In this issue...
Maritime Day observances, statements...Moment of Remembrance on Monday...Advisory on piracy...Cape Orlando activated, Cape Victory turbo-activated...We knuckle down and get in your skull with a humerus, jawdropping issue that sticks to your ribs. We go right to the marrow of the industry and flesh out a muscular, joint body of work that'll send chills up your spine. Getting under your skin, the Telex Times is bad to the bone!

CAPE ORLANDO ACTIVATED, KNOX IS ON THE READY
The San Francisco Union hall reported that the CAPE ORLANDO, a Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force vessel berthed in Alameda, CA, received word today that it has been placed into Full Operating Status (FOS). Patriot Contract Services is the manager of the vessel and M.E.B.A. engineers power the ship. Chief Stan Short heads up the engine room on the ORLANDO. Our hall quickly summoned the additional crew needed and the ship is revving up to respond to its mission under Military Sealift Command control. President Bush's troop increase in Iraq has enhanced the likelihood that additional activations of RRF vessels will occur.

Norfolk Rep. Jeff Hauck reports that the CAPE KNOX, a ship that has been in town since last week after sailing in from Philadelphia, is recrewing and on standby for another mission contingent on cargo. The ship is managed by Keystone and is berthed in New Orleans. M.E.B.A. officers crew the vessel on both deck and engine levels. Captain Rick Jordan masters the ship with Chief Matt Shulick on top of things in the engine room. The KNOX has been in FOS since February and recently returned from another mission in the Persian Gulf.

CAPE VICTORY TURBO-ACTIVATED
Last week, the Keystone-managed CAPE VICTORY, an RRF ship berthed in Beaumont, Texas was ordered on a week-long turbo activation. Turbo activation sea trials involve various drills, tests and exercises that confirm a vessel's maintenance, support and readiness.

The no-notice activation sent our Houston hall into motion as they worked the phones to fill out the additional positions required for an RRF vessel when it is placed into Full Operating Status. Soon after, the vessel was ready to sail. The VICTORY is crewed with M.E.B.A. engine and deck officers. Chief Dan Gifford heads up the engine room with Captain Kevin Brooks in charge on deck. Everything went smoothly and the operation proved a success as the crew and ship proved they are mission ready. The vessel had slipped back into its berth by press time on Friday and was easing back into Reduced Operating Status after a job well done.

NATION OBSERVES NATIONAL MARITIME DAY
May 22nd marked the annual observance of National Maritime Day and a flurry of events in our nation's capital and around the country paid tribute to the Fourth Arm of Defense. It is a day in which the United States observes its proud maritime heritage, honors the men and women who serve and have served as merchant mariners, and recognizes the many benefits that result from our American maritime industry. The D.C. observance began in the morning at the FDR Memorial hosted by the Maritime Administration and Administrator Sean Connaughton. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) was the featured speaker and Franklin Roosevelt's Great-Grandson, Rabbi Boettiger, also made remarks. An M.E.B.A. contingent was on hand as was a generous cross-section of the maritime industry. A maritime industry lunch later took place at the Washington Navy Yard and the Military Sealift Command hosted a wreath laying ceremony in the afternoon with remarks delivered by both MSC Commander and Rear Admiral Robert Reilly and MarAd Administrator Connaughton.

CMES MARITIME DAY, MEMORIAL AUCTION GO WELL
The Second Annual Maritime Day observance held at the M.E.B.A. Merchant Marine Memorial at the Calhoon School in Easton, MD was a well-attended event with that benefited from terrific weather. M.E.B.A. President Ron Davis, Secretary-Treasurer Bill Van Loo and School Director Lou Marciello delivered remarks at the event on Thursday that honored the valuable role of mariners throughout our nation's history. The occasion included the dedication of two new benches at the Memorial park - one in honor of William C. Van Loo, a second generation member and World War II mariner who was part of the Merchant Marine for 50 years. He was also a longtime instructor aboard the Liberty Ship JOHN BROWN when it was a maritime high school in New York. Doug Birt also had a bench dedicated to him. His family was in attendance and were visibly touched by the honor. Doug sailed for 33 years and had been a familiar face at the School in recent years while serving as an instructor. Both men "sailed into the sunset" within the last year.

