailed on the La Salle. He
upgraded often at the Paul Hall
Center and sailed in all three de-
partments. Brother Jenkins most
recently sailed aboard the Cape
Island. He makes his home in Ta-
coma, Washington.

JOHN MCMURTRAY
Brother John McMurtray, 65,
embarked on his career with the
SIU in 1979 when he sailed on
the Arecibo. A deck department
member, he upgraded on multiple
occasions at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. Brother Mc-
Murtray last sailed aboard the
Beaver State. He resides in St.
Helens, Oregon.

FRANCISCO RAMILO
Brother Francisco Ramilo, 69,
became a member of the union
in 2003, initially
sailing aboard
the Cape Horn.
An engine de-
partment mem-
ber, he upgraded
his skills on sev-
eral occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Ramilo most recently sailed on
the Pennsylvania. He makes his
home in College Station, Texas.

DEREK ROSS
Brother Derek Ross, 65 joined
the Seafarers in 1992. His first
vessel was the
USNS Denebola
and he primar-
ily sailed in the
deck department.
Brother Ross en-
hanced his skills
in 1999 when he
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center.
He last shipped on the Maersk
Denver before settling in Brook-
lyn, New York.

AHMED SHARIF
Brother Ahmed Sharif, 67, signed
on with the SIU in 1982, initially
sailing aboard the Maunalei. He
was a steward department member
and upgraded at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Sharif most recently sailed
aboard the John Boland before set-
tling in Dearborn, Michigan.

ROBERT TANAKA
Brother Robert Tanaka, 65, began
his career with the Seafarers in
1980, first sailing on the Oceanic
Independence. He shipped as a
steward department member and
last sailed on the Independence
in 1992. Brother Tanaka is a Las
Vegas resident.

EMMANUEL WABE
Brother Emmanuel Wabe, 67,
donned the SIU colors in 1993
when he sailed on the Global
Mariner. A member of the deck de-
partment, he upgraded often at the
Piney Point school. Brother Wabe
most recently sailed on the Corsica.
He makes his home in Baltimore.

GREAT LAKES

ROSS WAISANEN
Brother Ross Waisanen, 65, started
shipping with the union in 1996,

initially sail-
ing on the Steel
T. Crapo. The
deck department
member en-
hanced his skills
in 2005 when he
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center.
He last shipped

on the John Boland and resides in
Minneapolis, Minnesota.

INLAND

STEPHEN HATHORN
Brother Stephen Hathorn, 62,
began sailing with the SIU in
1976 when he worked for Cres-
cent Towing and Salvage. A deck
department member, he remained
with the same company for the
duration of his career. Brother Ha-
thorn makes his home in Kenner,
Louisiana.

PETER MADDEN
Brother Peter Madden, 62, donned

the SIU colors
in 1978 when he
sailed with Hvide
Marine. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Madden most recently shipped
aboard the Liberty and resides in
Virginia Beach, Virginia.

ROBERT MCDERMOTT
Brother Robert McDermott, 65,
signed on with the union in 1979,
initially working for G&H Tow-
ing. He sailed in the deck depart-
ment and upgraded on multiple
occasions at the Paul Hall Center.
Brother McDermott concluded
his career with Moran Towing of
Texas in 1992 and lives in Ana-
huac, Texas.

JAMES NEWCOMB
Brother James Newcomb, 65,
joined the SIU in 1971, sailing
first on the Wacosta. He sailed in
both the deck and engine depart-
ments and upgraded at the Piney
Point school in 1978. Brother
Newcomb was last employed with
Atlantic Towing. He resides in Vir-
ginia Beach, Virginia.

MANUEL PIMENTEL
Brother Manuel Pimentel, 62,
became a member of the SIU in
1977 when he worked for Crow-

ley Puerto Rico
Services. He was
a member of the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1979.
Brother Pimentel
worked for the
same company

for the duration of his career. He
lives in Tampa, Florida.

ANTHONY PRIMEAUX
Brother Anthony Primeaux, 62,
donned the SIU colors in 1975,
first shipping with Higman Barge
Lines. A deck department member,
he continued his employment with
the same company for his entire
career. Brother Primeaux calls
Lufkin, Texas, home.

RAYMOND RICHARDSON
Brother Raymond Richardson,
59, started sailing with the SIU in
1981, initially working for Red
Circle Transport.
He upgraded
at the union-
affiliated Piney
Point school on
multiple occa-
sions and was a
member of the
deck depart-
ment. Brother
Richardson most recently shipped
with Crowley Towing and Trans-
portation before settling in White
Springs, Florida.

