In this issue...
Anthrax program exemptions detailed...CG sets up mariner website...CMES provides industry training...TWIC enrollment centers...We go nuclear in a highly enriched edition that fuels hot debate as we meltdown a critical mass of atom-splitting industry items. We get right to the core, emit a plume of steamy news leaks and give you acute exposure to the latest maritime fallout. Radiating energy, a lethal dose of the Telex Times is wafting your way!

M.E.B.A. CONTINUES SERVICE IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
M.E.B.A. officers and America's Fourth Arm of Defense continue to serve as a bridge to freedom as they keep the cargo flowing in our overseas operations, M.E.B.A. President Ron Davis said this week. Since 1875, our members have been integral in every overseas struggle as we support our country and fighting forces through thick and thin. The increase of soldiers on the ground in Iraq will likely step up future activations of Ready Reserve Force fleet vessels. M.E.B.A. officers perennially facilitate our nation's operations abroad by carrying key cargo aboard the ships in the RRF as well as vessels in the Maritime Security Program. Our mariners aboard Military Sealift Command Auxiliary and Special Mission ships also sail into war zones on a regular basis while providing support to Navy ships around the globe.

Yesterday, M.E.B.A. Atlantic Coast Vice President Don Keefe and New York Representative Joseph Martucci were on hand in Philadelphia to help honor the officers and crew of the Keystone-managed CAPE KNOX, the RRF vessel returning from another Operation Iraqi Freedom mission. The Maritime Administration continues to award Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals to those mariners who participate in OIF upon their return. Many M.E.B.A. officers onboard that vessel had already made previous voyages into the Iraq war zone. Officers and crew who have previously made OIF missions are awarded stars to go with their medals and ribbon. M.E.B.A. officers crew the vessel on both engine and deck levels. V.P. Keefe was honored to impart a few thoughts at the ceremony and spoke about his gratitude for our mariners who keep the cargo flowing and make our country proud.

Keystone President Donald Kurz and Lou Cavaliere, Keystone's Government Contracts General Manager, also took part in the ceremony as did numerous MarAd representatives. Soon after, the CAPE KNOX sailed for New Orleans where it is berthed.

ANTHRAX VACCINE IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM (AVIP)  GETS A SHOT IN THE ARM; EXEMPTIONS ANNOUNCED
As reported in past issues of the Telex Times, the Federal Government has reinstated the Anthrax inoculation program for shipboard personnel entering conflict areas. This will require M.E.B.A. mariners sailing on ships under Military Sealift Command control to receive inoculations if their ship travels into the central command area of responsibility for 15 or more consecutive days. M.E.B.A. mariners serve on four dozen MSC Auxiliary and Special Mission ships as well as several other MSC-contracted vessels.

This week, MSC provided administratively exempt criteria for certain chartered ships or activated ships from the requirement to do the mandatory anthrax shots. These criteria items are provided to ensure that MSC is putting out uniform guidance to the Unions and vessel operators. Members can view the Defense Department's webpage on this issue located at www.anthrax.osd.mil.  The list of exemptions includes:

1) Crews on foreign time charters are administratively exempted from anthrax.
2) Crews on U.S. time charters under 6 months are administratively exempted from anthrax if the crew will be in theater less than 28 consecutive days and the crew will have no repeat visits into theater during the period of their charter.
3) Crews on contract-operated USNS ships or MarAd ships under operational control to MSC that are activated for less than 6 months are administratively exempted if the crew will spend less than 28 consecutive days in theater and the crew will have no repeat visits into theater during that period of activation.
4) Anthrax vaccination will be available on a voluntary basis to crews:
    a.) Who meet the criteria for administrative exemption in #2 and #3 above and,
    b) Who request vaccination with anthrax vaccine and, c) Who are eligible by theater and MSC policy to receive anthrax vaccination.

COAST GUARD ESTABLISHES MARINER WEBSITE
The Coast Guard has launched a website to provide merchant mariners with real-time information on the status of pending mariner credential applications. Merchant mariners can check the status of application packages throughout the verification and approval process by logging onto http://homeport.uscg.mil/, clicking on the Merchant Mariners tab and then clicking on Merchant Mariner Application Status.

When the application information is entered, Homeport will display the information submitted with the application package and current application status information. Mariner credentials that have already been issued will be displayed in Homeport as "issued" for a 120-day period. Mariners who need additional information after visiting the website can request additional information by telephone or email.

CMES PROVIDING INDUSTRY TRAINING
Since its inception in 1966, the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School (CMES) has provided quality training solely to the members and contracted company employees of the M.E.B.A. For years, the School has been approached by commercial and governmental organizations seeking access to its array of outstanding training and educational services.

Commencing May 1, 2007, CMES will provide educational and training services as well as certificate programs to non-MEBA maritime professionals and technical industries. CMES has worked steadily to develop courses that satisfy emerging technologies and regulatory training requirements that meet the ever-changing needs of today's professionals.

