MARINE ENGINEERS' BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION (AFL-CIO)
         "On Watch in Peace and War Since 1875"

MEBA TELEX TIMES                          MAY 26, 2006

The Official Union Newsletter

NUMBER 21

In this issue...
Maritime Day recognition for members...Pres. Bush releases proclamation...Pride of Hawaii christened...House approves ANWR...In a blue-collar, hard-hat edition, we punch the clock, put our nose to the grindstone and make short work of another issue. We get down to business, use a little elbow grease and show who's boss by shouldering a heavy load of maritime news. Doing a bang-up job, the Telex Times is a labor of love!

MEMBERS RECOGNIZED AT MARITIME DAY CEREMONY;  LABOR SECRETARY PRAISES MARINERS, MEBA SCHOOL 
Merchant mariners were saluted and the achievements of our nation’s Fourth Arm of Defense received its annual day of recognition as Washington staged its Maritime Day observance on Monday. The ceremony was well attended by active and retired MEBA members as well as staff and officials including Pres. Ron Davis. MEBA officers from a trio of Ready Reserve Force fleet vessels were presented with medals at a morning observance for their actions during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Transportation Department Secretary Norman Mineta presented the medals at the ceremony that took place in the DOT courtyard.  Members representing four Keystone-managed vessels took part and received the special medals.

CAPE KNOX 1st A/E Tom Gabriel and CAPE KENNEDY C/E Jim Palmer helped represent their ships and crews. The members aboard those ships helped their vessels survive a harrowing tribulation in the Port of New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina nearly blew the ships off their berths. Through extreme heroism the vessels survived. They were later deployed in support of hurricane relief missions. 

CAPE VINCENT 3rd A/E Danny Colon, Jr. and CAPE VICTORY Capt. Kevin Brooks represented their ships and crews. Those two vessels were berthed in Beaumont, TX when Hurricane Rita ravaged the coast. The ships were loaded up with over 200 emergency vehicles as well as police dogs to keep them safe until the storm passed. The vessels were later tapped for relief operations.

The MEBA-crewed, Patriot-managed CAPE FLORIDA, which survived an ordeal during Hurricane Rita, was also selected for hurricane medal award though an MEBA representative of the ship was not present at the ceremony. Representatives from Keystone (Lou Cavaliere) and Patriot (Grant Stewart) received medals as well on behalf of their companies.

At a lunchtime address, shortly before the wreath laying ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao delivered remarks. Fresh from her tour to the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School, the Secretary wove personal experiences from that visit into her remarks.

“Last week, I visited MEBA's training center in St. Michael's. I toured the school, visited several classes, met with students, and sampled the cafeteria. The unions know how important good food is to merchant mariners at sea! I also tried out the simulator, which is used by MEBA to update the skills of their members and other students. Most impressively, I also had the opportunity to visit the Merchant Marine Memorial which pays tribute to the many contributions of the merchant mariners to our nation. This Memorial was brought about by MEBA's vision, determination and tenacity. It is supported entirely by private funds. It will be a lasting Memorial that many will visit.”

She praised the training facilities and pointed out that the intensive schooling allows mariners to keep on the cutting edge of ship systems provides a true value to operators.

The Secretary lauded the Merchant Marine for their integral role in support of the country during both peace and war. “They do so at great personal risk and with great distinction. Their contributions are immeasurable.”

She singled out one of our members who she had the chance to chat with during her visit to the School. “Many of America's merchant mariners are also active participants in combating the war on terror. Recently I met Ronnie West, a firefighter chief engineer — a MEBA member — on one of New York's fireboats. After the attack of 9-11, Ron and his fellow merchant mariners helped evacuate tens of thousands of people from Manhattan. Like many mariners, Ron is a reservist and served almost 18 months with the Air Force in Afghanistan. To all of you who have answered the call to serve on active duty, you have our sincere gratitude.”

PRESIDENT BUSH RELEASES MARITIME DAY PROCLAMATION
As is the annual custom, the President released a proclamation touting the importance of the maritime industry timed with National Maritime Day. The text of his statement follows:

“The United States Merchant Marine plays an important role in ensuring our national security and strengthening our economy.  As we celebrate National Maritime Day and the 70th anniversary of the Merchant Marine Act, we pay tribute to merchant mariners and their faithful service to our Nation.

Since 1775, merchant mariners have bravely served our country, and in 1936, the Merchant Marine Act officially established their role in our military as a wartime naval auxiliary.  During World War II, merchant mariners were critical to the delivery of troops and supplies overseas, and they helped keep vital ocean supply lines operating.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt praised these brave merchant mariners for persevering "despite the perils of the submarine, the dive bomber, and the surface raider."  Today's merchant mariners follow those who courageously served before them as they continue to provide crucial support for our Nation's service men and women.  America is grateful for their commitment to excellence and devotion to duty.