GEORGE ULLYOT
Brother George Ullyot, 66, em-
barked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1973, sailing first
with McAllister
Towing of Phila-
delphia. A deck
department mem-
ber, he upgraded
on multiple occa-
sions at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Ullyot was last employed
by Mariner Towing. He resides in
Waterford, New Jersey.

STEVEN WOODS
Brother Steven Woods, 61, began
shipping with the SIU in 1996, ini-

tially working for
Crescent Towing
and Salvage. He
sailed in both
the engine and
deck departments
and upgraded
on numerous
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Woods

continued to work for the same
company throughout his career. He
lives in Foley, Alabama.

JOHN ZENTS
Brother John Zents, 64, joined
the SIU in 1974 when he worked
for Moran Towing of Maryland.
He sailed in the engine depart-
ment and remained with the same
company for his entire career.
Brother Zents makes his home in
Baltimore.

NMU

RODOLFO AGUSTIN
Brother Rodolfo Agustin, 65,
signed on with the union in 2001.
He sailed with
the NMU prior
to the SIU/NMU
merger. Brother
Agustin sailed
in the engine de-
partment. He is a
resident of Chula
Vista, California.

JOEL EDWARDS
Brother Joel Edwards, 66, became
a member of the SIU in 2001 dur-
ing the SIU/NMU merger. He was
an engine department member and
first sailed aboard the Cape Horn.
Brother Edwards’ last vessel was
the Maersk Nebraska. He is a resi-
dent of Brooklyn, New York.

PILAR HERNANDEZ
Brother Pilar Hernandez, 79,
joined the SIU in 2001 during the
SIU/NMU merger. He was a deck
department member and last sailed
aboard the Argonaut. Brother
Hernandez lives in Catano, Puerto
Rico.

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

Welcome Ashore

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 17 6/20/2019 12:50:22 PM



18 Seafarers LOG July 2019

Final
Departures

DEEP SEA

PATRICK CARROLL
Brother Patrick Carroll, 51,
died May 5. He joined the SIU
in 1991, sailing first on the Gus
W. Darnell. An engine depart-
ment member, Brother Carroll
last sailed aboard the Mykonos.
He made his home in Cypress,
Texas.

ELEX CARY
Pensioner Elex Cary, 85,
passed away May 31. He be-
came an SIU
member in 1966
when he sailed
aboard the Mt.
Vernon Victory.
A deck depart-
ment member,
Brother Cary last
sailed on the Enterprise. He
went on pension in 1998 and
lived in Milpitas, California.

RICKEY CAVENDER
Pensioner Rickey Cavender,
62, died May 15. Signing on
with the Seafarers in 1970,

Brother Caven-
der first shipped
with Michigan
Tankers. He was
a member of the
engine depart-
ment and last
sailed aboard the
Thompson Pass.

Brother Cavender started col-
lecting his pension in 2007 and
called San Pedro, California,
home.

EUGENE CIPULLO
Pensioner Eugene Cipullo,
89, passed away April 8. He
started sailing
with the SIU in
1969 when he
shipped on the
Red Arrow. An
engine depart-
ment member,
Brother Cipullo
last sailed aboard
the John Paul Bobo. He retired
in 1994 and settled in Largo,
Florida.

ROY CONN
Pensioner Roy Conn, 80, died
April 27. He began his career

with the SIU in
1992, initially
sailing aboard
the USNS As-
sertive. Brother
Conn shipped in
the deck depart-
ment and last

sailed on the Jack Lummus. He
became a pensioner in 2006
and resided in Fort Worth,
Texas.

GARY DOYEN
Pensioner Gary Doyen, 76,
passed away May 18. He signed
on with the Seafarers in 1967,
initially sailing on the Com-
mander. An engine department
member, Brother Doyen last
sailed aboard the Horizon Con-
sumer. He began collecting his
pension in 2007 and made his
home in Downey, California.

SAMUEL ESHUN
Brother Samuel Eshun, 69,
died May 6. Born in Ghana,
he became an SIU member in
2004. Brother Eshun’s first ves-
sel was the Cape Diamond. He
shipped in all three departments
and most recently sailed on the
Maersk Sentosa. He called East
Orange, New Jersey, home.

ALFONSO GARCIA
Pensioner Alfonso Garcia, 74,
passed away May 9. He joined
the union in
1985 when he
sailed aboard the
Constitution. A
deck department
member, Brother
Garcia last sailed
on the Endur-
ance. He became
a pensioner in 2010 and lived in
Pico Rivera, California.

