Seafarers Log: Vol. 84 No. 8 (2022-08-01)

AUGUST 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 8

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

NY Waterway Rescue
Page 2

Members Vote on Standard ContractsMembers Vote on Standard Contracts
5-Year Agreements Head Toward Ratification, Feature Many Gains

Seafarers are well on their
way to overwhelmingly
ratifying the new standard
freightship and tanker
agreements. Voting con-
tinued as this edition of
the LOG went to press, but
by late July it was evident
that the proposed five-year
contracts had extensive
support from rank-and-file
members. Among other
highlights, the contracts call
for wage increases, main-
tain benefits, help ensure
shipboard internet access,
and preserve every SIU
job. Some of the members
who backed the new pacts
are pictured at immediate
right aboard the Horizon
Pacific, below left aboard
the USNS Brittin, below
right aboard the Cape In-
scription and at the bottom
of page aboard the Matson
Tacoma. Pages 2, 3, 4, 14,
24.

WWII Mariner Shares Memories
Pages 12-13

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2 Seafarers LOG August 2022

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

Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.

Volume 84 Number 8 August 2022
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org

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

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

Great Work All Around

President’s ReportPresident’s Report

Congratulations are in order for several recent accomplishments by Sea-
farers, union officials and staff.

Most recently, everyone stepped up during a no-notice turbo activation
starting in mid-July. While the timing proved challenging, our rank-and-file

members, manpower office and personnel in the
hiring halls once again delivered. Your collective
efforts – virtually around the clock – were out-
standing and aren’t taken for granted.

SIU members also were involved in three
recent rescues, thereby upholding the finest tradi-
tions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Those stories
are reported in this edition and I encourage ev-
eryone to read them. These are more examples of
jobs well done by Seafarers, and they also under-
score the ongoing importance of safety training.

Last but definitely not least, I believe our new
standard contracts are a source of pride. I’ve been
around long enough to know that it’s nearly im-
possible to please everyone, but just think about
what we achieved with these agreements. We did
not lose a single job. We secured significant wage

increases while either maintaining or bettering various benefits. We got a firm
commitment from the operators to provide shipboard connectivity. And we
did all of that at a time when our employers’ costs have increased because of
the pandemic.

Our benefit plans are in great shape. Our officials and staff are dedicated
and they believe in what they’re doing. Our rank-and-file members are
second-to-none, and so is our affiliated school. Put that all together and I think
we’ve got a lot to look forward to.

Jones Act Support
Our coverage of the recently concluded AFL-CIO convention included a

component that shouldn’t be overlooked. Specifically, the delegates approved
a resolution in support of the Jones Act – a law that has protected U.S. na-
tional, economic and homeland security for more than a century.

I am aware that most Seafarers understand the Jones Act. We also have
new people regularly entering our industry, so, for those who are unfamiliar,
the Jones Act is a section of the 1920 Merchant Marine Act. It simply states
that any cargo moved from one American port to another American port must
be carried aboard a U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-flagged
vessel.

The Jones Act helps maintain approximately 650,000 American jobs
found across every state and territory. It contributes more than $1 billion
each year to our nation’s economy. (For any readers with a background in the
building trades, it is the maritime equivalent of Davis-Bacon.)

In addition, the Jones Act fleet helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reli-
able U.S. citizen mariners available to sail aboard U.S.-flag military support
vessels in times of crisis.

Even though this law has enjoyed consistent bipartisan backing, it regu-
larly comes under attack from people and organizations who either don’t
know any better or who have ulterior motives. That’s why having the AFL-
CIO stand with us in support of the Jones Act is so important. The federa-
tion’s backing means that, when needed, we can speak with 12.5 million
voices who recognize that the Jones Act is a solid provider of dependable
American jobs.

Every United States president has backed it, and President Biden re-
inforced his longtime support his first week in office. High-ranking U.S.
military officers also endorse the law, but we still must educate newcomers in
Congress and elsewhere in government about its importance.

I recently heard a speech from a member of the Federal Maritime Com-
mission that included this (paraphrased) line: Weakening or eliminating the
Jones Act would be like our country handing over Nebraska to a foreign
country. Obviously, we’d never do such a thing – and the same inherent logic
applies to upholding a law that is more important than ever to the United
States.

Michael Sacco

SIU members employed by NY Waterway have a long
record of helping people in distress, and they continued
the tradition July 12 when they rescued nine individuals
whose boat capsized in the Hudson River.

Capt. Jason Peters was following his daily route be-
tween Manhattan and Weehawken, New Jersey, on the
ferry John Stevens when he spotted the overturned boat,
changed course and answered the call for help around 3
p.m.

“They were waving for help for us to come over,” Pe-
ters said. “They were frantic. They were obviously wor-
ried about the other people. We were trying to get on as
many people as we could. We got eight people out of the
water…. We started throwing life jackets, life rings, just
to get them out of the water.”

The SIU members involved included the crew of the
John Stevens – Peters and Deckhands Steven Black and
Hector Rabanes – as well as the crew of the Garden
State – Capt. Anthony Ryan and Deckhands Abdul Aziz
and Luis Vacca. The latter boat rescued one person. All
of those Seafarers have completed safety training at the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland.

According to news reports, 12 people had been aboard
a 27-foot boat that was chartered by a family and friends.
Two of them died in the accident, while another was res-
cued by local authorities. New York City police and fire
department personnel recovered the bodies (those of a
seven-year-old boy and a 47-year-old woman).

Ryan said of the experience, “Of course it’ll stick with
me. Anything like this will always stick out in your mind:
what happened, how it played out, anything that could
have been done better. But I think we did what we were
supposed to do and what we’ve been trained to do all the
time.”

Black recalled, “You’re holding and pulling and hold-
ing and pulling, and you really can’t see. We had three
people on the Jason’s cradle – that’s 300 pounds.”

“Some of the passengers came to help us, too, to keep
our balance,” added Rabanes.

NY Waterway issued the following statement on Twit-
ter: “We are so proud of the NY Waterway captains and
crews that leapt into action today to rescue boaters follow-
ing the maritime accident in the Hudson. Their training
and professionalism saved lives, as they have countless
times before…. Our hearts go out to the boat goers lost in
today’s tragic accident and those still recovering. We are
so grateful for the swift response of the NYPD, FDNY
and our Waterway crews during this difficult rescue.”

NY Waterway said its crews rushed to help and coor-

dinated with police and fire officials. Ferry service was
restored after an initial interruption.

“This is a tragic day for New Yorkers,” NYPD Com-
missioner Keechant Sewell said. “Indeed, it may have
well been worse, were it not for the incredible efforts by
not only our extraordinary first responders, but also the
swift response from the NY Waterway ferries, who res-
cued nine additional people from the water.”

Rabanes also was part of a high-profile rescue on the
same river in 2009: the “Miracle on the Hudson,” which
occurred after a US Airways flight made an emergency
landing on the river. SIU crews rescued nearly 150 peo-
ple; Rabanes was on the first ferry (the Thomas Jefferson)
responding to the scene.

Mariners sailing aboard SIU-contracted NY Water-
way ferries have performed more than 100 rescues since
the company’s founding in 1986. The crews perhaps are
best known for their indisputably heroic roles in the im-
mediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September
11, 2001, when they evacuated upwards of 160,000 peo-
ple from Manhattan.

NY Waterway Crews Rescue
Nine Boaters in Hudson River

The SIU-crewed John Stevens helps rescue sur-
vivors.

Capt. Jason Peters (white shirt) and the deckhands of the two
ferries (in alphabetical order): Abdul Aziz, Steven Black, Hector
Rabanes and Luis Vacca.

Capt. Anthony Ryan (right) answers
questions about the rescue. (All photos
courtesy NY Waterway)

SIU members working aboard the tugboats Richard-
son Sea and Chabria Sea were involved in a water rescue
with a happy ending on June 25 – the International Day
of the Seafarer.

The two vessels, operated by Centerline Logistics
(previously known as Harley Marine), noticed an increase
in police activity near the Statue of Liberty in New York
Harbor. After speaking with the officers aboard a nearby
NYPD vessel, they learned that a jet ski had overturned,
and the boater was missing. The tug crews began search-
ing the waters in their immediate area, and spotted a man
between the two vessels.

According to Brian Moore, Centerline Logistics’
director of U.S. East Coast Operations, “The im-
mediate and professional seamanship actions of the
crew is what ultimately saved this man. The crews
notified the NYPD via VHF radio, all the while
keeping an eye on him. They threw down a life ring

to grasp onto and rigged up a mooring line to create
a loop around the victim. There was no more than
1-2 feet of space between the vessels for the victim
to press up into the turbulent harbor. Within minutes
of spotting him, they were hauling him in by hand,
safely to the deck.”

SIU members then checked the man’s vital signs,
and found him to be responsive but exhausted. They
hailed the NYPD vessel, who assisted the man and
delivered him to emergency services ashore.

“Without skipping a beat, the crew knew what
they had to do and took immediate action to lend a
hand and save a soul from New York Harbor,” said
Moore. “I want to make sure everyone knows these
names and when you see them, please tell them
thank you!”

Seafarers involved in the rescue included John Hug-
gins, Corey Harris and Ryan Bradley.

Union Crews Save Jet Skier in NY

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August 2022 Seafarers LOG 3

Standard Contracts Headed for Ratification
Editor’s note: Additional photos of SIU

members voting on the new contracts appear
on pages 14 and 24.

The new SIU Standard Freightship and
Tanker Agreements are well on their way to
ratification, following robust voting through-
out July.

The five-year contracts boost wages,
maintain benefits and all SIU jobs, add a
holiday, and help ensure shipboard internet
access for every Seafarer, among other high-
lights. The agreements also increase pension
benefits for many of the more experienced
members. Seafarers have voted on the con-
tracts during monthly membership meet-
ings, special meetings at the hiring halls, and
aboard ships.

Voting continued as this edition of the
LOG went to press, but, based on tallies from
dozens of Seafarers-crewed vessels and from
the aforementioned meetings at the halls, the
contracts clearly were headed for ratification.
Nearly all of the votes were in favor of the
agreements, which take effect retroactively to
July 1 of this year and run through June 2027.

“I think it’s a great contract for us and
our families, and it’s going to help us a lot,”
said Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett. “I
thank our union leaders for their efforts and
support.”

Chief Cook Luke Vandegrift stated, “I
like the pension improvement, and of course
the wage increases. More money is a good
thing. I plan on doing this for a long time.”

Bosun Joe Bowen said, “These are great
contracts and I appreciate all the momentum
we have going for us. The officials are really
listening to the members and fighting for us.”

During the July membership meeting in
Piney Point, Maryland, SIU President Mi-
chael Sacco said, “This is one of the best con-
tracts we’ve negotiated in a long time. Input
from the membership was very important,
and experienced leadership helped.”

SIU Executive Vice President Augie
Tellez and SIU Vice President Contracts
George Tricker negotiated on behalf of the
union, beginning in December 2021 and
wrapping up in late June. The sessions took
place in Florida, New York and Maryland and
online, culminating at the union’s headquar-
ters building in Camp Springs. (For these ne-
gotiations, the vessel operators work together
as members of the American Maritime Asso-
ciation, abbreviated as AMA.)

In his monthly membership report, Tricker
said that the union wholeheartedly endorses
ratification.

“As always, the union relied heavily on
input from rank-and-file members when ap-
proaching negotiations,” he noted. “The final
agreements clearly reflect that input, which
primarily was received through direct cor-
respondence and shipboard meeting minutes.

“These bargaining sessions were more
difficult than most,” he added. “They took
place against a backdrop of the COVID-19
pandemic and a manpower shortage that has

affected almost every industry in the na-
tion. Nevertheless, negotiations resulted in
agreements that meet our stated objectives
of maintaining benefits, boosting wages,
continuing job security, and committing to
shipboard internet access for all SIU crew
members.”