In addition to helping defend our country, merchant mariners facilitate commerce by importing and exporting goods throughout the world.  They work with our Nation's transportation industry to share their valuable skills and experience in ship maintenance, navigation, and cargo transportation.  This past year, the good work and compassion of merchant mariners also played an important role in hurricane relief efforts.  Ships brought urgently needed supplies to the devastated areas, provided assistance for oil spill cleanup, generated electricity, and provided meals and lodging for recovery workers and evacuees.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day," and has authorized and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2006, as National Maritime Day.  I call upon all the people of the United States to mark this observance by honoring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities.  I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day.

PRIDE OF HAWAII CHRISTENED IN L.A. CEREMONY
The latest NCL America cruise vessel, the newly constructed PRIDE OF HAWAII, complete with MEBA officers in all licensed positions, was christened last weekend in an L.A. ceremony. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), who was largely responsible for legislation that enabled the rebirth of the U.S.-flag cruise industry, served as “Godfather” of the vessel though he handed off the champagne bottle-smashing duties to six female crewmembers.

MEBA officials were on hand to welcome the ship and our crewmembers aboard. The PRIDE OF HAWAII is the third of three U.S.-flag cruise ships NCL America has slated for the Hawaii trade joining the PRIDE OF ALOHA and PRIDE OF AMERICA. The company still intends to refurbish the UNITED STATES for future service though no timetable has been announced.

Sen. Inouye noted, "The christening of Pride of Hawaii is the capstone of America's return to the passenger cruise industry. In addition to the significant economic benefits to the visitor industry in my state of Hawaii, Pride of Hawaii and her sister ships will have a broad economic impact throughout the United States by creating as many as 20,400 direct and indirect jobs, including thousands of U.S. seafarer jobs and nearly $1 billion in annual U.S. economic activity. I am very proud to serve as Pride of Hawaii’s sponsor."

The ship will sail seven-day, inter-island itineraries out of Honolulu year round beginning June 5, offering 100 hours in port. Ports of call include Hilo, Hawaii; an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Kona, Hawaii; and an overnight Nāwiliwili, Kaua`i.

CMES MARITIME DAY AT MEMORIAL
The sun broke out through threatening clouds this past Thursday afternoon for MEBA members and guests who honored our fallen maritime forefathers at the first annual remembrance ceremony held at the MEBA Merchant Marine Memorial.  Speakers included MEBA President Ron Davis, MEBA School Director Joyce Matthews, Baltimore Branch Agent Bill Van Loo, who also serves as the President of MEBA Merchant Marine Memorial Foundation and Reverend Gordon Morrison – new to the Easton area but with a rich background in the brownwater maritime industry. The observance, widely attended by students at the school, featured poignant speeches along with the laying of a wreath and ringing of the bell. The Memorial was dedicated last October and pays tribute to fallen seafarers, their friends, families, and the maritime industry as a whole. The Memorial is open to the public and provides an opportunity to honor the courageous men and women who form the heritage of the United States Merchant Marine.

HOUSE OKAYS ANWR DRILLING
In an annual ritual that inspires optimism for proponents before their hopes are cruelly dashed, the House has approved a measure that would open Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. The House approved a bill with drilling provisions yesterday in a 225-201 vote.

Rising gas prices have provided a new impetus to the fight but Washington insiders say that that pushing an ANWR bill on the Senate floor will be a hard sell. 

In each of the last 11 years, ANWR advocates have crafted a plan to open up the refuge. But each time, the measure has withered in the Senate sometimes just a few votes from passage.

Last year’s push to open the refuge was its best chance in years for success because, in a different approach, the measure was included in the annual budget reconciliation process, which ensured that ANWR language could not be filibustered in the Senate. But last minute politics foiled the measure and ANWR provisions were stripped out of a must-pass Defense bill at the eleventh hour.

But hope springs eternal, and ANWR champions such as Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) will continue battling doggedly and will beat down every path to make the dream a reality.

NOAA MAKES 2006 HURRICANE SEASON FORECASTS
NOAA’s 2006 Atlantic hurricane season outlook indicates an 80% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, a 15% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 5% chance of a below-normal season. This outlook is produced by scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center (CPC), National Hurricane Center (NHC), and Hurricane Research Division (HRD).

The outlook calls for a very active 2006 season, with 13-16 named storms, 8-10 hurricanes, and 4-6 major hurricanes. The likely range of the ACE index is 135%-205% of the median. This prediction indicates a continuation of above-normal activity that began in 1995. However, NOAA does not currently expect a repeat of last year’s record season.

Hurricane predictions in the East Pacific were tamer. NOAA predicts a below average season with 12 to 16 tropical storms, of which six to eight could become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes of category 3 strength or greater. An average east Pacific hurricane season features 15 to 16 tropical storms, with nine becoming hurricanes, including four to five major hurricanes.

In the Central Pacific basin NOAA forecasts two to three tropical cyclones in 2006, a slightly below average season. In a typical year, four to five tropical cyclones will form or cross into the area, according to National Weather Service hurricane experts, with two storms reaching hurricane intensity.

“Even in a less active season, it only takes one storm to make it a bad season,” a NOAA official noted. An updated hurricane outlook will be issued in early August, which begins the peak months (August-October) of the hurricane season.