JOHN HOPKINS
Brother John Hopkins, 92, died
March 27. Born in Oklahoma, he
donned the SIU colors in 1979
when he shipped on the Presi-
dent Adams. Brother Hopkins
worked in the steward depart-
ment and last sailed aboard the
Rover in 1999. He lived in Port-
land, Oregon.

RAYMOND JONES
Pensioner Raymond Jones, 71,
passed away May 17. He signed

on with the SIU
in 1969, initially
sailing on the
Hattiesburg Vic-
tory. Brother
Jones was a stew-
ard department
member and con-

cluded his career on the Richard
G. Matthiesen. He retired in
2008 and settled in Haines City,
Florida.

CLIFTON MAINERS
Pensioner Clifton Mainers, 96,
died May 22. He joined the
union in 1955
when he worked
for Z Maritime
Operations. An
engine department
member, Brother
Mainers last
sailed aboard the
Puerto Rico. He retired in 1982

and lived in Pinson, Tennessee.

JOAQUIN PASSAPERA
Pensioner Joaquin Passapera, 78,
passed away June 5. He began
his career with
the SIU in 1962,
initially working
with Waterman
Steamship Cor-
poration. Brother
Passapera sailed
in the deck de-
partment. He last
shipped on the Perseverance
before retiring in 1999. Brother
Passapera was a resident of Hu-
macao, Puerto Rico.

LAWRENCE ROSE
Pensioner Lawrence Rose, 84,
died March 29. Initially sailing
on the Cape Horn, he joined the
SIU in 1990. Brother Rose was
an engine department member
and last sailed on the Harry
Martin. He went on pension in
2005 and made his home in Mel-
bourne, Florida.

KYLE SCHULTZ
Pensioner Kyle Schultz, 59, passed
away June 8. He donned the SIU
colors in 1978, first sailing on the
Great Land. Brother Schultz was a
deck department member. He last
shipped on the Ocean Crescent
and became a pensioner in 2016.
Brother Schultz resided in Livings-
ton, Texas.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS
Pensioner William Williams, 77,
died June 3. He joined the union
in 1964, initially sailing with
McAllister Towing of Virginia.
Brother Williams primarily
sailed in the engine department
and concluded his career on the
Stonewall Jackson. He went on
pension in 2006 and settled in
Dupont, Louisiana.

HOWARD YAEKEL
Pensioner Howard Yaekel, 78,
died May 15. Born in Brooklyn,

New York, he
became an SIU
member in 1961.
Brother Yaekel
was a deck depart-
ment member and
first shipped on
the Steel Artisan.
He retired in 2001

after sailing on his final vessel,
the Quality. Brother Yaekel lived
in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

GREAT LAKES

DONALD GIMPEL
Pensioner Donald Gimpel,
84, passed away April 13. He
embarked on his SIU career in
1967, when he worked for Price

Brothers. Brother
Gimpel was last
employed with
Great Lakes Tow-
ing before his re-
tirement in 2001.
He resided in Du-
luth, Minnesota.

MERTON LYONS
Pensioner Merton Lyons, 92,
died June 7. He joined the Sea-
farers in 1963 and first sailed
with Inland Lakes Management.
Brother Lyons was a deck de-
partment member. He concluded
his career on the Steel T. Crapo
and became a pensioner in 1992.
Brother Lyons made his home in
Alpena, Michigan.

INLAND

JOHN DANIELS
Pensioner John Daniels, 76,

passed away
April 24. He
joined the SIU
in 1961 when
he shipped with
Interstate Oil.
Brother Daniels
last worked for

IBC Company before going
on pension in 2005. He was a
resident of Belhaven, North
Carolina.

WILLIAM MEYER
Pensioner William Meyer, 70,
died May 16. He started his ca-
reer with the Seafarers in 1985
when he worked for Sheridan
Transportation. Brother Meyer
sailed in the deck department
and remained with the same
company for the duration of his
career. He became a pensioner
in 2011 and resided in Dania
Beach, Florida.

TED MILLIGAN
Pensioner Ted Milligan, 86,
died April 13.
He signed on
with the union
in 1961, initially
sailing with
Bethlehem Steel.
Brother Milligan
last sailed aboard
the Lemmerhirt.
He became a pensioner in 1995
and lived in Brimley, Michi-
gan.