The afternoon ceremony gave way to a silent auction and raffle for the benefit of the M.E.B.A. Merchant Marine Memorial. The event proved to be a success and an enthusiastic gathering snapped up the numerous items up for bid. Special thanks go out to the generosity of members, retirees, local community and other industry entities who made donations of items that helped raise money for the cause. The proceeds from this auction will help usher in additional improvements and maintenance of the Memorial. Every year, the Memorial Park continues to further evolve and the annual Maritime Day functions at the CMES along with other events are helping to raise the awareness of the Memorial and the profile of the School. In addition to the auction, three members walked away as winners in a special raffle. Phil Blaha took the top prize - a weekend for up to 10 people at the Manor House. Mike Buckley was the second place winner and took home a cool $500. Claude Pfeffer rounded out the raffle winners and added a quarter of $1,000 to his wallet. Thanks to all the participants in Maritime Day and the Memorial Auction!

MARITIME DAY STATEMENTS ON HOT SITE
M.E.B.A. has posted several statements issued in conjunction with Maritime Day up on our website. First off, President George Bush forwarded his annual National Maritime Day proclamation praising the Merchant Marine for the integral role they play for our nation's economy and security. As detailed last week, Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) also drafted a statement. New this week are Maritime Day statements issued by Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD). The statement of M.E.B.A. President Ron Davis, which he delivered at the Maritime Day observance at the Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School, has also been posted on the website. You can access the "Hot Site" directly at www.meba.us/hotnews.html.

U.S. SHIPS TO PARTICIPATE IN "MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE" ON MEMORIAL DAY
The White House Commission on Remembrance is sponsoring a National Moment of Remembrance on Monday, May 28th - Memorial Day. This is an additional opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of America's veterans including those merchant mariners who lost their lives during time of war.

Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton is directing the ships of MarAd's Ready Reserve Force to dress ship on this day. They also request that all U.S. merchant vessels, at port and at sea, ring their ship's bell eight times at 1500Z (UCT). They further encourage all officers and crew to send an e-mail to the Commission, with a picture if possible, at commission@remember.gov. The Commission posts such communications and pictures on its web site.

The National Moment of Remembrance is a way for all of us to pause and collectively remember as Americans the sacrifices of America's fallen heroes, from the birth of our democracy gained during the Revolutionary War to today's War on Terrorism.

Connaughton thanked mariners for their "steadfast contribution to our economy and security through their service in the U.S. Merchant Marine."

FILNER RESOLUTION HONORING MERCHANT MARINE APPROVED
Rep. Bob Filner, author of a bill to compensate World War II mariners that is still stuck in committee, has won approval for a non-binding resolution that honors the Merchant Marine. House Resolution 413 was introduced just ahead of Maritime Day. His House colleagues embraced the Resolution's language that points out the crucial role of the "Fourth Arm of Defense" while pointing out that World War II mariners were denied the benefits they rightfully deserved. The text of the Resolution follows:

"Whereas the United States Merchant Marine served as the Nation's first Navy and helped George Washington's Continental Army defeat the British Navy; Whereas since 1775, United States Merchant Mariners have served valiantly in times of peace and in every war; Whereas after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, 29 United States Merchant Marine Academy cadets operated a fleet of boats in New York Harbor, transporting firefighters and other emergency equipment workers, medical supplies, and food; Whereas today, more than 8,000 Merchant Mariners serve in the Military Sealift Command, most of them working in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; Whereas the United States Merchant Marine Academy is the only one of the five service academies that sends its cadets into war, and 142 undergraduates of the Academy were lost during World War II; Whereas during World War II, Merchant Mariners served honorably in combat but were denied veterans benefits and recognition at the end of the war despite sustaining the highest rate of casualties of any of the armed services; Whereas more than 95 percent of the Allied Forces and materiel that was transported during World War II was transported by Merchant Marine ships; Whereas the Merchant Mariners of World War II were denied the unprecedented benefits of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (known as the 'GI Bill of 1944'); Whereas the story of the United States Merchant Mariners of World War II is one of patriotism, of youthful exuberance, of dedication to duty, of bravery in the midst of battle, and of a Nation that forgot these heroes after the end of the war for more than 40 years until 1988, when they were given veteran status; Whereas by that time, over 125,000 of those Merchant Mariners had died and many had lost out on opportunities and benefits they greatly deserved; and