He also included the following contract
highlights, among others:
n Wage increases for Group 1 ratings

are five percent in the first year, followed
by four percent, four percent, three percent
and three percent (for a total of 19 percent).
For Group 2, the yearly increases are eight
percent, six percent, four percent, three
percent and three percent (for a total of 24
percent). For Group 3, the yearly increases
are a freeze in the first year, one percent,
two percent, three percent and three per-
cent (for a total of nine percent). Tricker
mentioned that the differences in the first
few years are “being done largely to nar-
row some of the separation in total wages
that has occurred over the years between
the various higher ratings. It’s also being

done to encourage members to upgrade.”
n Effective June 19, 2023, Juneteenth will

be added to the list of contractual holidays.
n Members will have the opportunity

to qualify for pension benefits sooner and
to increase their pension amount. Previ-
ously, a member needed 3,000 days of
seatime in order to get credit for vacation
days and earnings for pension eligibility.
That threshold for enhanced benefits is
being reduced by one-third, to 2,000 days.
This is for wage-related benefits.
n In order to remain competitive while

protecting the future stability of the contract
during extreme negative economic down-
turns, the parties have agreed to amend the
COLA escalation from 6% to 10% effective
July 1, 2023. Historically, SIU agreements
have almost always outpaced the COLA.
n In order to help meet the union’s man-

power obligations, a seaman who receives
job assignments pursuant to Rule 2.C.(5.)
hereof and subsequently rejects or quits the
same after 48 hours shall forfeit his shipping
registration card for the next 60 days and

shall only be able to secure a new shipping
registration card after that time. The com-
pany for which the seaman receives a job
assignment may waive this 60-day forfeiture
and allow a seaman to accept a position with
their company during this 60-day period.
n In order to protect the seniority, ben-

efits and pay of Seafarers who serve in the
military, and consistent with the Uniform
Services Employment and Reemployment
Act (USERRA), the shipping rules are being
thusly modified. In order to qualify as an
eligible service member under the Shipping
Rules, the seaman must meet all the eligibil-
ity requirements of USERRA. Generally, the
cumulative length of military service cannot
exceed five years. Seafarers must register for
employment within 120 days following their
separation from service.
n All SIU crew members will have

bandwidth access to the internet, and all
crew will have the same personal internet
access. Such access will allow mariners

Bargaining committee members from the SIU and AMA, respectively, gather for a photo at union headquarters shortly after concluding
negotiations. Seated from left are SIU VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. Standing from left are Dennis Hough-
ton, Director of Marine Personnel, MLL; Ed Hanley, VP Labor Relations, MLL; Pete Strohla, TOTE VP and Senior Advisor; Capt. Bob
Johnston, AMA Chair; Damon Mote, Chief Administrative Officer & Vice President, OSG; and Ira Douglas, VP Labor Relations, Crowley.
Participating online (monitor in background) are Eunice Cadorette Young, Director of Ship Management, TOTE; and Ed Washburn, Senior
VP of Fleet Operations, Pasha Hawaii.

Seafarers are pictured aboard the Maersk Iowa (photo above) and the North
Star (photo at immediate right) after voting on the contracts. SIU Houston Pa-
trolman Kelly Krick is at far right in the Maersk Iowa photo.

Continued on next page

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4 Seafarers LOG August 2022

More jobs were secured for CIVMARS
from the SIU Government Services Divi-
sion June 25 when San Diego-based Gen-
eral Dynamics NASSCO christened the
USS John L. Canley.

The vessel is the fourth ship for the
U.S. Navy’s reclassified Expeditionary
Sea Base (ESB) program. It is named for
Medal of Honor recipient, retired Sgt. Maj.
John L. Canley, who served in the Marine
Corps for 28 years. In 2018, Canley was
awarded the nation’s highest honor 50
years after he rescued 20 fellow Marines
under enemy fire in Vietnam during the
Battle of Hue City in 1968. He passed
away on May 11, 2022.

“New tonnage entering the American-
flag fleet is always welcome news,” said
SIU Vice President Government Services
Nicholas Celona. “I’m confident in the
union members who will sail aboard the
vessel, and am equally confident in the
union members who built it.”

Attending the christening were a host
of VIPs and guests including the Honor-
able Meredith Berger, assistant secretary
of the Navy for Energy, Installations and
Environment; Lt. Gen. Michael Langley,
commander, U.S. Marine Forces Com-
mand; Vice Adm. Ross Myers, com-
mander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/10th

Fleet; Sgt. Maj. David Wilson, command
Sergeant Major, 1st Marine Division; and
Thomas Kiss, director, Ship Management,
Military Sealift Command. Captain Austin
Hanbury, the Canley’s civil service master;
Jason Briggs, the Canley’s chief engineer;
the ship’s crew; and sailors from the ships
pre-commissioning unit also were in at-
tendance as were five Medal of Honor re-
cipients.

“Today, we celebrate and honor a true
hero, Sgt. Maj. Canley. This ship represents
his courage, selflessness, and strength,” said
Dave Carver, president of General Dynam-
ics NASSCO, a union shipyard. “On be-
half of the 35-hundred men and women of
General Dynamics NASSCO, I am proud
to present the USS John L. Canley for chris-
tening.”

“What we christen today is not just
a ship,” Carver continued. “It is the em-
bodiment of American unity and purpose;
a beacon of freedom that will carry John
Canley’s legacy and the legacy of America
to people all over the world.”

The official christening moment oc-
curred when the ship’s sponsor, Canley’s
daughter Patricia Sargent, broke a bottle of
champagne over the ship’s bow with the
words, “For the United States of America,
I christen you the USS John L. Canley.

May God bless this ship and all who sail
on her.”

ESBs are an afloat forward staging base-
variant of the mobile landing platform, de-

scribed as highly flexible platforms used
across a broad range of military operations,
acting as a mobile sea base to provide criti-
cal access infrastructure in support of de-
ployment of forces and supplies. They are
operated by the Military Sealift Command
with a civilian and military crew.

The Canley will be delivered to the MSC
fleet later this year, where it will undergo
testing and qualifications in preparation for
its support of a variety of maritime-based
missions. including Special Operations
Forces and Airborne Mine Counter Mea-
sures support operations, humanitarian and
traditional military missions.

Once in service, the John L. Canley will
primarily support aviation mine counter-
measure and special operations force mis-
sions. In addition to a 52,000 square-foot
flight deck, the 784-foot ship has a hangar
with two aviation operating spots capable of
handling MH-53E Sea Dragon-equivalent
helicopters.

The ship will also have accommoda-
tions, work spaces, and ordnance storage
for an embarked force, enhanced com-
mand, control, communications, comput-
ers, and intelligence to support embarked
force mission planning and execution, and
a reconfigurable mission deck area to store
equipment including mine sleds and rigid
inflatable boats.

NASSCO Christens USS John L. Canley
Fourth Ship Joins Expeditionary Sea Base Program Fleet

SIU Government Services Division members will be among the mariners sailing aboard
the John L. Canley, pictured at its christening in San Diego.

Thomas Kiss, director, Ship Management,
Military Sealift Command (above), ad-
dresses the crowd during the christening
ceremony for the USS John L. Canley. In
photo at right, ship sponsor Patricia Sar-
gent christens the vessel. (Photos by
Sarah Burford, Military Sealift Com-
mand Pacific)

to, at a minimum, perform the following actions: send
and receive email and photos (within the company’s
data/file size limitations); conduct banking transac-
tions; pay bills online; download documents (within
company’s data / file size limitations). Due to band-
width constrictions, streaming may be limited. All crew

are required to follow all company internet polices.
Tricker’s report also mentioned, “Due to different trade

routes, types of ships and equipment, not all companies will
meet the internet connectivity requirement in the same man-
ner. In fact, some ships in the same company might meet the
requirement differently.”

However, the commitment to provide shipboard connec-
tivity is solid, and affordability shall not be an impediment
to such access.

Standard Contracts
Garner Almost Certain
Approval by Members

Continued from Page 3

Seafarers are pictured at the Houston hall after giving the contracts the thumbs up.

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August 2022 Seafarers LOG 5

Evidence shows that unionized work-
ers receive higher pay and enjoy better
benefits and more flexibility in their work
schedules compared to unrepresented
workers.

Those are among the findings of a new
study by the U.S. Congress Joint Eco-
nomic Committee (JEC) and the House
Committee on Education and Labor. The
report, released June 10, analyzes the eco-
nomic benefits of unions for workers and
families.

“Actions by Congress and the Biden ad-
ministration, like enactment of the biparti-
san Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,
have helped protect the right to organize
and increased the number of union jobs,”
the JEC said in a news release announcing
the study. “A series of high-profile union-
ization drives – including at Amazon, Star-
bucks and Senate cafeteria workers – have
put organized labor back in the national
spotlight.”

Among the report’s key findings:
n Public approval of unions is at a 50-

year high.
n There were 951 unionization elections

conducted in 2021, 70% of which resulted
in workers choosing union representation – a
figure that does not include new unions that
were voluntarily recognized by employers.
n Unionized workers earn 10.2% more

than their non-union peers, while also rais-
ing wages and benefits for all workers in
their industry. Unionized workers also have
better benefits and more say over their work
schedule compared to workers who are not
in a union.
n Unionization increases wages by 17.3%

for Black workers and 23.1% for Latino work-
ers and helps narrow racial and gender eco-

nomic disparities.
n By setting a standard for working

conditions, unions generate broader spill-
over benefits for all workers in industries
with high rates of unionization – even if
individual workers are not themselves in
a union.

JEC Chairman Don Beyer (D-Virginia)
stated, “Unions are the foundation of
America’s middle class. For too long, the
wealthy have captured an increasing share
of the economic pie. As this report makes
clear, unions help address economic in-
equality and ensure workers actually see
the benefits when the economy grows.

“Even better, the positive effects of
unions extend beyond just those work-
places that have formally organized,” he
continued. “By boosting wages industry-
wide, narrowing the gender and racial
wage gaps and improving job quality,
unions generate benefits that are economy
wide.”

Beyer concluded, “Supporting the right
to organize puts more money directly into
workers’ pockets. That is why I continue
to firmly support legislation to strengthen
labor protections, including the PRO Act,
which passed the House last year and
would further strengthen the right of work-
ers to join a union.”

House Education and Labor Committee
Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-
Virginia) said, “Today’s report offers the
latest evidence that labor unions are work-
ers’ best tool to access higher wages, better
benefits, and safer workplaces. In fact, the
benefits of union membership extend even
to nonunion members and the children of
unionized workers.

“The need to protect workers’ right to

organize is greater than ever,” he contin-
ued. “While wealthy individuals and the
largest corporations continue to boost
their profits, workers across the coun-
try have been forced to work in unsafe
conditions for insufficient pay, because
they lacked the ability to stand together
and negotiate with their employer…. I
am committed to addressing the decades

of anti-worker attacks that have eroded
workers’ collective bargaining rights.
With the release of this report, I once
again call on the Senate to pass the Pro-
tecting the Right to Organize Act, which
would take historic steps to strengthen
workers’ right to organize, rebuild our
middle class, and improve the lives of
workers and their families.”

New Congressional Report Highlights
Economic Benefits of Being Unionized

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer
(D-Virginia)

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott
(D-Virginia)

Biden Awards Posthumous
Medal of Freedom to Trumka

President Joe Biden pre-
sented the nation’s highest
civilian honor to the late AFL-
CIO President Richard Trumka
during a White House cere-
mony on July 7.

Trumka’s family received
the Medal of Freedom, one of
17 awarded during the event.

Trumka served as the head
of the national labor federation
from 2009 until his unexpected
death in August 2021. He had
been the federation’s secretary-
treasurer from 1995 until his
election as the AFL-CIO presi-
dent in 2009.

A native of Pennsylvania,
Trumka came from a family of
Mine Workers. He was elected
president of that union in 1982,
at 33 the youngest person to
lead it. He served on the Mari-
time Trades Department Exec-
utive Board and was a regular
presence at the department’s
meetings and conventions.