ANTHONY NOCELLA
Pensioner Anthony Nocella, 91,
passed away May 18. He began
sailing with the SIU in 1961
when he worked for P.F. Martin.
Brother Nocella last shipped
with McAllister Towing of
Philadelphia. He retired in 1989
and settled in Haddonfield, New
Jersey.

WILLIAM SHUBERT
Pensioner William Shubert, 87,
died May 19. He embarked on
SIU career in 1973 when he
worked for National Marine
Service. Brother Shubert was a
deck department member. He
continued to work for the same
company until he became a pen-
sioner in 1994. Brother Shubert
lived in Bessemer City, North
Carolina.

JAMES WOODS
Pensioner James Woods, 65,
passed away May 19. He joined
the union in 1994,
first working
for Piney Point
Transportation.
Brother Woods
worked in the en-
gine department
and last sailed
with Allied Trans-
portation. He went on pension
in 2012 and made his home in
Charlotte County, Virginia.

NMU

GEORGE MORAN
Pensioner George Moran, 84,
died May 2. Born in Baltimore,
he was an NMU member before
the 2001 SIU/NMU merger.
Brother Moran began collecting
his pension in 1990 and was a
resident of Jacksonville, Florida.

EDWARD QUIGLEY
Pensioner Edward Quigley, 76,
passed away May 16. He sailed
with the NMU prior to the 2001
merger with Seafarers International
Union. He retired in 1999 and lived
in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

FRANCIS WOJCIK
Pensioner Francis Wojcik, 86,
died May 19. Born in Maryland,
he shipped as a member of the
NMU before the SIU/NMU
merger. Brother Wojcik became
a pensioner in 1993 and resided
in Bel Air, Maryland.

In addition to the foregoing
individuals, the following union
members have also passed away.
Insufficient information was
available to develop summaries
of their respective careers.
Name Age DOD
Aguilar, Donald 82 06/07/2019
Alonzo, Julio 98 06/24/2018
Burton, Earl 91 05/18/2019
Chisholm, Davis 77 07/18/2018
Cross, Alvin 79 05/24/2019
Cruz, Jaime 99 05/27/2019
Gaines, Paul 90 05/16/2019
Garcia, Francisco 96 05/06/2019
Gibbs, Arthur 90 06/01/2019
Goodo, Henry 85 06/05/2019
Konieczny, Peter 92 05/17/2019
Ladd, Leon 86 04/12/2019
Thompson, Roland 78 05/26/2019

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 18 6/20/2019 12:50:23 PM



July 2019 Seafarers LOG 19

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

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dis-
trict are administered in accordance with the
provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements 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 ap-
proval 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 ship-
ping rights and seniority are protected exclu-
sively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the em-
ployers, they should notify the Seafarers Ap-
peals 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 Seafar-
ers Appeals Board.

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

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

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

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

EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guar-
anteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the con-
tracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Consequently, no member may be
discriminated 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.

SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY

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

NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Mi-
chael 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

Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings

ENDURANCE (TOTE), March
14 – Chairman Dominic Marco,
Secretary Robert Davis, Deck
Delegate Richard Grubbs, Engine
Delegate Benjamin Stanley, Stew-
ard Delegate Sandra Vann. Crew
discussed old business including
December visit from SIU represen-
tative during vessel’s last arrival in
Jacksonville, Florida. Union rep-
resentative found no issues. Chair-
man went over new working rules
regarding duties assigned while
on watch. Duties will be assigned
as master deems necessary and
during regular shift, not overtime.
Secretary advised members to use
ship computer to get on SIU web-
site to find new postings regarding
jobs, medical requirements, or
documentation. He reminded crew
to replace linen when leaving the
vessel. Educational director urged
members to check expiration dates
of documents and to upgrade often
at Piney Point. Crew brainstormed
ways to spend ship’s fund and
mentioned purchasing two bicycles
and tire repair kits. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members ask
for company provided work gear
or reimbursement for work gear.
Crew noted lack of Wi-Fi availabil-
ity. Members requested upgrades
to computers and entertainment
system. Steward department was
thanked for a job well done. Mem-
bers expressed gratitude to counter
staff at hiring halls. Next port: Cor-
pus Christi, Texas.

USNS STOCKHAM (Crowley),
March 16 – Chairman Munas-
sar Ahmed, Secretary Shanita
Flachbart, Educational Direc-
tor Randy Slue, Deck Delegate
Ethan Mims. Chairman advised
crew to have all current documents
and shipping cards upon arrival
to vessel. Secretary reminded
members to wipe their feet when
entering the house. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew dis-
cussed travel reimbursements,

ventilation repairs and costs of
transporting baggage to vessel.
They requested new contents for
vending machine as well as a new
coffee maker. Crew requested new
washing machine, microwaveable
covers for plates, and bikes to ride
to and from gate. Members would
like fewer days to be required in
order to qualify for pension. Next
port: South Korea.