Whereas, on National Maritime Day, Congress recognizes the tremendous sacrifices and contributions of the Merchant Marine and its veterans and the entire maritime industry to the Nation: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That on National Maritime Day, the House of Representatives recognizes the heroic and invaluable sacrifices that the United States Merchant Marine veterans have made to help ensure our Nation's prosperity and safety."

MARAD ISSUES ADVISORY ON SOMALI PIRACY
The Maritime Administration has issued an advisory concerning piracy off the Somali coast. This stems from information garnered from the National Maritime Intelligence Center (Office of Naval Intelligence) that as of May 14, 2007, there has been an upswing of piracy in international shipping lanes off the central east coast of Somalia. Several vessels were fired upon by gunmen in small white speedboats armed with machine guns and rocket propelled grenades. Given the distance from shore these recent attacks have occurred and poor weather conditions typical for this time of year, the Office of Naval Intelligence believes that pirates are utilizing a larger merchant vessel as a mothership to launch small boat attacks. The International Maritime Bureau has increased their recommended transit distance from 75 to 200 nautical miles for vessels not calling on Somali ports. The ONI further recommends that vessels stay at least 50 nautical miles away from the position 01:02N 048:10E until the mother-ship threat can be evaluated. All vessels are advised to remain at least 200 nm from the east coast of Somalia.

All merchant vessels transiting the coast of Somalia, no matter how far offshore, should increase anti-piracy precautions and maintain a heightened state of vigilance. Pirates are reported to have used previously hijacked ships as bases for further attacks. Another reported pirate tactic has been to issue a false distress call to lure a ship close inshore. Therefore, caution should be taken when responding to distress calls keeping in mind it may be a tactic to lure a vessel into a trap. Victimized vessels report two to three 6 to 9 meter speedboats with 3 to 6 armed men per vessel armed with AK-47s and shoulder launched rockets, opening fire on their vessels in broad daylight in order to intimidate them into stopping. To date, vessels that increase speed and take evasive maneuvers avoid boarding while those that slow down are boarded, taken to the Somali coastline, and released after successful ransom payment, often after protracted negotiations of as much as 11 weeks.

For further information regarding this advisory, contact the Maritime Administration, Office of Security, Code MAR-420, 2W23-312, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20590; telephone 202-366-1883, or by e-mail to owen.doherty@dot.gov.

CONGRATS ON MM&P LNG PACT
Congratulations go to the Masters, Mates & Pilots who brokered a deal with Suez LNG to supply officers to the Suez fleet. The arrangement involves the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and covers recruitment, training and manning. The agreement further extends the involvement of U.S. mariners in the burgeoning LNG trade.

Suez LNG plans to employ MM&P members and Mass Maritime cadets and graduates on as many as nine vessels. Suez intends to construct a Deepwater Port terminal several miles off the Massachusetts coast. The company anticipates that the facility will be operating by the end of 2009.

MAKE SURE YOU CAST YOUR MOLA BALLOT
These are the last few weeks to cast your vote on the proposed Merchant Officers' Labor Alliance (MOLA), a cooperation pact between the M.E.B.A. and the MM&P.

Any member in good standing who has not received a mailing containing a referendum on the MOLA can call 1-800-273-0726 to get one. The number was set up by the American Arbitration Association which is overseeing the ballot count. The MOLA charts out a system for the two unions to work together on items of mutual interest. The 90-day mail ballot must be returned by June 14, 2007.

A rank and file tally committee will be elected at the regular June membership meetings and will join the Impartial Administrator to tabulate the ballots on June 15th. Members for this Tally Committee will be elected in Baltimore, Houston, L.A. New York and Seattle. Alternates will be selected from the halls in New Orleans and San Francisco. Once assembled at the designated meeting place at the M.E.B.A. Headquarters Building in Washington D.C., they will pick the ballots up from the depository on the morning of June 15th, then proceed to count the ballots.