“I can think of no greater
tribute for our country to make
than for President Biden to rec-
ognize Rich with the Medal
of Freedom,” declared MTD/
SIU President Michael Sacco,
who was Trumka’s friend for
decades. “He believed in this
country and he believed in and
fought for all of America’s
workers and their families. I
only wish he was with us to re-
ceive this personally.”

In announcing the presen-

tation, the White House said,
“Richard Trumka (d. 2021) was
president of the 12.5-million-
member AFL-CIO for more
than a decade, president of
the United Mine Workers, and
secretary-treasurer of the AFL-
CIO. Throughout his career, he
was an outspoken advocate for
social and economic justice.”

Trumka joins former AFL-
CIO Presidents Lane Kirkland
and John Sweeney as a Medal
of Freedom recipient.

Rich Trumka

SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) and ITF Inspector Shwe Aung (left) were part of a larger group
that met with U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (center) (D-Oregon) in Houston in late June. The congress-
man, a longtime champion of the American maritime industry, is working on legislation addressing
supply-chain issues.

Meeting with Rep. DeFazio

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6 Seafarers LOG August 2022

Spotlight on Mariner HealthSpotlight on Mariner Health

Healthy Recipe

Ingredients
3 pounds shrimp, 16-20 ct. peeled and devined
1 pound crawfish tail, whole, peeled
3 pounds scallop
3 pounds mussel, whole
3/8 cup olive oil
1 1/2 quarts yellow onion, chopped
1/2 cup garlic, minced
2 quarts tomato, fire roasted chopped
1 1/4 cups tomato paste
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper, ground
3/8 cup basil, fresh chopped
1/4 cup oregano, dry
3 cups white wine
1/2 cup parsley, chopped

Preparation
Pat the shrimp and scallops dry and season with
kosher salt and red pepper flakes.
Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a
large skillet. Add the shrimp/scallops and cook for
45 seconds to one minute over medium heat. Trans-
fer the shrimp and its juices to a plate for now.
In the same skillet, add little olive oil and the
onions and garlic. Cook for five minutes over
medium heat, tossing regularly, until the onions
have softened and turned a light golden brown
(manage your heat to make sure the garlic does
not burn). Add the white wine and cook until
reduced by half.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Sea-
son with kosher salt, black pepper, the oregano,
and the fresh basil. Bring to a boil, then lower

the heat to medium low and allow the sauce to
simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened.
Add the shrimp, scallops, crawfish meat, and
mussels to the skillet and nestle it into the sauce.
Cook for one more minute or until the seafood is
fully cooked. Finish with the fresh parsley. Serve
immediately with your favorite crusty bread,
pasta, or rice.

Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 262
Calories; 69 Fat (24.1% calories from fat); 31g
Protein; 15g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber;
135mg Cholesterol; 670mg Sodium. Exchanges:
0 Grain (Starch); 4 Lean Meat; 2 Vegetable; 1/2
Fat.

Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg
School of Seamanship

Seafood DiavolaEditor ’s note: This article is
provided by the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan’s Medical De-
partment.

Pollen is one of the most com-
mon triggers for seasonal aller-
gies. Many people experience
them as “hay fever,” formally
known as allergic rhinitis.

According to the Mayo Clinic,
hay fever “causes cold-like signs
and symptoms, such as a runny
nose, i tchy eyes, congestion,
sneezing and sinus pressure. But
unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t
caused by a virus. Hay fever is
caused by an allergic response to
outdoor or indoor allergens, such
as pollen (a yellowish powder),
dust mites, or tiny flecks of skin
and saliva shed by cats, dogs, and
other animals with fur or feathers
(pet dander).”

For people with pollen aller-
gies, the immune system mis-
takenly identifies the pollen as
dangerous. It begins producing
chemicals, including histamines,
to fight against the pollen. Those
allergies can last year-round.

During early spring, summer
and fall, plants release tiny pollen
grains into the air that find their
way into people’s eyes, nasal pas-
sages and lungs. Most of the pol-
len that causes allergic reactions
comes from trees, grasses, and
weeds. These plants make small,

very light, and dry pollen grains
that travel on the wind to fertilize
other plants. (Flowering plants
that spread their pollen by insects
usually do not cause allergies.)

A pollen count refers to how
much pollen is in the air. A de-
vice is used to capture the amount
of pollen in that sample to be
counted and identified.

Diagnosis of pollen allergies
can be done by skin testing and
certain blood tests, and there are
many treatments for allergies. A
doctor may tell his or her patient
to use over the counter medica-
tions at first. If they do not work,
a patient may be prescribed nasal
corticosteroids sprays, antihista-
mines, and decongestants. Some
may have to see an allergy doctor
and take allergy shots in order to
get relief.

Air purifiers in the home will
help to keep the pollen level down
inside a house. Wearing a face-
mask outside while doing chores
seemingly helps some individu-
als.

Experts recommend seeing a
doctor if an individual cannot
find relief from allergic symp-
toms, or if allergy medications
cause side effects. A doctor’s di-
agnosis also is recommended if a
person has another condition that
may worsen allergic symptoms,
such as nasal polyps, asthma or
frequent sinus infections.

Experts Say People Should Push
Back Against Pollen Allergies

Servings: 25

In addition to presenting details of the new
standard freightship and tanker agreements as
part of his July report to the membership, SIU
Vice President Contracts George Tricker also
provided updates on other pacts.

Tentative agreements – which match the
work rules and shipping rules of the standard
contracts – have been reached as follows:
n TOTE Services, Inc. – ARC car car-

riers. An 18-month agreement through De-
cember 31, 2023. Baseline increase of 20% to
wages including overtime, for parity with SIU
Standard Freightship Agreement.
n Chesapeake Crewing – The union

and company have agreed to the follow-
ing changes to wages and benefits for M/V
SLNC Corsica: inclusion of Juneteenth as
a holiday; two additional vacation days,

bringing the total to 14 for 30; a seven per-
cent increase for wages and wage-related
items, effective year one. Option years two
and three, four precent TLC, respectively,
and option years four and five, three per-
cent TLC, respectively.

Additionally, the following contracts have
been extended due to continued negotiations:
n Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning;

American Petroleum Tankers; Liberty Maritime
(bulk carriers and North Star Shipping’s Liberty
Peace); Maersk Line, Limited (heavy lift ves-
sels); Seabulk; Crowley Liner Services (heavy
lift and CONRO vessel); Marine Personnel and
Provisioning; Waterman Steamship (heavy lift
and bulk carriers); Waterman Transport (pure
car/pure truck carriers); and Transoceanic
Cable.

Moreover, SIU Assistant Vice President
Bryan Powell recently reported that an agree-
ment has been reached between the union and
Key Lakes for a wage and benefit reopener
covering the period July 1, 2022 through June
30, 2025. (Key Lakes operates two vessels on
the Great Lakes, primarily hauling stone and
iron ore.) The agreement provides for wage
increases of seven percent in 2022, four per-
cent in 2023 and three percent in 2024. It also
calls for for increases to the company contri-
butions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pen-
sion Plan; and maintains the current top-level
Core Plus health benefits and the top-level
Seafarers Pension Plan benefits, among other
highlights.

The SIU negotiating committee consisted
of Powell, Port Agent Todd Brdak, Patrolman

Tyson Little and Patrolman Ryan Covert.
Finally, a new agreement between the SIU

and Port City Marine Services, Inc. recently was
ratified. (Port City operates three ITBs on the
Great Lakes, primarily transporting cement.)
The contract took effect June 16, 2022 and lasts
through June 30, 2028; it includes a wage and
benefit re-opener June 16, 2025.

The contract provides for wage increases of
seven percent in 2022, four percent in 2023 and
three percent in 2024. It calls for increases to the
company contributions to the Seafarers Money
Purchase Pension Plan, maintains the current
top-level Core Plus health benefits and the top-
level Seafarers Pension Plan benefits, among
other highlights.

The union’s negotiating committee consisted
of Powell and Brdak.

Additional Contracts Ratified While Others are Extended

Renovations on the hiring hall in Norfolk,
Virginia, were slated to start on August
1. During the numerous repairs and up-
grades to the facility, which are expected
to take roughly eight months, the Norfolk
hall will be temporarily relocated to 111
Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesa-
peake, Virginia, 23323 (right), which is lo-
cated 14 miles from the current hall. The
phone and fax numbers for the hall will
remain unchanged. “Renovations to the
hall will include repairs to interior and ex-
terior spaces throughout, which includes
new wall treatments, restrooms, ceilings,
windows, doors and repairs to existing
mechanicals,” said SIU Assistant Vice
President Pat Vandegrift, who is oversee-
ing the project. For more information, con-
tact the hall.

Temporary Relocation
For Norfolk Operations

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August 2022 Seafarers LOG 7

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

KUDOS TO USNS EFFECTIVE CREW – Mariners aboard the Crowley-operated ship display a signed letter of appreciation from U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Richard E. Seif during a recent
stop in Pearl Harbor. They were commended for supporting certain missions in the U.S. Seventh Fleet and U.S. Third Fleet areas of operation, respectively. Standing from left to
right: 3M William Wood, Capt. Robert Swinburne, 3AE Zackary De St. Germain, Chief Cook Cameron Keating, QMED Michael Smith, QMED Joshua Irvine, QMED Robert Murphy,
AB Stanislaw Rusiecki, AB Gregory Sharp, SA Mynisha George, AB Lucas Tiderman, AB Anthoine Nichols, 1AE Donald Harrell, 2AE Aaron Matuszny, 2M Mark Blom and CM Kyle
Dupuis. Kneeling from left to right: Chief Steward Delia Peters, Bosun Edgar Elegino, MDR Emiliano Guevara and (near the far right) Chief Engineer Robert Guilmette. Many thanks
to MDR Guevara for the photo and caption info.

WITH BOATMEN ON WEST COAST – SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman (right) wraps up a lunchtime meeting in Port Hue-
neme, California, with Seafarers from Brusco Tug & Barge. Pictured from left are Jason Diaz, Jorge Gonzalez and Nova
Langi.

SOLIDARITY IN SUNSHINE STATE – AFL-CIO Presi-
dent Liz Shuler (left) and SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins are
pictured at the Florida AFL-CIO convention in late June.

A-BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – Three Seafarers recently received their respective A-seniority books at the hiring hall. They are:
QMED Christian Bryant (left in photo directly above, with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey); OMU Shewanna Stephenson (left in
photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman); and Chief Steward Jasmine Garrett (in front of podium in photo at left).

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8 Seafarers LOG August 2022

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

AROUND THE HOUSTON HALL – Two members recently picked up their respective full books in the Lone Star State while another
secured his first pension check. The latter Seafarer is Recertified Steward Ronald Davis, who’s in the middle of the photo at left, with
his wife (left) and SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. AB Yassid Laboriel Lalin is at left in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel, while
MDR Sheena Jumamil is at right in the photo at center, with SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala.

GOOD FEEDER – Pictured from left
aboard the El Coqui (Crowley) while the
vessel was in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are
Chief Steward Bryan Alvarez, SA Sonia
Pabon and Chief Cook Carlos Colon.

B-BOOK IN ALGONAC – STOS Hussei
Mohsen (left) displays his newly acquired
book at the hiring hall. SIU Patrolman
Ryan Covert is at right.

A-BOOK IN BALTIMORE – AB Jose Argueta
(center) recently came ashore to work as an
SIU patrolman and also received his A-seniority
book. He’s pictured at the Baltimore hall with
SIU Port Agents John Hoskins (left) and Ray
Henderson.

A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – AB Rodelo
Ayaton (left) displays his newly acquired
A-seniority book at the hiring hall. SIU
Port Agent Gerret Jarman is at right.

ABOARD USNS BUTTON – Recertified Bosun Greg
Jackson submitted these photos of the Memorial Day
cookout (and cornhole tournament) aboard the Crowley-operated vessel. “It was by far one of the best
cookouts we have had aboard this ship,” Jackson noted. “Big shout-out to the steward department, and to
the deck gang for helping out.” The galley gang consists of Chief Steward Rio Cuellar, Chief Cook Mary
Jean Moelk, and SAs Alphonso Amos, Scarlett Amburgey and Martin Krins.

