In this issue...
MarAd lauds mariner response on LNG docket...Chevron brings in new ship in April...M.E.B.A. School supporting LNG training... M.E.B.A. turns 132 years old...We go right to the crust of the matter with a fresh-baked, whole-grain issue leavened with the latest maritime crumbs. On a roll, we butter you up with half a loaf of crisp industry items sandwiched into a pita pocket-sized edition that never gets stale. You bet your buns! The greatest thing since sliced bread, the Telex Times is the toast of the town!

MEMBERS, MARINERS WERE OUTSTANDING IN LNG RESPONSE
The Maritime Administration is delighted with the incredible response from the maritime community including M.E.B.A. members who assisted the agency in its quest to help with its U.S-crewing initiative on LNG tankers. The mountain of paperwork generated by the nationwide response has become part of the record in the Federal Register docket concerning the role of U.S. vessels and crews in the burgeoning LNG trades. The federal docket also consisted of letters and position papers by the Maritime Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, the maritime unions, training schools and shipping companies. The responses on the docket key in on the training capabilities that the United States can provide, national security concerns and the worldwide shortage of available mariners in the international fleet. M.E.B.A. submitted two formal position papers as did the Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School. To view the position papers please visit www.meba.us/hotnews.html.

CMES SUPPORTING LNG TRAINING
At the request of the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School is actively working with other maritime training organizations to establish training standards and learning objectives for U.S. mariners as they are re-introduced to the LNG Industry. Predicting this industry trend, CMES overhauled its USCG-approved Tankship/LNG Course in 2005 which now includes practical exercises using a state-of-the-art LNG Loading/Unloading Simulator System. The Tankship LNG Simulator was purchased from Transas-USA and is an integral component of the LNG training provided by the School.

SCHOOL RECEIVES COAST GUARD APPROVAL FOR TWO NEW VALUABLE COURSES
The USCG National Maritime Center recently approved two new courses offered by the Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School. They are Marine Electric Propulsion (MEP) and Engine-room Resource Management (ERM). MEP along with High Voltage Safety addresses training needs of those members serving on or going to Electric Drive Vessels. ERM is a course that has been developed at the request of several contracted companies. It is similar to the CMES Bridge Resource Management (BRM) course in its lessons related to teamwork, team building and resource allocation.

CHEVRON TO RECHRISTEN NEWEST SHIP IN APRIL
The Chevron fleet will begin expanding its U.S.-flag fleet later this year. M.E.B.A. deck and engine officers sail for Chevron and will be aboard up to four more vessels that the company plans to add to the existing fleet. Chevron recently finalized a long-term bareboat charter arrangement with Seabulk International Inc. for three Double-Eagle class double-hulled tankers with an option for a fourth. Chevron will operate the vessels under 9-year bareboat charter agreements with an option to extend. These are the vessels built for Hvide at the shipyard in Newport News, VA in the late 1990s. The first of the ships, the SEABULK MARINER (built in 1998) will have a naming ceremony in April and join the Chevron fleet. The other two, SEABULK COURAGE (built in 1999) and SEABULK ENERGY (built in 1999) will follow on a staggered schedule.

IT'S M.E.B.A.'s ANNIVERSARY TODAY!
The nation's oldest maritime Union celebrates its anniversary today. M.E.B.A.'s ten founding fathers met in Cleveland Ohio on February 23, 1875 to form a united front to combat the oppressive and dangerous working conditions of the day. These were representatives of three Lakes associations, a river association and an ocean port - and over the next few days they would hammer out an amazingly cohesive Constitution for a National organization that would protect and advance their interests. This began as the National Marine Engineers Association. Eight years later the word "Beneficial" was added. Two of the founding fathers would become the first and second M.E.B.A. Presidents. Garrett Dow of Buffalo, wearing an amusingly long goatee with no mustache, served as the first National President for a single year. Baltimore's Abner L. Foote, who sported more conventional facial hair, took the reins in 1876 and served until 1881.

In those early years, the union racked up amazing victories for U.S. mariners helping the organization gain its footing. M.E.B.A. was the prime force in banishing foreign seamen from crewing U.S. vessels, repealing controversial seafarer fees, and raising the standard of living for mariners. Their struggles and victories helped create the worker protections and benefits we sometimes take for granted today. Happy 132nd Birthday M.E.B.A.!

PROP CLUB TO SALUTE SEN. WARNER
The Propeller Club of the United States has selected Sen. John Warner (R-VA) to receive the prestigious Salute to Congress Award for 2007. Sen. Warner will be honored at the 23rd annual dinner on May 1 at the Congressional Country Club in Maryland. The Propeller Club sponsors the event that honors lawmakers who have shown strong leadership on behalf of the Merchant Marine. In announcing this year's recipient, the Propeller Club cited Sen. Warner's "consistent and strong support" of U.S. Merchant Marine and maritime industry.

M.E.B.A.-CREWED SHIP PRESENTED WITH NAVY AWARD
Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS JOHN ERICSSON, crewed up with M.E.B.A. officers in the engine room, has been awarded the Navy's 2006 Environmental Quality Small Ship award.

The crew of the 678-foot vessel - currently operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii were cited for their work in preventing pollution, ensuring readiness in responding to environmental issues, conserving resources and complying with environmental regulations. While the ship voluntarily met standards stricter than required by the Navy, each mariner received special training in environmental management, used environmentally friendly chemicals and conducted monthly spill drills. As a result, in two years, ERICSSON transferred almost 82 million gallons of fuel in 353 separate fuelings at sea without a significant mishap.

The Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Awards recognize ships, installations and individuals or teams for their environmental stewardship. As a result of this selection, USNS ERICSSON will compete in the Secretary of the Navy Environmental Awards.

HORIZON LINES NETS LOWE'S OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD
The Lowe's Companies Inc. Home Improvement Transportation Division has awarded Horizon Lines with its most prestigious honor, The 2006 Platinum Carrier Award for the highest levels of delivered service. The award was presented at the home improvement retailer's annual carrier meetings held in Wilkesboro, NC last month. This is the sixth consecutive year M.E.B.A. contracted company Horizon Lines has been honored by Lowe's. This year's upgraded honor recognized the ocean carrier's 99.9% on-time service performance. Congratulations!

NEXT REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS
Monday March 5 - Boston, Seattle;
Tuesday, March 6 - Baltimore, Houston, Jacksonville, San Francisco;
Wednesday, March 7 - Calhoon M.E.B.A. School, Charleston, New Orleans, Portland;
Thursday, March 8 - Los Angeles, New York, Norfolk, Tampa;
Friday, March 9 - Honolulu.