HORIZON RELIANCE (Pasha),
April 6 – Chairman Kissinfor
Taylor, Secretary Mark Cabasag,
Educational Director Jason Powell.
Chairman discussed new policy
regarding random drug testing. Sec-
retary suggested crew renew their
documents six months ahead of
expiration. He reminded everyone to
keep rooms clean for oncoming crew.
Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at Piney Point.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.

HORIZON PACIFIC (Pasha),
April 9 – Chairman Daniel Ticer,
Secretary Donald Irvine, Educa-
tional Director Thomas Flynn,
Deck Delegate Antjuan Webb,
Steward Delegate Mercurion
Abuan. Chairman commended
crew for a job well done bringing
the ship out of the yard. Educa-
tional director reminded members
of necessary LNG course for new
generation ships and encouraged
them to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requests availabil-
ity of satellite and Wi-Fi aboard
ship. Members were thanked for
cleaning up the ship safely. Next
Port: Oakland, California.

LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty
Maritime), April 21 – Chairman
David Campbell, Secretary Abra-
ham Mills, Steward Delegate
Nilsa Manaiza. Crew was thanked
for a safe voyage. Ship payoff will
be at next port. Steward depart-
ment was thanked for keeping the

ship clean and for their coopera-
tion. No beefs or disputed OT re-
ported. Chairman encouraged crew
to go to SIU meetings for updated
information. Members expressed
gratitude to SIU President Mike

Sacco for a great job leading the
way to excellent contract. Crew
requested pensioners be given a
cost of living increase every two
years. They would like an increase
in vacation pay and vacation days.

Members request availability of
Wi-Fi and satellite phone on ship.
Replacement DVD player needed
for crew. Vote of thanks given to
steward department for good food.
Next Port: Freeport, Texas.

The SIU helped welcome Matson’s new containership Kaimana Hila on May 3 during a reception in
Seattle. Pictured from left are ACU Saleh Sewileh, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Matson CEO
Matt Cox, Shoregang Bosun Steve Ackley, Chief Cook Alberto Insong and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp.

Celebrating New Tonnage

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

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

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 19 6/20/2019 12:50:24 PM



20 Seafarers LOG July 2019

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime

Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All
programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting
the American maritime industry.

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

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Deck Department Upgrading Courses

Able Seafarer Deck August 17 September 13
October 12 November 8

AB to Mate Modules Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.

ARPA September 28 October 4

Bosun Recertification July 20 August 5

Crane Familiarization October 5 October 11

ECDIS September 21 September 27
November 16 November 22


Fast Rescue Boat July 20 July 26
August 17 August 23

GMDSS July 20 August 2
August 31 September 13

Lifeboat July 27 August 9
August 24 September 6
September 21 October 4
October 19 November 1
November 16 November 29
December 14 December 27

Radar Observer September 14 September 27

Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office

RFPNW July 20 August 16
September 14 October 11
November 9 December 6

100 Ton Master September 7 September 27

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

Advanced Refer Containers July 13 July 26

BAPO July 20 August 16
September 14 October 11
November 9 December 6


Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

FOWT August 17 September 13
October 12 November 8

Junior Engineer September 28 November 22

Machinist October 19 November 8

Marine Electrician August 10 October 4

Marine Refer Tech July 13 August 23

Pumpman July 20 July 26
November 9 November 15

Welding July 20 August 9
August 17 September 6
September 14 October 4
October 19 November 8

Steward Department Courses

Advanced Galley Operations September 21 October 18

Certified Chief Cook Modules run every other week. The next
class will start July 15.

Chief Steward July 27 September 13
October 19 December 6

Galley Operations July 20 August 16
September 14 October 11

Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0 July 20 July 26
August 3 August 9

Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 July 13 July 19
July 27 August 2


Safety Upgrading Courses

Basic Training/Basic FF July 13 July 19
July 27 August 2

Basic Training Revalidation July 26 July 26

Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation September 14 September 20

Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting August 17 August 23

Government Vessels July 27 August 2
August 17 August 23

Medical Care Provider August 24 August 30

Tank Ship Familiarization - DL July 27 August 2

Tank Ship Familiarization - LG July 20 July 26

UPGRADING APPLICATION

Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o

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

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

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

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

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________

Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________

SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________

NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if
you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. 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 stu-
dents, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities. 7/19

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 20 6/20/2019 12:50:24 PM



July 2019 Seafarers LOG 21

Paul Hall Center Classes

Students who have registered
for classes at the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Educa-
tion, but later discover - for what-
ever reason - that they can’t attend,
should inform the admissions de-
partment immediately so arrange-
ments can be made to have other
students take their places.