DIFFERENT KIND OF STRIKE – AB Brian Goudy had excellent timing (and a steady hand)
when he grabbed this snapshot near the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge.
Photo was taken aboard the Prentiss Brown (Port City Marine).

ABOARD TAINO – Electrician Carlos
Parrilla is pictured aboard the Crowley
vessel, which normally sails in the Jones
Act trade between San Juan, Puerto Rico,
and Jacksonville, Florida.

ABOARD GREEN COVE – Bosun Jeff
Amestoy works aboard the Waterman ves-
sel in southern California.

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August 2022 Seafarers LOG 9

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

AT THE SAN JUAN HALL – Jocecil Lugo (photo at left) recently upgraded to chief cook. She’s displaying certificates of completion for
the Paul Hall Center’s Certified Chief Cook program and for the school’s DOL-approved apprentice program. Lugo said that during her
time in Piney Point, “I felt at home, like being with family.” Making her debut at the San Juan hall (photo second from left) is Emily Luna
Vallejo Rivera, daughter of Chief Cook Juan Andres Vallejo and his wife, Angelica Rivera Vallejo. Juan is a second-generation Seafarer.
In photo second from right, Seafarer Derick Morales (right) displays his first relief steward card. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo is at
left. The remaining photo at right includes longtime Seafarer Luis Perez (left) and Crespo (the two have been friends since childhood).
Perez, shown with his first pension check, began sailing with the union in 1996. He spent most of his career with Crowley Towing and
Transportation, most recently as an AB.

FROM ONE UNION RIDE TO AN-
OTHER – Bosun Kyle Silva rode his
union-made Harley Davidson from
Houston to San Francisco for a recent
MARAD breakout.

FAMILY TRADITION – Chief Cook Luke
Vandegrift (left) receives his full book while
upgrading at the Paul Hall Center in Piney
Point, Maryland. He’s pictured with his uncle,
SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift (who sailed in
the deck department).

READY TO SHIP OUT – OS Shylah Whir-
ley (left) appears enthused about securing
her first job with the union. She’s pictured
at the Jacksonville hall with SIU Port Agent
Ashley Nelson.

ABOARD ISLA BELLA – Pictured aboard the
TOTE ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are ABM
David Bernstein (left) and Recertified Bosun
John Cedeno during deck inspections while
prepping for departure to Jacksonville, Florida.

Editor’s note: The following write-up and
accompanying photo were provided by vessel
master Capt. Eric Anderson, a member of the
Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Of-
ficers.

While transiting the Straits of Florida on
April 29, the mate on watch on the MT Penn-
sylvania noticed a small skiff with two white
flags around 8 a.m. The Pennsylvania was
leaving Port Everglades, Florida, en route to
Sabine Pass, Texas. Under closer observation,
he noticed that the white flags were being
waved.

Captain Eric Anderson was called imme-
diately and rescue procedures commenced.

According to Third Mate Anthony
Franchetti, as the refugees approached the
Pennsylvania, it became apparent that the
homemade skiff (constructed of roofing
tiles and bondo-like material) was heavily
overloaded with passengers. The crew of the
Pennsylvania motioned to the craft, using
hand signals to make it clear that the ship was
going to assist them as best they could.

As the skiff grew closer, the Pennsylvania
crew lowered a bucket with food and water
along the port side. This allowed for the
best possible lee for the situation. A line was
passed so the skiff could remain alongside as
the crew continued to pass more provisions.
The first round of bottled water was quickly
consumed and was not enough for all 29 on
board the skiff. The crew quickly mixed up
some Gatorade and passed down a water

cooler and cups to the skiff…. The Pennsylva-
nia crew also provided food for the refugees,
including fresh fruit.

During this evolution, the bridge team
communicated with United States Coast
Guard (USCG) Sector Key West to arrange
for USCG assets to travel to the scene.

During the exchanges, one of the 29 refu-
gees told the Spanish-speaking crew members
of the Pennsylvania that they had been at sea
for the past three days, were lost, and were
completely out of water.

Shortly after this remark, those aboard
the skiff became separated on their next step.
It appeared that those in the bow wanted to
remain tethered to the Pennsylvania while
those aft wished to cast off and press on to the
United States. The Spanish-speaking crew of
the Pennsylvania told the 29 that the Coast
Guard was nearby.

This caused a panic on the skiff as the
refugees thought that this meant Cuban mili-
tary, not the United States Coast Guard. This
was quickly clarified and they were greatly
relieved. Around 9:40 a.m., those aboard the
skiff decided to cast off their line and press on.
Their journey was short-lived as the USCG
Cutter Paul Clark and small boat 45654 both
crossed the Pennsylvania’s bow and came into
contact with the skiff.

With the situation now under control and
the USCG on scene, the Pennsylvania re-
sumed its voyage to Sabine Pass and the crew
members went about their day as normal.

The Pennsylvania is owned by Kinder

Morgan and operated by Intrepid Personnel
and Provisioning.

Crew members aboard the Pennsylvania
during its at sea rescue of an overloaded skiff
of refugees included Captain Eric Anderson,
Bosun Homar McField, QMED Michael
Birke, AB Agustin Miranda, Second Mate
Christopher Bell, Third Mate Emmanuel
Zamora, Third Mate Anthony Franchetti,

Second Assistant Engineer Michael Goins,
AB Eddie Ebanks, AB Daniel Caballero,
First A.E. Robert Norris, Recertified Steward
Exxl Ronquillo, Third A.E. James Lavallee,
Chief Engineer David Leddy, Cook/Baker Ta-
mara Russ, Chief Mate Edward Mallon, AB
Emilio Gonzalez, AB Mickey Keith, GVA
Amer Mousa, Pumpman Tyrone Ellis and
SA Francisco Calix.

Tanker Crew Aids Refugees at Sea

SIU and AMO members are pictured aboard the tanker.

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10 Seafarers LOG August 2022

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

Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services

HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive

Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675

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

(810) 794-4988

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

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

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

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

HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 845-5222

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

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 281-2622

JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306

(201) 434-6000

JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432

(815) 723-8002

MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605

(251) 478-0916

NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NORFOLK
115 Third 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
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD

20674
(301) 994-0010

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

(954) 522-7984

SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills

San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033

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

(314) 752-6500

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409

(253) 272-7774

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

(310) 549-4001/4002

Seafarers International Seafarers International
Union DirectoryUnion Directory Inquiring SeafarerInquiring Seafarer

This month’s questions were answered by Seafarers and apprentices in Piney Point, Maryland.

Question: The apprentices (both members of Class 885) were asked, what have been some of the bet-
ter parts of your training thus far, while the active Seafarers were asked, what are some things you like
about your career?

Robert Stockbridge
Apprentice

Everything is new and exciting and
informative. This is the beginning of
the fourth week. Our vessel familiar-
ization class has been the best part so
far. We had a really good teacher who
made sure we understood the material.

Tahn Stuart
Chief Cook

I get to travel the world and
see everything for free, and make
money at the same time. I joined
in 2018.

Sherron DeCoteau
Chief Cook

I like the opportunity to be able
to help others. I’m a mother first and
a very nurturing person. I’ve had ca-
reers, primarily working with men,
as a police officer and also as a dis-
patcher with CSX for 15 years prior
to sailing. I stay focused on safety
but also looking out for somebody’s
husband or dad or brother or mother
or sister. Being a chief cook, I’ll be
able to look out well for my broth-
ers and sisters at sea.

Nadzeya Kuptsova
Chief Cook

I love cooking, and I appreci-
ate the schedule. You can work for
four months and then be on vaca-
tion for four months, and travel.
The money is good. You can see
your family often, unlike if you
work (in an office) every day.

Supattara Inthapanti
Chief Cook

This union is the best, and so are
the instructors here at the school. They
train me well so I can do a good job
on the ship. I love learning new things
every day.

Danielle Vidal
Apprentice

I really like the unity in everything
we do together. It shows me to appreci-
ate the little things more – for example,
we all watched fireworks together at
the pier. I like working together as a
team.

Pensioner Jesse Chiles submitted these photos from a 1990 trip aboard
the William Button in Diego Garcia. Chiles, who sailed as a bosun, is at
right in photo inset at right, with the third mate. The photo directly above
shows crew members and Navy personnel ashore.

Pics From The Past Pics From The Past

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

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August 2022 Seafarers LOG 11

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 16 - July 16. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 16.
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 SeaDispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

Piney Point...............Monday: August 8, *Tuesday: September 6
Algonac...................................Friday: August 12, September 9
Baltimore............................Thursday: August 11, September 8
Guam...............................Thursday: August 25, September 22
Honolulu.............................Friday: August 19, September 16
Houston..............................Monday: August 15, September 12
Jacksonville.......................Thursday: August 11, September 8
Joliet..................................Thursday: August 18, September 15
Mobile.........................Wednesday: August 17, September 14
New Orleans........................Tuesday: August 16 , September 13
Jersey City............................Tuesday: August 9 , September 6
Norfolk...............................Friday: August 12, September 9
Oakland.........................Thursday: August 18, September 15
Philadelphia...................Wednesday: August 10, September 7
Port Everglades....................Thursday: August 18, September 15
San Juan....................... ...Thursday: August 11, September 8
St. Louis...............................Friday: August 19, September 16
Tacoma...............................Friday: August 26, September 23
Wilmington....................Monday: August 22, September 19
* Piney Point change in September due to Labor Day observance

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

August & SeptemberAugust & September
Membership MeetingsMembership Meetings

Drawing frequent cheers from the capacity, pro-union crowd in
Cleveland, President Biden on July 6 touted his administration’s –
and the congressional majority’s – success in creating a new structure
to rescue financially troubled multi-employer pension plans.

The legislation is part of the American Rescue Act and crafted
largely by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). It honors the late
Teamsters Local 100 pension leader Butch Lewis. And with a lot of
union input from an AFL-CIO working group, it sets up a new struc-
ture to let those plans get back on their financial feet without cutting
pensions of current recipients. (Editor’s note: The Seafarers Pension
Plan is fully funded and in excellent shape. The same cannot be said
of many other plans outside the Seafarers.)

“Two hundred multiemployer pension plans for two to three
million workers and retirees were going insolvent,” Biden told the
crowd. “What that means is to those two or three million workers:
They faced painful cuts to the benefits they counted on and for the
dignified security of retirement.”

Multi-employer plans cover some 11 million workers – and tens
of thousands of retirees – ranging from Seafarers to musicians to
grocery store checkers to construction workers. Now the threat some
of them would lose their pensions is removed, the president declared.

Union leaders lauded the final rule governing the multi-employer
plans, which culminates a long fight to save the pensions of retirees
and beneficiaries while not penalizing present workers.

“Pensions are more than just a vital part of the retirement plans of
millions of Americans; they are a promise made to workers by their
employers,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “And those pen-
sions should not be ripped away after years or decades of hard work.
We will keep fighting to protect that promise.”

The troubled plans get 30-year federal loan guarantees, as long as
those plans get their reorganization blueprints approved by the Trea-
sury Department and without cutting present recipients’ pensions.

In debate over Brown’s bill, Republicans called multi-employer
pensions “rat holes” and the rescue structure a “bailout for union
bosses.” Every single Republican opposed the new structure for the
pension plans, Biden said.

“People around the country wake up every day wondering
whether they’ve saved enough to provide for themselves and their
families before they stop working – work at a job that provides basic
dignity, a good middle-class job you can raise a family on, a job that
provides a dignified retirement and will give you peace of mind,”
Biden told the Ironworkers in Cleveland, who cheered him repeat-
edly. “Think of all the people…. Many of you went to bed at night
putting your head on the pillow and saying, ‘Am I going to be all
right? Is my family going to be all right? Is my wife or my husband
or my child, are they going to be OK?’ It’s a dignified retirement
with your spouse in the home in your community you worked and
lived for your whole life. But the reality is for so many people, the
goalposts keep moving. Unfortunately, this happens to people who
need it most: working people.”