SUNY TRAINING SHIP NEEDS ENGINEERING WATCH OFFICERS
The SUNY Maritime College Training Ship EMPIRE STATE VI is in urgent need of an additional Engineering Watch Officer to join the training ship when it reaches Rome, Italy around the 30th/31st of May. The pay would be approximately $5,000 plus time on your license. Please contact Erin Barron immediately if you are interested or know of anyone who might be. Erin can be reached at (718) 409-6079 or ebarron@sunymaritime.edu.

MAKE SURE YOU UPDATE YOU INFO WITH HQ
Be sure to inform Headquarters if you recently changed your contact information. We have placed an an address change form on our website to help expedite the process. Address changes now require a signature for validation along with your new information. You can get the form in either a .pdf or a Word document on from www.meba.us.  Once there, click on the "Members Only" tab and toggle "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.

NOMINATION INFO SENT TO MEMBERS
M.E.B.A. has forwarded important nomination and election information to members in a mailing that went out last week. If you are a member in good standing and do not receive the mailing over the next few days, you may want to make sure your address information is current with Headquarters.

FOC SHIP OPERATOR, CREW BUSTED FOR OIL DISCREPANCIES
A six-count indictment was filed this week against the operator and crew of the flag of convenience VALPARAISO STAR for failing to record illegal discharges of waste.

The M/V VALPARAISO STAR is a seventeen-year old, Liberian-flagged, refrigerated bulk container ship that is operated by Fleet Management, Ltd. According to the charges, the ship's Ukrainian Chief Engineer, Yevgen Dyachenko, ordered members of the crew to use a flexible hose to bypass pollution control technology on the ship and to dispose of untreated oily waste, sludge and bilge water directly overboard. Dyachenko and other crewmembers also manipulated the pumps and valves associated with the internal, hard-piped bilge/ballast system, also known as the emergency de-watering system, discharging water contaminated with oil from the ship's bilge holding wells directly into the ocean.

The Indian Captain Parag Raj Grewal and Chief Engineer Yevgen then failed to record such discharges in the ship's oil record book, a document required to be maintained by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, a U.S. law created to prevent such pollution. While docked at the Tioga Marine Terminal in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 24, 2007, the vessel presented the false Oil Record Book to U.S. Coast Guard inspectors during a Port State Control inspection.

SWEDISH OPERATOR GUILTY OF OIL POLLUTION
A jury in Maine returned a guilty verdict against Swedish shipping Company Petraia Maritime Ltd. this week, for violating the Act to Prevent Pollution From Ships (APPS). Petraia was convicted for M/V KENT NAVIGATOR's illegal overboard discharges of oily bilge waste and for its faulty oil book record keeping to cover up the incident. Petraia owns and operates the vessel. Two chief engineers serving aboard the M/V KENT NAVIGATOR had previously pleaded guilty to making false statements to the Coast Guard for their role in the attempted cover-up of Petraia Maritime's discharges of oily waste.

The government's investigation began in August 2004, when the U.S. Coast Guard received an anonymous tip that a vessel bound for Portland, Maine was illegally discharging its waste oil and bilge while at sea. The Coast Guard inspected the M/V KENT NAVIGATOR when it entered the port of Portland and found oily residue in piping that led to overboard discharge valves and inoperable oil pollution control equipment. The Coast Guard's investigation revealed that while the vessel was at sea, the ship's crew discharged waste oil tanks and bilge tanks directly overboard, and also discharged the bilges in a way that circumvented the ship's oil water separator. These discharges, which numbered 13 over eight months, were usually in excess of 5,000 gallons each and resulted in the discharge of significant quantities of oil. In addition to entering port in Portland in August 2004, the investigation revealed that the M/V KENT NAVIGATOR had entered the Portland port on numerous prior occasions. To conceal this illegal discharge activity, Petraia's employees falsified records in the ship's oil record book making it appear as if the discharges were made using the required pollution control equipment when in fact they were not.

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.