Important Notice
To All Students

Apprentice Water Survival Class #848
– Graduated March 22 (photo at right, in
alphabetical order): Thomas Bateman,
Roche Aurea Bonita, A’trenique Tramani
Deamus, Jalen Jaquan Denson, Susha
Dore, Jason Hill, Christian Kalinowski,
Chauncey Kukahiko, Deshante Luchien,
Tyler Maddox, Shawn McDowell, Corey
Reseburg, Lydia Robinson, Randy Slue,
Calvettta Taylor, Anthony Timmson-Brown
and Joel Williams.

Junior Engineer (Basic Refrigeration) – Graduated February 22 (above, in alphabetical order):
Patrick Dean, Vincent Freeman, Deondre Gardner, Arvin Tarroza Heras and Yves Mbuiti Nsuami.
Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far right.

RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Steven
Ellis Jr., Joshua Gail, Jamel Smith and Lucas Tiderman. Upon the completion of
their training, each plans to work in the deck department of SIU-contracted vessels.

BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): William Alston III, Toren Bolden, Joshua Nino Bonita, Daveyon Burton, Micah Champion, Keilah Freeman,
Marcel Gordon, Darius Jackson-Jordon, Dequan Joe, Brady Martin, Ivan Meza, Orion Milazzo, Kirk Puchert, Quinton Sashington, Betram Solomon Jr., Anias Stanford and Demario
Walter. Each plans to work in the engine department aboard union-contracted vessels upon the completion of their training.

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 21 6/20/2019 12:50:25 PM



22 Seafarers LOG July 2019

Paul Hall Center Classes

Tankship Familiarization
DL – Graduated February 22
(photo at right, in alphabeti-
cal order): Barry Bettis, Joel
Boyd, Roni Anival Castillo,
Dominic Gilmartin, Mau-
rice Henry Jr., Hussein Ka-
reem Howe, Niven Hurlston,
Eric Jackson, Christopher
McAfee, Thomas McClure
Jr., Jason Newsham, Jeffrey
Nicholson, Atm Zahid Reza,
Lamont Robinson, Dar-
ryl Roundtree, Wilson Ruiz,
Tyler Unkle, Oscar Vencer,
Travis Williams Sr., and Eric
Williams. (Note: Not all are
pictured.)

Government Vessels –
Graduated February 15
(photo at right, in alphabet-
ical order): James Abilad,
Barry Bettis, Roni Anival
Castil lo, Juan Amilcar
Colon, Deirick Coltrane II,
Daniel Davenport, Dominic
Gilmartin, Eric Jackson,
Mahare Kidane, Stephen
Martin, Jeffrey Nicholson,
Guiomar Rancel, Jameel
Robinson, Ben Skuban
and Eric Williams. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)

MSC Storekeeper – Graduated February 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Jason Bentz,
Carlos Enrique Gibbons, Enchantress Charmaine Johnson, Paul Klear, Demarkus An-
toine McNabb, Robert Resurreccion, Douglas Vaughn and Beverly Williams. Instructor
Matthew Rogers is at the far left.

Government Vessels – Graduated February 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Francisco Mecator Amada, Alex-Stephen Amarra, Jarrett Andrews Jr., Sandra Baker, Nahun Moises
Bernardez Bernard, Albert Chandradat Bharrat, Jack Boscia, Charles Villamia Catunao, Richard Dogcio Digman, Danilo Cabrera Fullante, Tyrone Hernandez, Nadzeya Mikhailovna
Kuptsova, Ruthellen McDonough, Jessie Azurin Parente, Kyle Parson, Rolly Aguilar Pascua, Casey Pearson, Antonio Rico Bragado, Wilson Ruiz, Jakeem Montreal-Rashad Simmons
and Elston Sintok Yu-Mateo.

Small Arms – Graduated February 15 (above, starting second from left): Brett Van Pelt,
Abraham Dionela Tunguia and Will Jordan. Instructors John Thomas and Leonard Wayne
Johnson Jr. are at the far left and far right, respectively.