He added, “A lot of politicians like to talk about how they’re
going to do something about it. Well, I’m here today to say we’ve
done something about it” by fixing the problem.

In an online press briefing in Washington, D.C., top officials
of the Labor Department and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.
said the new law already rescued 27 multi-employer plans, with
three more applications pending. It’ll keep functioning through
2051. The PBGC steps in when a single-employer or multi-em-
ployer plan can’t make payments or when corporate bankruptcy
wipes out pensions. Final rules for multi-employer plans take ef-
fect August 8.

Pension Relief Secured
For Workers, Retirees

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August 2022 Seafarers LOG 1312 Seafarers LOG August 2022

At age 96, former Seafarer Lawrence Abrams maintains his sense of
humor.

Asked recently about his health, he replies, “It’s still here. Some of it.”
Abrams sailed with the SIU during World War II before moving to a sho-

reside career in July 1946. But the U.S. Merchant Marine recently recaptured
his attention when war-era mariners collectively received the Congressional
Gold Medal (in May 2022).

The televised recognition in the U.S. Capitol made national news and gave
Abrams a chance to reminisce about his sailing days, which were anything
but unremarkable. During the war, the Alabama native sailed to Normandy for
D-Day, endured the infamous Murmansk run, helped take 50 Germans pris-
oner during one voyage, and survived his ship being damaged by a torpedo.

Those weren’t his only close calls or noteworthy experiences. After visit-
ing a family member in New York in 1946, he got lost in the subway system
and missed his flight. The plane crashed near Richmond, Virginia, and all 27
people aboard perished. Many of them were merchant mariners on the way to
southern ports. (Abrams’ family mistakenly had been notified that he died.)

Two years earlier, a last-minute, pre-voyage switch from one vessel (the
Liberty ship Paul Hamilton) to another kept Abrams from certain doom. The
Hamilton was sunk by Germans; none of the nearly 600 people aboard sur-
vived.

He also has told his family that one of his vessels was sunk by a torpedo.
The ship was headed to England; many of the crew members were rescued by
a Canadian vessel and returned to New York.

Not all of his wartime encounters were quite as dramatic. For instance, he
spent a night in jail in Chile in 1945, after making acquaintance with a lady
who turned out to be local police chief’s girlfriend.

Additionally, in 1943, he and a number of shipmates were allowed to play
baseball with locals while docked in Havana, Cuba. The Cubans would leave
their equipment at each position on the field, since the mariners didn’t have
any such gear on the ship.

Humble Beginnings
Abrams, one of nine children, felt plenty of patriotism when he signed up

for the merchant marine in 1943, at age 17. But he candidly recalls another
reason for choosing that path in addition to backing the war effort.

“My mother and father were real poor. They were sharecroppers,” he says.
“I had been working in a shipyard in Mobile, but it didn’t pay well. So, I
joined the union and got on a ship.”

He knew about the SIU because of his brother Abner, who sailed with the
union for decades, mostly as an electrician. (Abner passed away in 2008, at
age 86.)

Lawrence Abrams first shipped out in May 1943, as an ordinary seaman
aboard the Liberty ship Theodore Foster, which sailed from Mobile to Scot-
land to New York. He quickly concluded that he’d stick with the industry –
but not as a member of the deck department.

“It didn’t take me long to find out it’s cold out there on that deck,” he
remembers. “I was the lookout. I (later) switched to the engine department
because if I was going to die, I wanted to die warm.”

He’d suffer no such fate despite the risks endured by the U.S. Merchant
Marine of World War II – dangers that led to them being recognized as vet-
erans in 1988, and to the Congressional Gold Medal presentation. Official
estimates vary, but those mariners suffered a casualty rate that either exceeded
any of the armed forces or was second to that of the Marine Corps. They often
sailed with minimal or no protection. They were an all-volunteer service.
More than 8,000 of them died at sea (including more than 1,200 SIU mem-
bers); another 11,000 were wounded.

Abrams nevertheless found it a decent fit.
“The union was good to me,” he says. “My seniority wasn’t great, but I

made it. I’d send money home to my mother…. I sailed to South America,
France, Scotland and many other countries.”

One of those other nations was Russia. In early 1945, the Abrams broth-
ers sailed together on the Grace Abbott (yet another Liberty ship) for a five-
month voyage that included a stop in Murmansk.

Notorious for its threatening conditions, the Murmansk Run partly con-
sisted of a dangerous Arctic Ocean passage from Iceland or Scotland to north-
ern Russia. U.S. vessels joined those convoys beginning in 1942, sending a
total of approximately 350 ships during a three-plus-year stretch. Nearly 100
of those vessels were sunk by Germans, and thousands of Americans aboard
them lost their lives.

Today, Lawrence Abrams mainly recalls two things about his trip to Mur-
mansk: “That’s the coldest place I have ever been, and the people of Russia
were very good to me. They had good people there at that time.”

Perhaps it speaks to his overall adventures that another component of the
voyage is nearly an afterthought: On the return trip, the ship was hit by a
torpedo and sustained a hole in its bow. The damaged part of the vessel was
quickly closed off to avoid water intake. Abrams suffered burns on his shoul-
der from being slammed against hot pipes in the engine room. His larger com-
plaint, though, is that the vessel ran so low on stores, they only had beans on
the menu until reaching Glasgow for repairs. (Dried beans remain a forbidden
item on the Abrams menu today.)

Then, as the ship headed back to the U.S., it encountered a U-boat that had
surfaced due to a lack of fuel. The U.S.-flag vessel, aided by others, took con-

trol of the foreign crew while the submarine was towed to England.
Half a year earlier, he sailed to Normandy in support of the D-Day inva-

sion. Abrams and his fellow mariners took a bus to Panama City to join the
Waterman vessel SS DeSoto, which initially sailed to Brooklyn to join a
convoy. From there, they sailed to Cairo for a partial off-load, then headed to
France.

At Normandy, the crew waited at sea until the initial attack ended, then
docked to unload cargo. Thinking it was safe, some of them then went ashore.

“We were stupid,” says Abrams. “The Germans were still fighting our
soldiers. A lady in a Red Cross jeep came by and picked us up in a hurry so
we could get back to the ship. When our last crane unloaded, the captain said
to get the ship out fast. I worked in the boiler room…. He said, ‘Full speed
ahead!” and that’s what we did.”

Answering a Different Call
When Abrams signed off the SS Anson Jones in May 1946, he didn’t know

that his maritime career almost had concluded. He took a job as a lineman
with Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company that summer and then
met his future wife, Hestina Gibson. They would marry just three weeks after
meeting, and remained together for 63 years, until her passing in 2009.

Abrams was a telephone union member when a strike led him back to sea
for one last trip, aboard the SS Oliver Wendell Holmes.

“I made more money on that one voyage (which lasted a little less than two
months) than I did for a whole year with the phone company,” he remembers.

Nevertheless, when the strike ended, he returned ashore and stayed with
the phone company for 43 years. He spent most of that time as a supervisor
and had to frequently relocate, because his work focused on converting “cen-
tral offices” to the newest technology.

These days, Abrams remains an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time with
family members. An Ardmore, Tennessee resident, he’s partial to the University of
Alabama football team, but when it comes to sports, “I watch all of them.”

As for the recent (many would say long-overdue) presentation of the Con-
gressional Gold Medal, Abrams is matter-of-fact.

“Quite a few of our ships were sunk during the war,” he says. “The recog-
nition is well deserved.”

‘The Union was Good to Me’
WWII Mariner Abrams

Shares Remarkable Memories

Lawrence Abrams (right in photo at right) and his brother Abner (left) stand
with a shipmate aboard the Grace Abbott in 1945. Abrams (front, right in
photo immediately below) is pictured in November 2021 with daughters Anne
Tidwell (directly behind him) and Peggy Sanders (left, rear) and his son,
Randy. The photo at center shows Abrams in 1943, the year he joined the
SIU. One of his dues receipts from 1943 is captured in the bottom photo at
right.

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14 Seafarers LOG August 2022

NEW ORLEANS HALLNEW ORLEANS HALL

JACKSONVILLE HALLJACKSONVILLE HALL

MOBILE HALLMOBILE HALL SAN JUAN HALLSAN JUAN HALL

OAKLAND HALLOAKLAND HALL

Seafarers Converge at Hiring Halls
To Review, Vote on Standard Contracts
Throughout July, Seafarers voted on the

new standard freightship and tanker agree-
ments. Much of the voting took place during
regular membership meetings, while some
happened at special meetings (as guided by the
union constitution).

As reported elsewhere in this issue, the new
contracts span five years and feature numerous
gains. One of those advancements is a contrac-
tual commitment to provide shipboard internet
access to all crew members. This was one of
the most consistently requested items from
members when it came to contract suggestions.

Another improvement: Members will
have the opportunity to qualify for pension
benefits sooner and to increase their pension
amount. Previously, a member needed 3,000
days of seatime in order to get credit for vaca-
tion days and earnings for pension eligibility.
That threshold for enhanced benefits is being
reduced by one-third, to 2,000 days. This is for
wage-related benefits.

Negotiations took place both online and in
person, for a period spanning more than six
months.

The photos on this page were taken at a
handful of the hiring halls, either during or
shortly after voting occurred. Additional pho-
tos will be published in an upcoming edition
of the LOG.

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August 2022 Seafarers LOG 15

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
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agree-
ments. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representa-
tives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust funds.

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s ship-
ping rights and seniority are protected ex-
clusively 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 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746

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

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

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

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

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this consti-
tution 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 ob-
ligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.

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

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

SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to fur-
ther its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In con-
nection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No con-
tribution 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 International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribu-
tion for investigation and appropriate action
and refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social 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 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746

Know Your Rights Know Your Rights

Digest of Shipboard Digest of Shipboard
Union MeetingsUnion Meetings

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

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

GARDEN STATE (Intrepid
Personnel & Provisioning),
March 1 – Chairman Carlos
Arauz, Secretary Pedro Cas-
tillo, Educational Director
Alexander Capellan Almonte,
Deck Delegate Damon John-
son. Members requested Wi-Fi
access for entire crew. Chair-
man reminded members to
check documents for renewal
well in advance. He advised
crew to work safely and to look
out for one another. Secretary
encouraged members to up-
grade at Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Educa-
tion. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members commended
steward department for their
work in the galley.

GARDEN STATE (Intrepid
Personnel & Provisioning),
April 1 – Chairman Carlos
Arauz, Secretary Grazyna
Tomaszewska, Educational Di-
rector Alexander Capellan Al-
monte, Deck Delegate William
Johnson, Steward Delegate
Medardo Thomas. Chairman
encouraged members to keep
up the good work and to stay
on top of documents. He also
encouraged shipmates to up-
grade at SIU-affiliated school
in Piney Point, Maryland. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Steward department was com-
mended for doing a good job.

HORIZON PACIFIC (Sunrise
Operations), May 1 – Chair-
man Aristeo Padua, Secretary
Ronald Davis, Educational
Director Thomas Flynn,
Deck Delegate Paul Dilbeck,
Engine Delegate Larry Ca-
lixto, Steward Delegate Su-

sano Cortez. Chairman led
discussion about the ongoing
importance of safety. Secre-
tary reminded everyone to
keep coffee station clean and
to clean up after themselves.
Educational director urged
members to take advantage of
the upgrading opportunities at
the Paul Hall Center to earn a
pay raise. Steward and deck
departments were thanked for
keeping the house clean. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Chairman reviewed some
recent articles from Seafar-
ers LOG, including pieces on
full funding for the Maritime
Security Program and the new
cable security fleet. He also
encouraged everyone to re-
main vigilant with their safety
precautions, because COVID
is still around. Members
would like better Wi-Fi and a
salad bar that keeps food cold.
Crew requested two additional
days of vacation pay. Next
port: Oakland, California.

