The T-AKE ship incorporates international marine technologies and commercial ship design features, including an integrated electric-drive propulsion system to minimize operating costs over its projected 40-year service life. The primary mission of T-AKE ships is to deliver as much as 10,000 tons of food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships at sea. NASSCO has delivered the first eight T-AKEs, which are also known as Lewis and Clark-class ships. The shipyard also has construction contracts for four additional T-AKEs and long-lead material contracts for two more ships for a total class of 14 ships.

The Coast Guard is planning to release new versions of the Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation Report form (CG-719 K) and the Merchant Mariner Evaluation of Fitness for Entry Level Ratings form (CG-719 K/E). These new forms will be phased in over a two month period. The CG-719 K/E should be used only by mariners seeking an entry level credential. This form is limited to applicants for the following rating endorsements: Ordinary Seaman, Wiper, or Steward’s Department (food handler). The CG-719K should be used for all other endorsement applications.

These forms are designed to work in conjunction with the policies set forth in the Medical and Physical Evaluation Guidelines for Merchant Mariner Credentials, Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 04-08. The forms will assist medical practitioners with obtaining objective medical information about an applicant’s physical condition as it relates to their ability to perform duties as a merchant mariner. To prevent delays in processing credential applications, applicants and medical practitioners are highly encouraged to follow the guidance in the NVIC when completing the new forms during a medical examination. This is particularly important for applicants with medical conditions or who are taking prescription medications.

Implementation Timeline: November 2, 2009 to December 31, 2009 – Voluntary Use Phase - The new forms will be available on the NMC website on November 2, 2009 for familiarization and optional use. NMC will also post a printable Instruction Guide and forms that can be completed on line, which will include embedded electronic instructions to assist both the mariner and medical practitioners in completing the forms. January 1, 2010 – Begin Mandatory Use - The previous version of forms 719K and K/E will no longer be available for use on January 1, 2010. Physical exams completed on or after January 1, 2010 must be documented on Revision (01/09) of the 719 K or K/E. For questions about the use of the new forms, please contact the NMC by email at iasknmc@uscg.mil or by phone at 1-888-IASKNMC.

Many mariners, especially those that are at sea or away from home for extended periods of time, have authorized third parties, such as a spouse or an employer, to handle the details of their credential application while they are gone. If you would like to authorize the National Maritime Center (NMC) to work directly with others, and to protect your privacy, there are some simple instructions. To start, you will need to send the NMC a Third Party Release. The release will provide instruction to the NMC on what information and with whom the details of your application can be discussed. You may send the release in any format, provided it contains the information in the list below. You may also use the sample release format, found on the NMC website at www.uscg.mil/nmc/applications_forms.asp.  To authorize a third party to act on your behalf, your release will need to: Be in writing; Include your full name and signature; Include the date you wish the release to expire; Include your unique Mariner Reference Number (MRN) if you have one or your Social Security Number if you are a first time applicant for a credential; Include the full name, address, phone number and other contact information of the authorized third party; Provide specific instructions on what information can be discussed on your behalf.

For example: You are sailing and you would like your spouse to be able to discuss all of the information in your application with the National Maritime Center. You may specify limited authorization, if you choose: "discuss all of the information in my application except information about my medical conditions. You may send the release to the NMC by these four methods: Include it with your credential application packet; Scan the signed release and email it to IASKNMC@uscg.mil;  Fax the signed release to 304-433-3416; Mail the signed release to the NMC at the address above.

The Plan Actuary has calculated PRELIMINARY lump sum factors using the segmented interest rates corresponding to the months of August and September 2009 and the applicable mortality table. The segmented interest rates for August 2009 are 3.6%, 5.31% and 5.47%. The segmented interest rates for September 2009 are: 3.31%, 5.05%, and 5.32%.

The lump sum factors determined using the month of September currently result in the most favorable lump sums for Plan Participants planning retirement during 2010. Unless the segmented interest rates for October, November or December produce more favorable lump sum factors, the Pension Plan’s 2010 lump sum factors will be based on those corresponding to September 2009.

The Preliminary Lump Sum Factors based the September segmented interest rates are:

Following ancient shipbuilding tradition, commemorative, good-luck coins representing the Phillies and the APSI workers were placed upon a keel block which supports the vessel during construction in the building dock before the first section of the ship was lowered into place. The ceremony was conducted against a backdrop of Phillies banners and exuberant team spirit, and included representatives of Aker and OSG America. Members of the yard’s Prefabrication Department were featured in recognition of their outstanding performance and continuous improvement over the past year. Working as a close-knit team, they are credited with dramatically reducing the number of late and defective steel plates delivered to the yard, shortening of the schedule buffers both inter-departmentally and downstream in the production process, and a 44% reduction in recordable injuries year-to-date. When completed, the 600 foot long 46,000 dwt tanker, to be named OVERSEAS ANACORTES, will be sold to American Shipping Company, who in turn will bareboat charter the vessel to OSG America for use in transporting petroleum products. The yard currently has three other product tankers under construction in the series of twelve, with delivery of the next vessel, OVERSEAS CASCADE, expected in the next several weeks.