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 22 6/20/2019 12:50:26 PM



July 2019 Seafarers LOG 23

Paul Hall Center Classes
Basic Self-Unloading – Graduated
February 8 (photo at left, in alphabetical
order): Desmon Graham, Maeen Abdulla
Jinah, Allen Ludlow, Amer Mousa, Mo-
hamed Omer, Tyrone Wilson and Husam
Ali Mohamed Yahya. Instructor Don Jaegle
is at the far left.

Advanced Self-Unloading – Graduated February 15 (above, in alphabetical order):
Douglas Bellmore, Justin Bellmore, Allen Ludlow and Tyrone Simmons. Class instructor
Don Jaegle is at the far right.

BAPO – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Rodney Holmes, Joshua
Kraynak, Lawrence Mills Jr., Tracy Mitchell Jr., Chanel Peters, Marcelino Jose Santos
Bermeo and Jessica Valentin. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Christopher King, Antonio Mendez Cruz, Carlos Hugo
Sanchez and Elston Sintok Yu-Mateo.

Galley Ops – Phase III Apprentice Myles Otis
(above) graduated from this course March 1. Upon
the completion of his training, he plans to work in the
steward department of SIU-contracted vessels.

Certified Chief Cook (Module 3) – Graduated February 22
(above, from left): John Kenneth De Borja Panuelos, Aaron Hel-
ton-Cox and Curtis Snow.

Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated February 8 (above, in alphabetical order): James Abilad, Sergio Nunez Castel-
lanos, Oscar Anibal Gomez, Derrick Moore, Donald Spangler and Edward Echague Villanda.

April 2019 Seafarers LOG 27

Paul Hall Center Classes
SUA (Galley Operations) – Grad-
uated October 5 (photo at left, in
alphabetical order): Alexandra Er-
ickson, Paisami Gay, Daniel How-
ard, Lamarai Jones, Shadonna
Jones, EsStonia Moore, Eugenia
Porter, Noah Susumu Santiago-
Stephens, Lareesa Warren, Jessica
Williams, Kendra Williams and Jarid
Wilson.

SUA (Galley Opera-
tions) – Graduated No-
vember 2 (photo at right,
in alphabetical order):
Reginald Howard, Billie
Mahealani Kawelo, Alize
Lassiter, Christian Louis,
Gerardo Kaindoy Melano,
Wilfredo Ramos Silva,
James Scott, Tahn Stuart,
Nicholas Tacy, Jalisa Wil-
liams and Derek Wilson.

Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated October 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Tommy Bel-
vin, Karl Meyer, Mark Salvador Scardino and Velicia Williams.

Galley Operations – Graduated October 5 (above, from left): Stevon Taylor, Porcia John-
son and Tuliga Fuega.

Chief Steward – Graduated November 9: (above, from left), Merly Ford,
real Coronel and Delia Miral Peters.

Certified Chief Cook (Module 3) – Graduated November 30 (above, from left): John Billington, Alvinmar
Iremedio Aldana, Dindo Prellagera Reforsado and Norma Painitan Baucan.

54924_APRI 2K1LOG.indd 27 3/19/2019 3:49:09 PM

54927_JULY_2K19_LOG.indd 23 6/20/2019 12:50:28 PM



Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 21-23

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

JULY 2019 VOLUME 81, NO. 7

USNS Lawrence Gianella Completes Final Voyage
The last of the T-5 petroleum tankers, the

U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC)-owned,
Ocean Ships-operated USNS Lawrence H.
Gianella has completed its final mission for the
U.S. Navy. The SIU-crewed vessel sailed to
Norfolk, Virginia, as part of National Maritime
Day, bringing the tanker’s storied history to a
close. The vessel was crewed by SIU members
in all three departments.

The final crew of the USNS Gianella in-
cluded Captain Robert J. Mills III, Chief Mate
Robert Grove, 2nd Mate Tian Chi, 3rd Mate
Dillon Davidson, 3rd Mate Jeffrey Harcq,
Bosun Nicholas Hoffman, ABG Owen Ham-
mond, ABG Lionel Hall, ABG Lloyd La
Beach, ABG Matthew Furlong, ABG Adam
Ropp, Chief Eng. Daniel Lee, 1st Asst. Engi-
neer Jonathan Miller, 2nd Asst. Eng. Charlie
Umali, Pumpman Richard Lawson, QMED
Bernard Smalls, QMED Samuel Sanders
Jr., DEU Eric Jackson, DEU Shawn Smith,
Chief Steward Michael Sanders Jr., Chief
Cook Linda McPhetridge, GSU Rhonda
Williams and GSU Brandon E. Bob.