LIBERTY PASSION (Lib-
erty Maritime Corp.), May
1 – Chairman Val Custis,
Secretary Gerald Joseph,
Educational Director Jerome
Culbreth, Engine Delegate
Michael Sabio. Chairman
thanked steward department
for doing a good job and also
discussed current manning.
Treadmill was bought with ship
treasury and a barbecue pit
will be purchased next trip. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Seafarers were encouraged to
read the LOG, the union’s offi-
cial publication, which is avail-
able online and in print. Crew
requested new mattresses and

linens. Mattress toppers were
delivered to ship in Beaumont,
Texas. Members would like to
change sea time required for
retirement.

HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine
Personnel & Provisioning),
May 21 – Chairman Zeki
Karaahmet, Secretary Shari
Hardman, Deck Delegate
Damon Anderson, Engine
Delegate Michael Sabio,
Steward Delegate Dominque
McLean. Chairman thanked
everyone for a good voyage
and for keeping the house
clean. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. New Wi-Fi an-
tenna will be installed. Crew
discussed history of organized
labor. Next port: Charleston,
South Carolina.

HORIZON SPIRIT (Sunrise
Operations), June 19 – Chair-
man Rezk Mohamed, Secre-
tary Carlos Sanchez Morales,
Educational Director Sixin
Ling, Deck Delegate Rene
Rafer. Educational director
recommended members up-
grade at the SIU-affiliated Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Train-
ing and Education, located in
Piney Point, Maryland. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested Wi-Fi at
sea.

MAERSK DENVER (Maersk
Line, Limited), April 24
– Chairman Roy Madrio,
Secretary Ronaldo Torres,
Deck Delegate James Ruffin,
Engine Delegate Domingos
Ferreira. Crew requested
televisions for each stateroom.
They suggested increases to

vacation benefits. No beefs or
disputed OT reported.

MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk
Line, Limited), April 30 –
Chairman Rufino Giray, Sec-
retary Kevin Valentin Rivera,
Educational Director Joel Bell.
Chairman reported on upcom-
ing arrival in Newark, New
Jersey, and related payoff. Edu-
cational director recommended
upgrading at SIU-affiliated
school in Maryland and also
reminded fellow members to
keep documents current. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew made requests and sug-
gestions about vacation pay,
food budget, medical benefits,
and overtime pay.

USNS POLLUX (TOTE),
May 3, 2022 – Chairman
Chris Nagle, Secretary Ro-
gelio Jamora, Educational
Director Glenn Snow, Deck
Delegate Abad Martinez.
Crew discussed various con-
tract suggestions and reported
recent experiences about find-
ing COVID testing locations.
They made recommendations
pertaining to crew size and re-
quested more shipboard visits
from the union’s “upper leader-
ship.”

MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk
Line, Limited), May 15
– Chairman Bill Barrett,
Educational Director Mark
Campbell. Carpet cleaner ar-
rived. Chairman reminded crew
to head to the hiring halls for
standard-contract voting. Edu-
cational director encouraged
mariners to upgrade and be
mindful of document expira-

tion dates. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew suggested
increases in medical and vaca-
tion benefits. They thanked
steward department for “out-
standing food.”

MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk
Line, Limited), May 23 –
Chairman Mario Ordonez,
Secretary Robert Seim, Edu-
cational Director Joel Boyd.
Chairman discussed benefits of
upgrading at union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, lo-
cated in Piney Point, Maryland.
Educational director talked
about importance of COVID-
19 vaccinations. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew
made suggestions pertaining
to vacation benefits and physi-
cal exams. Votes of thanks
extended to engine and steward
departments.

ARC COMMITMENT
(TOTE), June 26 – Chairman
Richard Grubbs, Secretary
Rosalie Long. Chairman
noted vessel heading to East
Coast with stops in Savannah,
Brunswick, Baltimore and New
York. He reported the “great
pay increases that are now in
effect” as of June 1. “This is a
great win and compliment to
SIU VP George Tricker and his
negotiating team.” No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Question
was asked about holiday pay.
Members discussed importance
of Jones Act and how its elimi-
nation would be “devastating
to the industry. The loss of
American jobs would be cata-
strophic. We must support this
vital law.”

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16 Seafarers LOG August 2022

DEEP SEA

NICHOLAS AGUILERA
Brother Nicholas Aguilera, 65,
started his career with the union
in 1973. He first
shipped on the
Saugatuck and
sailed in the en-
gine department.
Brother Aguilera
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Cen-
ter on multiple
occasions. He
most recently sailed on the Seab-
ulk Arctic and makes his home in
Flagler Beach, Florida.

DUANE AKERS
Brother Duane Akers, 59, joined
the Seafarers International Union

in 1997, initially
sailing aboard
the Little Hales.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions
and shipped
as an MDR.
Brother Akers’
final vessel was

the SBX. He is a resident of Bon-
ney Lake, Washington.

SONNY AUSTRIA
Brother Sonny Austria, 65, began
sailing with the SIU in 1992. A
steward depart-
ment member,
he first sailed
aboard the In-
dependence.
Brother Austria
upgraded on
numerous occa-
sions at the Paul
Hall Center and
last sailed on the Horizon Enter-
prise. He lives in Las Vegas.

BERNARD BAKER
Brother Bernard Baker, 71,
signed on with the SIU in 1993,

first sailing
aboard the In-
dependence. He
shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the union-
affiliated Piney
Point school on
multiple occa-
sions. Brother

Baker most recently sailed on the
Ocean Grand. He resides in Sa-
lina, Kansas.

ALAN BARTLEY
Brother Alan Bartley, 62, became
a member of the Seafarers In-
ternational Union in 1981 when
he shipped on
the Seattle. He
sailed in the
steward de-
partment and
upgraded on
several occa-
sions at the Paul
Hall Center.

Brother Bartley most recently
sailed on the Mohawk. He resides
in Granbury, Texas.

CORNELIO BARTOLOME
Brother Cornelio Bartolome, 68,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
2005, initially
sailing on the
Horizon Fair-
banks. He was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Bartolome last shipped
on the American Pride and calls
San Diego home.

FONDA BIAMONTE
Sister Fonda Biamonte, 66,
joined the SIU in 1998 when she

sailed on the
USNS Effec-
tive. She sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Sister
Biamonte most
recently shipped
on the Harry

Martin and makes her home in
Beasley, Texas.

JAMES BLITCH
Brother James Blitch, 65, signed
on with the union in 1979. He
first sailed aboard the Lionheart
and worked in the deck depart-
ment. Brother
Blitch upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
numerous oc-
casions. He last
shipped on the
Sunshine State
and is a resi-
dent of Atlantic
Beach, Florida.

JOSEPH CASALINO
Brother Joseph Casalino, 66,
began sailing with the Seafarers
in 1988, initially shipping on the

Paul Buck. He
sailed primar-
ily in the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on several occa-
sions. Brother
Casalino last
shipped aboard

the Ocean Freedom. He lives in
San Rafael, California.

TRACY CRUM
Brother Tracy
Crum, 65,
donned the SIU
colors in 1989.
He first sailed
aboard the
Independence
and worked
in the steward

department. Brother Crum up-
graded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. He most
recently sailed on the Manoa and
is a resident of Honolulu.

DANIEL DALIGCON
Brother Daniel Daligcon, 65,
joined the union in 1995 and
first sailed
aboard the In-
dependence. He
was a member
of the engine
department and
upgraded often
at the union-
affiliated Piney
Point school.
Brother Dalig-
con last shipped on the Cali-
fornia. He lives in Brentwood,
California.

DANIEL DAVENPORT
Brother Daniel Davenport, 70,
began his career with the SIU in

2005. A deck
department
member, he
initially sailed
aboard the Jean
Anne. Brother
Davenport up-
graded at the
Paul Hall Cen-
ter on multiple

occasions. He most recently
shipped aboard the Marjorie C
and resides in Liverpool, New
York.

JOSE DAVID
Brother Jose David, 65, em-
barked on his career with the
SIU in 2002, first sailing aboard
the USNS Wat-
son. Brother
David was a
steward depart-
ment member,
and he upgraded
at the Piney
Point school
on several oc-
casions. He
concluded his
career on the USNS Pathfinder
and makes his home in Norfolk,
Virginia.

RONALD DAVIS
Brother Ronald Davis, 71, be-
came a member of the Seafarers

International
Union in 1991,
initially sail-
ing aboard the
Stonewall Jack-
son. He worked
in the steward
department and
upgraded often
at the Piney

Point school. Brother Davis most
recently shipped on the Hori-
zon Pacific. He resides in Katy,
Texas.

FRED DOMINGO
Brother Fred Domingo, 68,
began sailing with the SIU in
1976. He initially shipped with

Dixie Carriers
and was a deck
department
member. Brother
Domingo last
sailed on the
Liberty Sea
and lives in
Prairieville,
Louisiana.

CYNTHIA ESPINDA
Sister Cynthia Espinda, 65, started
her career with the Seafarers in
2000 when she sailed aboard the
Independence.
She sailed in
the steward
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
Sister Espinda’s
final vessel was
the SBX. She
makes her home in Aiea, Hawaii.

JAMES GAINES
Brother James Gaines, 65, joined
the SIU in 1978 and first sailed
on the Cove Leader. He upgraded
at the Piney Point school on mul-
tiple occasions and shipped in
the engine department. Brother
Gaines last sailed on the American
Condor and makes his home in
Jacksonville, Florida.

FREDERICK GATHERS
Brother Frederick Gathers, 71,
started his career with the Seafar-

ers International
Union in 2001.
He first shipped
on the Chesa-
peake Bay and
sailed in the
deck department.
Brother Gathers
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-

casions. He concluded his career
aboard the Cape Douglas and
calls Mount Pleasant, South Caro-
lina, home.

ALI GHALIB
Brother Ali
Ghalib, 70,
began sailing
with the SIU
in 1990. He
sailed primarily
in the steward
department and
first shipped on
the Navigator.
Brother Ghalib last sailed on the
Maunawili and lives in Dearborn,
Michigan.

GERRY GIANAN
Brother Gerry
Gianan, 65,
signed on with
the SIU in 1993,
first sailing with
Crowley Towing
and Transporta-
tion. He sailed
in the deck de-

partment and upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Gianan’s final vessel was
the Lightning. He resides in Long
Beach, California.

WILFREDO GUERRERO
Brother Wilfredo Guerrero, 65,
starting sailing with the Seafarers
in 2005, initially
working aboard
the Eugene A.
Obregon. He
sailed in both the
deck and stew-
ard departments
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 2007.
Brother Guerrero last shipped on
the Liberty Pride. He makes his
home in Brandon, Florida.

WALTER HARRIS
Brother Walter Harris, 65, joined
the union in 1999 when he worked

on the Manoa. A
steward depart-
ment member,
he upgraded on
numerous occa-
sions at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Harris
concluded his
career on the
Manukai. He

lives in Moreno Valley, California.

JOZEF IGNACZAK
Brother Jozef Ignaczak, 66, em-
barked on his career with the
Seafarers in
2005. He initially
sailed on the Lib-
erty Glory and
worked in the
deck department.
Brother Ignac-
zak last shipped
aboard the Over-
seas Boston and
resides in Lake-
wood, Washington.

OSCAR JOHNNY
Brother Oscar Johnny, 72, signed

on with the
union in 2006
when he sailed
aboard the Pride
of Hawaii. An
engine depart-
ment member,
he most recently
shipped on the
Garden State.
Brother Johnny

is a resident of Miramar, Florida.

DAVID JOHNSON
Brother David
Johnson, 69,
embarked on
his career with
the SIU in 2001.
He was a stew-
ard department
member and first
sailed aboard the
Patriot. Brother

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 AshoreWelcome Ashore

Continued on next page

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August 2022 Seafarers LOG 17

Johnson upgraded on several occa-
sions at the Piney Point school. He
last sailed on the Chemical Pio-
neer and calls Philadelphia home.