The membership of the M.E.B.A. may register in September for classes scheduled for the following year. As per current practice, each member may submit up to four course applications for classes. The number of students registered per class and the interests shown in a particular instructional discipline may lead to additional classes being scheduled to satisfy the needs of the membership.

Business entities requesting training may begin to do so in January of the incoming year. In that way, classes scheduled for the membership that are not full at the time of delivery may be supplemented with business related students. The ongoing mission of CMES, to provide educational services to the members of the M.E.B.A., will continue uninterrupted and will most certainly be fortified with the additional funding provided by outside commercial business ventures.

NATIONAL MARITIME DAY ACTIVITIES ANNOUNCED
A series of events have been announced in the Washington D.C. the week of May 21 in honor of National Maritime Day. Maritime Day was first designated by Congress in 1933 to commemorate the May 22, 1819 Atlantic crossing of the S.S. SAVANNAH that sailed from Savannah, Ga. to Liverpool, England, using steam propulsion. The occasion is set aside as a time to reflect on America's maritime heritage and to honor those mariners who gave their lives defending our Nation's freedom. National Maritime Day officially falls on May 22 though its day of observance widely varies.

There are several events planned for Washington D.C. beginning on May 21. On that day, at the University Club at 1135 16th Street there will be several panel discussions on a variety of maritime topics. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao has been invited to give an overview of how the labor pool is meeting demands. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton will speak about creating opportunities for U.S. mariners and several other panels tackle topics such as recruiting, training and challenges.

On Tuesday, May 22nd the National Maritime Day observance will take place at D.C.'s Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial at 10 a.m. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters will speak. Senator Edward Kennedy and Representative Patrick Kennedy have been invited. Shortly after, there will be a Maritime Day lunch sponsored by both the Propeller Club and the Kings Point Alumni Association at the Washington Navy Yard. That event gives way to the solemn wreath-laying ceremony hosted by the Military Sealift Command.

MITAGS is also hosting an event that evening in Linthicum Heights, MD that will include music, a maritime art display, marine simulator tours, dinner and speaker. They will also be making awards to Merchant Marine veterans who have served us well in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

As detailed in last week's issue, the Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School will also have a Maritime Day observance in Easton. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 24 at 3 p.m. at the Memorial Park on School grounds. Later that evening, a silent auction and raffle to benefit the M.E.B.A. Merchant Marine Memorial is scheduled to be held at the School in the members' lounge. The event, which runs from 6 p.m. to 11 that night, is being hosted by the M.E.B.A. Merchant Marine Memorial Foundation (4MF). The $10 cost will include hors d'oevres and the kickin' tunes for the festive atmosphere. Besides the silent auction, there will be a series of raffles that will increase your chance for coming away with some great stuff.

The proceeds from this auction will help usher in additional improvements and necessary maintenance of the Memorial. Your donations of any items that will draw a bid or be good for the raffle would be greatly appreciated.

The IRS has confirmed that contributions made to the 4MF are tax deductible. You can also support the Memorial by purchasing an engraved memorial bench or a brick that will be part of the Memorial.

Please contact Jessica Milligan about donations or to purchase a brick or a bench by calling her at (410) 822-9600 ext. 306. Her e-mail address is jmilligan@mebaschool.org.  You can also get information or a donation form from the School's website located at www.mebaschool.org and by clicking on "What's New."

TWIC ENROLLMENT CENTERS ANNOUNCED
The Transportation Security Administration has announced the locations of fixed TWIC enrollment centers around the country. The Transportation Worker Identification Credential is a biometric credential that will be issued to transportation workers to allow them unescorted access to secure areas of vessels and terminal facilities.

TWIC applicants may pre-enroll online to enter all of the biographic information required for the threat assessment and make an appointment at the enrollment center to complete the process. Applicants must then visit the enrollment center where they will review and sign a 'TWIC Application Disclosure Form,' provide biographic information and a complete set of fingerprints, sit for a digital photograph, and pay the enrollment fee. The applicant must bring identity verification documents to enrollment. The planned enrollment centers include the following locations:

ALASKA: Anchorage; Juneau; Nikishka; Valdez.
ALABAMA: Mobile; Guntersville.
ARKANSAS: Helena.
AMERICAN SAMOA
CALIFORNIA: Long Beach; Los Angeles; Oakland; Richmond; San Diego; San Francisco; Stockton; Port Hueneme.
CONNECTICUT: Bridgeport; New Haven; New London.
DELAWARE: Wilmington; New Castle.
FLORIDA: Jacksonville; Miami; Port Everglades; Tampa; Palm Beach; Panama City; Pensacola; Port St. Joe; Port Canaveral; Port Manatee.
GEORGIA: Savannah; Brunswick.
GUAM
HAWAII: Honolulu; Hilo; Kahului, Maui.
ILLINOIS: Chicago.
INDIANA: Burns Harbor; Indiana Harbor; Gary; Mt. Vernon.
KENTUCKY: Louisville.
LOUISIANA: Baton Rouge; Lake Charles; New Orleans; Plaquemines; Morgan City.
MASSACHUSETTS: Boston; Fall River.
MARYLAND: Baltimore.
MAINE: Portland.
MICHIGAN: Detroit; Muskegon; Calcite; Escanaba; Marine City; Port Dolomite; Port Inland; St. Claire; Stoneport.
MINNESOTA: Minneapolis; Duluth - Superior; Silver Bay; Two Harbors.
MISSOURI: Kansas City; St Paul; St. Louis.
MISSISSIPPI: Vicksburg; Gulfport; Pascagoula; Biloxi; Greenville.
NORTH CAROLINA: Wilmington; Morehead City.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Portsmouth.
NEW JERSEY: New York/New Jersey; Camden; Paulsboro.
NEW YORK: Albany; New York/New Jersey; Buffalo; Port Jefferson LI.
OHIO: Cleveland; Ashtabula; Conneaut; Lorain; Marblehead; Toledo; Cincinnati; Fairport Harbor; Sandusky.
OKLAHOMA: Tulsa.
OREGON: Portland; Coos Bay.
PENNSYLVANIA: Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Chester; Penn Manor; Marcus Hook.
PUERTO RICO: Ponce; San Juan.
RHODE ISLAND: Providence.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Charleston.
TENNESSEE: Memphis; Nashville; Chattanooga.
TEXAS: Beaumont; Brownsville; Corpus Christi; Houston; Port Arthur; Texas City; Victoria; Freeport; Galveston; Matagorda.
VIRGINIA: Norfolk; Newport News.
VIRGIN ISLANDS: St. Thomas; St. Croix.
WASHINGTON: Seattle; Tacoma; Anacortes; Everett; Kalama; Longview; Vancouver.
WISCONSIN: Milwaukee; Green Bay.
WEST VIRGINIA: Huntington.

CONTINUE TO FORWARD ADDRESS CHANGES
You can continue to forward your address changes to us using an address change form provided on our website. Address changes now require a signature for validation along with your new information. We have provided a copy of the address change form, in either a .pdf or a Word document on our website. You can get it by visiting the main page (www.meba.us), going to the "Members Only" tab and clicking on "Address Changes." The form can be printed out by the member or retiree, filled out completely with a signature and faxed or mailed to Headquarters. Those of you with scanners can complete the document add your signature then scan it and e-mail it back to us.

Those active and retired members who have not received mailings from Headquarters such as the Marine Officer or other important information may want to log onto our website to clarify their address. Because the M.E.B.A. Plans office in Baltimore and Headquarters databases are NOT linked you must also forward a signed change of address form to the Plans Office if you wish to update your information with them.

DRBA SELECTS FERRY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), which oversees the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (CMLF) system crewed by M.E.B.A. mariners, has a new Director of Operations. Heath Gehrke of Frederica, Delaware, will head up the operation after previously having served as Assistant Director of Ferry Operations.

In his role as the Director of Ferry Operations, Mr. Gehrke will oversee more than 250 permanent and seasonal staff and is responsible for marine operations, customer service, reservations, vessel maintenance, terminal operations, operating policy and procedures, and financial and strategic planning. Accepting the position, Mr. Gehrke said, "I am honored that the Commission selected me to handle the responsibilities of Director of Ferry Operations. Working with Port Captain Brian McEwing and the strong team of managers and employees throughout the CMLF, we will continue to provide our customers with a safe, ontime and professionally run marine transportation system that they have come to expect. The CMLF has a proud history and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It's a tremendous opportunity."

U.S. IS SECOND IN CONTAINER TRAFFIC
The United States ranks second in world maritime container traffic with one in nine maritime containers in the world either bound for or coming from the United States, according to "America's Container Ports: Delivering the Goods," a new report from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

BTS, a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that U.S.-container trade in 2005 and 2006 was more than double the trade of a decade earlier. An estimated 46.3 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) passed through U.S. ports in 2006, up from 22.6 million in 1996. Two-thirds of the containers are imported into the United States.

During that time, world container trade more than tripled, resulting in a decline in the U.S. share of world container trade from 16 per cent to 11 percent. China has exceeded the U.S. share of world container trade since 1998.

The report also noted that container traffic in the U.S. is becoming more concentrated as larger, faster and more specialized vessels call at the limited number of ports capable of handling them. The top 10 U.S. container ports accounted for 85 percent of U.S. containerized traffic in 2005, measured in TEUs, up from 78 percent in 1995.

NEXT REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS
Monday June 4 - Boston, Seattle;
Tuesday, June 5 - Baltimore, Houston, Jacksonville, San Francisco;
Wednesday, June 6 - Calhoon M.E.B.A. School, Charleston, New Orleans, Portland;
Thursday, June 7 - Los Angeles, New York, Norfolk, Tampa;
Friday, June 8 - Honolulu.