ABG Hall remarked, “She was a great ship,
and we’re sad to see her go. It’s weird being
on a ship that’s about to get mothballed, sort of
like putting a great old car out to pasture. We
all figure with a spit shine and a fresh coat of
paint, she’d be sailing another 40 years.”

Chief Steward Sanders Jr. said that although
the vessel’s service life is ending, “The galley
was still nice. The galley and the mess halls
were in great shape, not at all out of date.”

Sanders added, “We were able to attend
the Maritime Day event in Norfolk, Virginia,
thanks to the company (Ocean Ships). That
was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, to be there
with the ship serving as the background, and
see the vessel off.”

Christened in 1986, the USNS Gianella’s
primary role has been to perform point-to-point
delivery of petroleum products to Department
of Defense storage and distribution facilities
worldwide. A 615-foot tanker, the Gianella had
a capacity of 237,766 barrels and a top speed
of 16 knots.

“USNS Lawrence H. Gianella is the last
and longest-serving U.S. government-owned
champion class T-5 tanker,” said Matthew
Sweeney, MSC tanker project officer. “As the
longest-serving T-5 Tanker she moved more
petroleum for the U.S. military than any other
vessel in U.S. military history.”

“USNS Lawrence H. Gianella was the last
of five T-5 tankers built,” said Capt. Mills III,
USNS Lawrence H. Gianella’s ship master
since 1998. “The Gianella is a liaison between
commercial petroleum terminals and Depart-
ment of Defense fuel facilities around the
world.”

The other T-5 tankers in the U.S. Navy’s
inventory were the SIU-crewed MV Gus. W.

Darnell, USNS Paul Buck, USNS Richard G.
Matthiesen and USNS Samuel L. Cobb.

The vessel has a long and interesting his-
tory, all involving SIU crews since the ship
was christened. The Gianella has provided
direct support to U.S. troops in multiple wars,
performed notable rescues at sea, and took part
in almost countless military exercises.

Additionally, “USNS Lawrence H. Gianella
is fitted with reinforced framing on the hull
which allowed us to sail through icy waters to
support the annual resupply missions Opera-
tion Deep Freeze in Antarctica and Operation
Pacer Goose at Thule Air Base, Greenland, in
the Arctic,” said Mills. “We have supported a
total of 11 of these missions.”

The ship earned a passage in the U.S.
military’s book of “first times” when a suc-
cessful underway replenishment operation
was completed with the aircraft carrier USS
Independence in the Persian Gulf in 1992. The
port-side-to-starboard-side fuel transfers while

underway, which took place in late July, is
believed to be the first time a civilian-operated
tanker replenished a combatant ship of this
class under operational conditions, according
to a statement issued by the U.S. Navy’s chief
of information.

The Gianella was involved in a rescue in
2007, saving the lives of 13 Cuban refugees
whose boat had suffered engine failure in the
Gulf of Mexico. The rescued men and women
were given medical attention, and fed and
housed by the crew of the Gianella until they
were transferred over to a Coast Guard boat.

However, the vessel has primarily served in
military operations throughout its history. It is
capable of providing underway replenishment-
at-sea services with combatants using the
modular fuel distribution system (MFDS), ac-
cording to Sweeney.

“During the Iran-Iraq War in 1988, USNS
Lawrence H. Gianella supported U.S. fleet and
convoy operations in the Gulf of Oman and

Persian Gulf by providing fuel consolidation
CONSOL) support to MSC fleet oilers,” Swee-
ney said. “The ship also provided CONSOL
and petroleum logistics support for Operation
Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Opera-
tion Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring
Freedom.”

“While in the MSC inventory, USNS Law-
rence H. Gianella has incurred minimal down
time and its length of time in service is a testa-
ment to how well this ship was built,” said
Mills. “We have typically been crewed by 23
civilian mariners and occasionally travel with
two maritime academy cadets.

“We, the crew of USNS Lawrence H.
Gianella, feel very fortunate to have had the
opportunity to serve aboard this ship,” Mills
concluded. “Serving aboard this ship has been
very much like serving with family.”

Upon deactivation, the USNS Lawrence
H. Gianella will be placed in layup in coastal
Texas.

The final crew of the USNS Lawrence H. Gianella

The Gianella (left in photo at left) performs an historic underway replenishment in 1992 with the aircraft
carrier USS Independence. In the photo above, the Gianella (right) assists the USCGC Polar Sea (left)
on a supply mission to Antarctica in 2002.

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