LOVELL MCELROY
Brother Lovell McElroy, 65,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1978 when he sailed on
the Del Uru-
guay. He sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded on
multiple occa-
sions at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother McElroy
most recently
shipped on the Seabulk Challenge.
He makes his home in Bessemer,
Alabama.

LUCAS MEJIA
Brother Lucas Mejia, 66, signed
on with the SIU in 1991, initially

shipping on the
Independence.
He sailed primar-
ily in the deck
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Mejia’s

final vessel was the Colorado Ex-
press. He lives in the Bronx, New
York.

CHARLES PARMAN
Brother Charles Parman, 65,
began sailing with the SIU in 1975
when he worked
aboard the Van
Defender. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
within his first
year of member-
ship. Brother
Parman last
shipped on the Liberty Star and
lives in New Orleans.

AMIN SALEH
Brother Amin Saleh, 68, joined the
SIU in 1998 and first sailed on the

Independence.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 2008
and shipped in
the steward de-
partment. Brother
Saleh concluded
his career aboard
the John Boland

and makes his home in Dearborn,
Michigan.

THOMAS SMITH
Brother Thomas Smith, 63, em-
barked on his career with the
Seafarers International Union in
1981. He first shipped with Crow-
ley Towing and Transportation and
sailed in the steward department.

Brother Smith
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous
occasions. He
concluded his
career aboard the
American Endur-
ance and calls
Jacksonville,

Florida, home.

MALACHI TANNIS
Brother Malachi Tannis, 70,
started sailing with the union in
2001. He initially
shipped on the
Chemical Pio-
neer and sailed
in the engine
department.
Brother Tannis
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Cen-
ter on multiple
occasions. He
concluded his career aboard the
Alliance St. Louis and calls Brook-
lyn, New York, home.

CHARLES VAN DEVENTER
Brother Charles Van Deventer, 69,
joined the union in 1975, sailing
first aboard the Richard J. Reiss.
He shipped in the deck department
and upgraded at the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Van Deventer’s final ves-
sel was the Midnight Sun. He lives
in White Salmon, Washington.

SCOTT WENNESON
Brother Scott Wenneson, 69,
began sailing with the SIU in
1976. He sailed in the deck de-
partment and first shipped with
Hudson Waterways Corporation.
Brother Wenneson upgraded his
skills at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He last
worked with McAllister Towing of
Baltimore and lives in Parkville,
Maryland.

ANGELO WILCOX
Brother Angelo Wilcox, 56, joined

the Seafarers In-
ternational Union
in 1990. A deck
department mem-
ber, he upgraded
often at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Wilcox
last shipped on
the Overseas
Martinez. He re-

sides in Durham, North Carolina.

ROBERT WOBIL
Brother Robert Wobil, 69, signed
on with the union in 1994, first
sailing aboard the USNS Bellatrix.
He upgraded
at the Paul
Hall Center on
several occa-
sions and was a
member of the
deck department.
Brother Wobil’s
final vessel was

the Overseas Marilyn. He lives in
Gulfport, Mississippi.

GREAT LAKES

MICHAEL CUSHMAN
Brother Michael Cushman, 61,
started sailing with the union in
1980, initially
shipping on the
Adventurer. He
sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on sev-
eral occasions.
Brother Cush-
man concluded
his career aboard the Prentiss
Brown and calls Homosassa,
Florida, home.

ROBERT FITZHUGH
Brother Robert Fitzhugh, 65,
signed on with the union in 1980.
He initially sailed aboard the H.

Lee White and
worked in both
the deck and
engine depart-
ments. Brother
Fitzhugh up-
graded on mul-
tiple occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center. He most
recently shipped

on the Bradshaw McKee and is a
resident of Benzonia, Michigan.

INLAND

JIMMY ARDOIN
Brother Jimmy Ardoin, 64, donned
the SIU colors in 2003. He was
a deck department member and
first worked for Seabulk Tankers.
Brother Ardoin’s final vessel was
the Zeus. He is a resident of Port
Arthur, Texas.

CHARLES BOLES
Brother Charles Boles, 70, em-
barked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1974 when he shipped
with Bob-Lo Island. He was a
member of the deck department
and upgraded often at the Piney
Point school. Brother Boles last
shipped on the Cape Canaveral.
He makes his home in Livingston,
Texas.

ROSS BURTON
Brother Ross Burton, 66, signed
on with the union in 1995. He
sailed in the deck department and
worked with Higman Barge Lines
for the duration of his career.
Brother Burton settled in Orange,
Texas.

GREGORY DIXON
Brother Gregory Dixon, 62, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1993 when he sailed with Allied

Transportation.
He was a mem-
ber of the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-
casions. Brother
Dixon remained
with the same

company for his entire career. He
lives in Supply, North Carolina.

JAMES HAUGHEY
Brother James Haughey, 67,
signed on with the Seafarers in
1980. A deck
department
member, he
first worked
for Hvide Ma-
rine. Brother
Haughey up-
graded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions. He concluded his
career with OSG Ship Manage-
ment and makes his home in Lau-
rel, Delaware.

CURTIS HINTZE
Brother Curtis Hintze, 65, joined
the SIU in 1976. He initially
shipped with Calmar Steamship
Corporation and worked in the
deck department. Brother Hintze
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He was
last employed with OSG Ship
Management and resides in Olney,
Maryland.

RUSSELL KELLEY
Brother Russell Kelley, 65, donned

the SIU colors
in 1994 when he
worked for G&H
Towing. He
sailed in the en-
gine department
and remained
with the same
company for his
entire career.
Brother Kelley is

a resident of Galveston, Texas.

CLARK KING
Brother Clark King, 62, embarked
on his career with the SIU in 1978,
initially working with H&M Lake
Transport. Brother King shipped in
both the engine and deck depart-
ments. He last worked with OLS
Transport and makes his home in
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

WARREN KOGUC
Brother Warren Koguc, 64, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1979. He first sailed with Dela-
ware River Barge and worked in
the deck department. Brother
Koguc most recently worked for
Penn Maritime. He resides in Na-
varre, Florida.

KAMIN LAMBERTSON
Brother Kamin Lambertson, 70,

signed on with the union in 1970.
He initially sailed on the Columbia
Baron. Brother Lambertson was a
deck department member. He was
last employed with G&H Tow-
ing and makes his home in Greer,
South Carolina.

TODD MCDONOUGH
Brother Todd McDonough, 62,
donned the SIU colors in 1985
when he worked
for Moran Tow-
ing of Texas.
He primarily
sailed in the en-
gine department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
multiple occa-
sions. Brother
McDonough concluded his career
with Penn Maritime and is a resi-
dent of Jacksonville, Florida.

JOHN MEYERS
Brother John Meyers, 64, em-
barked on his career with the

Seafarers in 1998
when he worked
on the Padre
Island. He was
a member of the
deck department
and upgraded
on numerous
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Meyers

last shipped on the Sugar Island.
He makes his home in Big Sandy,
Tennessee.

STEVEN SHEERAN
Brother Steven Sheeran, 62, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1996. He worked for Crowley
Liner Services on a shore gang for
the duration of his career. Brother
Sheeran is a Philadelphia resident.

CLIFTON SKINNER
Brother Clifton Skinner, 62, began
his career with the union in 1993.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
multiple occa-
sions. Brother
Skinner worked
for Allied Trans-
portation for the
duration of his
career and settled in Belhaven,
North Carolina.

JEROME THOMAS
Brother Jerome Thomas, 62,
started sailing with the SIU in
1995. He was a steward depart-
ment member and worked for
Delta Queen Steamboat Company
for his entire career. Brother
Thomas lives in New Orleans.

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 AshoreWelcome Ashore

Continued from Page 16

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18 Seafarers LOG August 2022

DEEP SEA

EARL BOSTROM
Pensioner Earl Bostrom, 74,
passed away June 10. He joined
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1995
and first shipped
on the USNS
Algol. Brother
Bostrom sailed
in the deck de-
partment and
concluded his
career aboard the Achiever. He
became a pensioner in 2012 and
settled in Ocala, Florida.

LEROY COPE
Pensioner Leroy Cope, 92, died
May 28. He donned the SIU
colors in 1966 when he sailed
aboard the Steel Artisan. Brother
Cope was a deck department
member and last shipped on the
Explorer. He retired in 1994 and
resided in San Francisco.

ROMULO DALIT
Pensioner Romulo Dalit, 73,
passed away June 21. He became

a member of the
SIU in 2004. A
deck department
member, Brother
Dalit first
shipped on the
Overseas New
York. He last
sailed aboard the
Alaskan Frontier

and went on pension in 2014.
Brother Dalit called Federal Way,
Washington, home.

CHRISTOPHER DEVONISH
Pensioner Christopher Devonish,
69, died May 21. He signed on
with the SIU in
1970 and first
sailed aboard
the Wacosta.
Brother Devon-
ish was an en-
gine department
member. He last
shipped on the
Maersk Mis-
souri before going on pension in
2016. Brother Devonish lived in
Jacksonville, Florida.

ANDREW DONALDSON
Pensioner Andrew Donaldson,
75, passed away June 18. A deck
department member, he started
sailing with the union in 2001.
Brother Donaldson’s first vessel
was the Seabulk Challenge; his
last, the Horizon Anchorage. He
became a pensioner in 2018 and
settled in Federal Way, Wash-
ington.

MILTON FLYNN
Pensioner Milton Flynn, 77,

died June 9. He
began his career
with the Seafar-
ers in 2000. The
deck depart-
ment member’s
first vessel was
the USNS Dahl.
Brother Flynn
last shipped on

the Calvin P. Titus before retiring
in 2010. He resided in Delray
Beach, Florida.

JOHN HENRY
Pensioner John Henry, 75,
passed away May 31. He
joined the SIU
in 2001 and
first shipped
on the Tonsina.
Brother Henry
was a member
of the engine
department
and last sailed
aboard the
Prince William Sound. He be-
came a pensioner in 2011 and
settled in Keizer, Oregon.

JOHN LEITER
Brother John Leiter, 64, has
passed away. He signed on with

the Seafarers
International
Union in 1991,
initially working
with Sealand.
He sailed in
both the deck
and engine de-
partments and
also worked on
shore gangs.

Brother Leiter concluded his ca-
reer with World Crane Services.
He made his home in Toms
River, New Jersey.

ABRAHAM MURRAY
Pensioner Abraham Murray, 80,
passed away June 30. He started
sailing with the
union in 1991
when he worked
on the Cape
Mendocino.
Brother Murray
was a member
of the deck de-
partment and
last shipped on
the Horizon Re-
liance in 2008. He went on pen-
sion the same year and settled in
Salmon, Idaho.

GEORGE NASON
Brother George Nason, 69, died
March 28. Born in New York,
he embarked on his career with
the SIU in 1973. Brother Nason
was a deck department member
and first sailed aboard the Balti-
more. He last shipped on the Pa-
triot State and called Rehoboth
Beach, Delaware, home.

HERMAN RHODES
Pensioner Herman Rhodes, 81,
passed away April 26. He began

sailing with the
Seafarers in
1999 when he
worked on the
USNS Sisler.
Brother Rhodes
sailed in the
engine depart-
ment. He con-
cluded his career

aboard the USNS Watson and
retired in 2007. Brother Rhodes
lived in Mobile, Alabama.

GREAT LAKES

FREDERICK GROSBEIER
Pensioner Frederick Grosbeier,
79, died July 4.
Signing on with
the SIU in 1968,
he first shipped
on the McKee
Sons. Brother
Grosbeier was
a deck depart-
ment member
and last sailed
on a Maersk vessel. He went on
pension in 2008 and resided in
Hollow Rock, Tennessee.

INLAND

WILMER ADAMS
Pensioner Wilmer Adams, 81,
passed away June 12. A mem-

ber of the deck
department,
he joined the
union in 1962.
Brother Adams
first sailed on
the Globe Car-
rier. He was last
employed with
Gulf Atlantic

Transport and became a pen-
sioner in 2003. Brother Adams
made his home in Satsuma, Ala-
bama.