JACKSONVILLE HALL READIES FOR MOVE
As detailed in a previous issue, the Jacksonville hall is set to move into new digs at the beginning of June. The next regular membership meeting will take place at the new location - 349 E. 20th Street, a hall we will share with the MM&P.

The phone and fax numbers as well as e-mail addresses will remain the same. The new hall is located right off the expressway closer to downtown and there is plenty of parking available.

NCL PRESIDENT TAPPED FOR AOTOS AWARD
Norwegian Cruise Lines President and CEO Colin Veitch who has helped engineer the return of the U.S.-flag to the cruise industry has been named as a 2006 recipient of the prestigious AOTOS award to be handed out on November 3.

The United Seamen’s Service, sponsor of the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards, will also honor Paul F. Richardson, President of Paul F. Richardson Associates Inc. They will also give special recognition and awards to mariners who commit acts of bravery and heroism on the high seas, awards likely to include MEBA officers.

Veitch joins MEBA President Ron Davis who was a 2005 AOTOS recipient. AOTOS Chairman and ILA Pres. John Bowers said that, “Colin Veitch, in commencing brand new passenger services flying the American flag, has shown a renewed faith in a U. S. presence on the international seas and will provide much-needed employment for our seafarers. We are saluting his vision and actions.” Regarding Richardson, Pres. Bowers noted, “With this being the 50th anniversary year of containerization, it is significant that we recognize a true pioneer, Paul F. Richardson. He was with Malcom McLean, the father of containerization, even before this momentous revolution began in 1956 and today remains a vital force and participant on the worldwide transportation scene.”

AOTOS recipients are voted on by over 150 maritime management, labor and government officials.

MESSAGE FROM MARAD ON NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE
The Maritime Administration and acting Administrator Julie Nelson have issued a message to mariners sailing under the U.S.-flag regarding Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance:

"Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, offers the maritime community an opportunity to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance, an observance sponsored by the White House Commission on Remembrance, a bipartisan, independent executive branch agency.

As the Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator, I will be directing the ships of the Maritime Administration's Ready Reserve Force to dress ship on that day and for all US merchant vessels at port and at sea, to ring their ship's bells eight times at 1500Z (UCT). I will also be encouraging them to send an email to the Commission, with a picture if possible, at commission@remember.gov.

I urge all US-flag ships and all gatherings of members of the maritime industry to participate actively in the National Moment of Remembrance. Surely, we must remember the courageous men and women who have served this great country so bravely to ensure the many freedoms we enjoy every day, and surely, honoring them in this way is but a small token of our appreciation for the unspeakable debt we owe them.

This one short minute is a time to stop what we are doing and simply remember the sacrifices of America's fallen heroes, from the Revolutionary War to the present. I encourage you to use this brief break in the excitement of the day to honor not only members of the Armed Services, but also the US Merchant Marine and other civilians whose devotion to this country has defended and preserved the freedom all of us enjoy today."

D.C. MEMORIAL DAY PARADE INFO
Active and retired MEBA members are welcome to join a contingent representing the Merchant Marine in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C. on Monday. Those who plan to march in the parade should meet at Independence and 7th Streets, NW at 10:15 a.m.

The Merchant Marine group has been designated as Unit #5 and will be marching towards the front.  Members and retirees can wear their MEBA colors and bring any parade appropriate accoutrements. The parade will “step off” at 11:50 a.m. and participants should reach the reviewing stand at 7th and Constitution by noon when the flags are raised to full staff and the flyover takes place. The parade will then continue up Constitution to 15th St. Proceeding 1 block north on 15th before ending at Pennsylvania Ave.

LABORERS TO PULL OUT OF AFL-CIO
The Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), representing over 700,000 workers in the construction trades, is reportedly pulling out of the AFL-CIO. The group is part of the breakaway alliance of unions in the “Change to Win Coalition” that is pursuing a different direction for organized labor.

"We are leaving so that we can place our full efforts and focus on growth in order to help millions of construction workers improve their lives,” said Richard Greer, a LIUNA spokesperson. The Laborers informed the AFL-CIO Monday that they are leaving as of June 1.

LIUNA, SEIU, the Teamsters, UFCW, UNITE HERE, UFW and the Carpenters are all part of the Change to Win coalition.

JAMIAN TO HEAD UP GREAT LAKES ASSOCIATION
John Jamian, who recently stepped down as acting head of the Maritime Administration,  has been appointed to lead and develop the newly created Seaway Great Lakes Trade Association (SGLTA).  In that capacity, Jamian will address critical issues and challenges facing the system, while promoting cooperation and dialogue on the responsible uses and benefits of this unique environmental and commercial resource.

NEXT REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
Monday, June 5 – Boston, Seattle;
Tuesday, June 6 – Baltimore, Houston, Jacksonville, San Francisco;
Wednesday, June 7 – Calhoon School, Charleston, New Orleans, Portland;
Thursday, June 8 – Los Angeles, New York, Norfolk, Tampa;
Friday, June 9 – Honolulu.

CAA Reunion is June 30th-July 2, 2006. Plan accordingly and support the CAA!

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