BENDERS GOLDEN
Pensioner Benders Golden, 78,
died May 21. He signed on with
the Seafarers in 1970, initially
working with Plymouth Towing.
A member of the deck depart-
ment, Brother Golden concluded
his career with Interstate Oil. He
went on pension in 2006 and was
a resident of Grantsboro, North
Carolina.

BENJIMAN HALLMARK
Pensioner Benjiman Hallmark,
82, passed away June 22. He
became an SIU member in 1978.
A deck department member,
Brother Hallmark sailed with
Crowley Towing and Transporta-
tion for the duration of his career.
He retired in 2011 and called Sil-

ver Creek, Washington, home.

GARY JARVIS
Pensioner Gary Jarvis, 78, died
May 15. He joined the Seafarers

in 1965 and first
sailed on the
Alcoa Master.
Brother Jarvis
was a member
of the engine
department.
He concluded
his career with
G&H Towing

and retired in 2005. Brother Jar-
vis resided in Henderson, Texas.

JOHNNY JOHNSTON
Pensioner Johnny Johnston,
75, passed away May 25. He
began sailing
with the SIU in
1988. Brother
Johnston was
employed by
Crescent Towing
and Salvage for
his entire career.
He became a
pensioner in
2016 and settled in Mount Ver-
non, Alabama.

LOWELL JONES
Pensioner Lowell Jones, 76,
died June 24. A deck department

member, he
started sailing
with the SIU in
1965. Brother
Jones was first
employed with
Coyle Lines Inc.
He last worked
for G&H Tow-
ing before retir-

ing in 2007. Brother Jones was a
resident of Milton, Florida.

DOUGLAS KELLUP
Pensioner Douglas Kellup, 66,
passed away April 29. He signed
on with the
union in 1979,
initially work-
ing with Delta
Queen Steam-
boat Company.
Brother Kellup
sailed in the en-
gine department
and concluded
his career with American West
Steamboat Company in 2006.
He retired in 2017 and made his
home in New Orleans.

ANTHONY MYKLICH
Pensioner An-
thony Myklich,
65, died June
3. He became
a member of
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1989.
A deck depart-

ment member, Brother Myklich
worked for OSG Ship Manage-
ment until 1999. He went on
pension in 2018 and resided in
Glassboro, New Jersey.

WOODROW STOKLEY
Pensioner Woodrow Stokley, 83,
passed away June 21. He donned
the SIU colors in 1972 and sailed
in both the steward and engine
departments. Brother Stokley
worked for Allied Transportation
until his retirement in 1995. He
lived in Portsmouth, Virginia.

NMU

ANTONIO BEOF
Pensioner Antonio Beof, 83,
died April 17. He sailed with the
NMU prior to
the 2001 merger
with the SIU.
Brother Beof
was an engine
department
member. He last
sailed aboard the
Patriot before
becoming a pen-
sioner in 2006. Brother Beof was
a San Diego resident.

THOMAS FORD
Pensioner Thomas Ford, 78,
passed away July 3. He joined

the union in
2001 during
the NMU/SIU
merger and
sailed in all
three depart-
ments. Brother
Ford’s first
vessel was the
Marine Chem-

ist; his last, the Cape Hudson.
He went on pension in 2005 and
resided in Los Angeles.

In addition to the foregoing individu-
als, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to de-
velop summaries of their respective
careers.

NAME AGE DOD
Camillo, Leonard 92 05/23/2022
Funchess, Joe 82 06/12/2022
Garcia, Jose 90 05/29/2022
Garcia, Raymundo 95 06/01/2022
Jacobson, Maurice 89 06/09/2022
Kozak, Joseph 93 05/24/2022
Mendes, Albertina 92 05/24/2022
Parsons, Locksley 85 05/23/2022
Picou, Alonzo 94 06/29/2022
Russell, Sonny 92 05/25/2022
Tucker, William 101 05/21/2022
Varona Toledo, Carmen 89 05/22/2022
Vindel, Jose 86 06/11/2022
Watkins, Jess 77 05/05/2022
Wilson, Clyde 77 05/14/2022



Final Final
DeparturesDepartures

73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 1873684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 18 7/22/22 3:03 AM7/22/22 3:03 AM



August 2022 Seafarers LOG 19

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

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

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

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

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

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________

Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________

SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________

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

The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits stu-
dents, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
8/22

The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. 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 29 September 16
October 17 November 4
November 28 December 16


Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21

Lifeboat/Water Survival August 29 September 9
September 26 October 7
October 24 November 4
November 21 December 2

Fast Rescue Boat August 22 August 26

RFPNW September 26 October 14
November 14 December 2

Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2

Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16

Advanced Stability September 5 September 9

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

RFPEW September 26 October 21
November 14 December 9

FOWT August 29 September 23
October 24 November 18

Junior Engineer September 19 November 11

Marine Electrician October 31 December 2

Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28

Welding September 5 September 23
October 31 November 18

Steward Department Upgrading Courses

Certified Chief Cook August 15 September 16
September 19 October 21
October 31 December 2
December 5 January 5

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Steward Department Upgrading Courses

ServSafe Management September 12 September 16
October 24 October 28
November 28 December 2

Advanced Galley Operations August 15 September 9
October 10 November 4

Chief Steward September 12 October 7
November 14 December 9

Safety/Open Upgrading Courses

Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 September 23

Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30

Basic Training October 3 October 7

Basic Training Revalidation September 9 September 9
October 7 October 7
October 21 October 21
November 14 November 14
December 2 December 2

Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 September 2
December 12 December 16

Government Vessels August 15 August 19
August 29 September 2
September 19 September 23
September 26 September 30
October 17 October 21
October 24 October 28
November 7 November 10
December 5 December 9

Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28

Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 24 October 28

Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 15 August 19
October 31 November 4

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course DatesPaul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates

Important Notice To All Students
Students who have registered for classes at

the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education, but later discover - for whatever rea-
son - that they can’t attend, should inform the
admissions department immediately so arrange-
ments can be made to have other students take
their places

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20 Seafarers LOG August 2022

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

Apprentice Water Survival Class #883 – Graduated June 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Hayes Bouchey, Gianni Ellis, Christian Felton, Shelly Ford, Nicholas Fortney, Nicholas
Gianna, Nohea Kahoohalahala-Salgado, Cody Miranda, Carl Piercy, Karrington Plummer Jr., Ethan Sahagon, Preston Stine, Antjuan Webb Jr., Robert White and Chandler Williams.

RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated May 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Padgett Carpenter, Robert Cruz, Declan Gallagher, Daniel Moran, Travis Morris and Jaime Rios. Upon the
completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Class instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right.

Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for
whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to
have other students take their places.

Important Notice
To All Students

883

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August 2022 Seafarers LOG 21

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes
Tankship Familiarization
LG – Graduated May 27
(photo at right, in alpha-
betical order): Armon Bai-
ley, Mark Billiot, Patrick Brill,
Yamira Colon Del Moral,
Joseph Dupre, Mohamed
Sam Kassem, Nasser Saleh
Kassim, Tousif Ahmed Khan,
Yassid Jean Laboriel Lalin,
Nagi Ahmed Mihakel, Wilson
Onixon Montero Centeno,
Jody Owens, Muammer
Saleh Qusiem, Abdul Ali
Qwfan, Christopher Rosado
Mercado, Luis Alberto Sepul-
veda, Rafiq Yusuf Small,
Isaiah Zed Thomas, Joseph
Toth, Michael Wees, Khaled
Mohamed Yahia and Michael
Zabielski. (Note: Not all are
pictured.)

Government Vessels – Graduated May 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Saif Al Tamimi, Mohamed Saeed Alahmadi, Hermogenes Reyes Aquino Jr., Lashay Creekmore, Joseph
Durst, Omar Allan Santos Espinosa, Japerobin Saturinas Geonzon, Brian Guiry, Christopher Hatzidakis, Albino Joseph Lotukoi, Anthony Lamonte McAfee Sr., Kenjuan McBride, Shaka
Balaan Merrell, Juan Pastor Norales, Samuel Dain Pinnock, Anthony Simon, Marilou Dumlao Toledo, Richard Salazar Torres, Randy Estepa Wurr and Khaled Mohamed Yahia. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)

Welding – Upgrader Kelly Percy (above, left) completed his requirements for graduation
in this course May 13. Helping him celebrate his accomplishment is his instructor, Chris
Raley, right.

RFPEW (Phase III) – Phase III Apprentice Alexander Boothby (above left), graduated
from this course May 20. Upon the completion of his training, Boothby plans to work in
the engine department aboard vessels contracted by the SIU. Joining him to mark his
achievement is his instructor, John Wiegman III, right.

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22 Seafarers LOG August 2022

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

RFPEW – Graduated May 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Lance Gibson, Ernest Alfego Grant Jr., King Haber, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Christopher Skinner and Michael
Zabielski. Their instructor, John Wiegman III, is at the far right.

Marine Refrigeration Tech –
Graduated May 13 (photo at
right, in alphabetical order):
Rahsaan Kwasi Alexander,
Angel Ivan Colon Cintron,
Francois Emmanuel Doucet
III, James Anthony Costales
Fells, Kabir Garcia Santiago,
Jeffrey Hamer, Arvin Tar-
roza Heras, Thedford Jones
Jr., Tousif Ahmed Khan and
Ethan Love. Their instructor,
Christopher Morgan, is at the
far right. (Note: Not all are
pictured.)

Government Vessels – Graduated July 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Taquisha Breathwaite, Brandon Camenzuli, John Chaney, Nikia Cooper, Donita Dowdell, Daniel Gilbert, Olivia
Gross, Darryl McCray, Richard Owusu, Randy Slue, Paulette Thompson, Gary Torres and Kimberly Vargas.

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August 2022 Seafarers LOG 23

Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated July 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdullsatar Hassen Ahmed, Brandy Baker, Khaleel Boatner, Melgar Dadivas Daguio, Jeramil Ogoc
Dela Pena, Robert Greenwood, James Gregory, Jeffery Griffin, Darius Harley, Sterling Kirk, Yassid Jean Laboriel Lalin, Kenneth Ledeoux, Alex Adelmir Oliva, Adam Petrucci, Marcos
Antonio Rivera-Baez, Anquette Lachelle Smith and Leanne Smith.

Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Francia
Helena Alvarez, Crystal Cobbs, Christopher Dhanoolal, Jose Benjie Santos, Tinesha Travis
and Victor Janell Valentin-Delgado.

Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical
order): Olivia Gross, Paulette Thompson and Kimberly Vargas.

Chief Steward – Graduated
June 3 (photo at left, in alpha-
betical order): George Nier Eg-
bert, Katrina Jones, Rashaad
Jalloud Mangram, Alan Jared
Squier and Craig Wooten.

Students who have
registered for classes
at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime
Training and Educa-
tion, but later dis-
cover - for whatever
reason - that they
can’t attend, should
inform the admissions
department immedi-
ately so arrangements
can be made to have
other students take
their places

Important Notice
To All Students

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24 Seafarers LOG August 2022

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

AUGUST 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 8

Paul Hall CenterPaul Hall Center
Class PhotosClass Photos
Pages 20-23Pages 20-23

Seafarers Vote on Standard ContractsSeafarers Vote on Standard Contracts
Pictured on this page are Seafarers

on vessels and at hiring halls voting
in favor of the new standard contracts
(or shown shortly after doing so). Ad-
ditional related content appears on
pages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 14 and also will
be published in an upcoming issue of
the LOG.

Pending final ratification, the new
agreements take effect July 1 and last
through June 2027. Voting was still
underway at press time but the con-
tracts were well on their way to over-
whelming ratification.

‘Ayes Have It’

PINEY POINTPINEY POINT

BRENTON REEFBRENTON REEF ISLA BELLAISLA BELLA

INDEPENDENCEINDEPENDENCENORFOLK HALLNORFOLK HALL

USNS JOHN GLENNUSNS JOHN GLENNUSNS ALGOLUSNS ALGOL MOKIHANAMOKIHANA

MAUNAWILIMAUNAWILI

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