JANUARY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 1

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL CIO

Horizon Reliance To The Rescue

SIU members recently helped rescue two downed airplane pilots in the Pacific. The survivors’ life raft is pictured in the inset at right, while the main photo shows the SIU-crewed vessel. Page 4.

Voting Concludes in Union Election

SIU’s Year in Review Seafarers cast their respective ballots in the SIU election beginning Nov. 1 and finishing on the last day of 2020. In photo at left, OS Arabi The COVID-19 global pandemic affected virtually every Muthala completes his ballot in Hawaii aboard the SBX (TOTE). The part of life in 2020 – but there were many encouraging sto- photo above includes (from left) GSTU Nala Johnson and Chief Cook ries, too. Above, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman (right) Gregory McNiel, ready to vote aboard the Washington Express (Marine checks the temperature of an oncoming individual on the Personnel and Provisioning) in La Porte, Texas. Pages 11-14. USNS Algol (Ocean Duchess) in . Page 5.

Virtual AOTOS General Election Recap SHBP Scholarship Info Page 2 Page 3 Page 6

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG_X.indd 1 12/15/20 7:23 PM President’s Report

Seafarers Delivered in 2020 Although the COVID-19 global pandemic is far from fin- ished as of this writing in mid-December, I extend one last 2020 “thank you” to all Seafarers and their families for a job well done in the face of unprecedented challenges. Your work has never been more important, and you consistently have risen to the occasion. Well done, SIU brothers and sis- ters. At the same time, we all have to con- tinue following safety protocols, thereby protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our shipmates. There is daylight on the horizon in the form of vaccines, but we’re not there yet. Stay safe! We’ve all come too far to let down our guard. Besides the eventual end of the pan- demic, we have other things to look for- U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao accepts this year’s AOTOS award during a virtual cere- Michael Sacco ward to in our union and our industry. As mony. She credited SIU President Michael Sacco and the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, reported elsewhere in this edition, Ameri- for playing key roles during the global pandemic. can-flag shipping scored several enormous wins in the newest Defense bill, including a new Security Fleet and reinforced protections for the Jones Act and cargo preference laws. I am confident that these devel- AOTOS Goes Virtual, Honors Entire Industry opments will mean new job opportunities for Seafarers dur- ing this decade, and I’m equally sure that they’ll boost U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Sec. Chao Accepts Award on Behalf of American Maritime Additionally, as noted during the December membership The United Seamen’s Service (USS) 51st an- man, USS AOTOS Committee, served as the meetings and also in this edition, I’m happy to report that nual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award moderator of the program. The event also fea- SIU-backed candidates fared quite well on Election Day. was presented virtually for the first time, in a tured Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby; Gen- This, too, bodes well for our industry. The more people in Dec. 9 ceremony that highlighted the work of the eral Stephen R. Lyons, USA, commander, United Congress (and other levels of government) who understand entire American maritime community. States Transportation Command; RAdm. Mi- our industry, the better. As always, we’ll reach out to newly The traditional silver statuette of Christopher chael A. Wettlaufer, USN, commander, Military elected representatives to introduce ourselves and to explain Columbus – the first Admiral of the Ocean Sea – Sealift Command; William Adams, president why America needs a strong merchant marine. was accepted by The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, of the International Longshore and Warehouse- On that note, some of you may know that President-Elect U.S. Secretary of Transportation, on behalf of man’s Union; Thomas B. Crowley Jr., chairman Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris are longtime friends the honorees, and the award will have a perma- and CEO of Seafarers-contracted Crowley Mari- of the SIU and unwavering backers of the Jones Act. They nent home displayed at U.S. Maritime Adminis- time Corp; and William Woodhour, president of know our industry and they’ll be allies when it comes to tration headquarters in Washington, D.C. SIU-contracted Line, Limited. protecting workers’ rights, too. In accepting the award, Chao specifically Wykle said in his opening remarks, “About 13 We have a lot of friends in the outgoing administration as praised SIU President Michael Sacco, who months ago, we gathered in for well, and if that seems odd or unlikely in any way, remem- delivered the keynote address. “He is always the annual AOTOS dinner.... Unfortunately, the ber that maritime is a historically bipartisan issue. We’ve championing the issues and concerns of his world changed early this year.” He then spoke always had friends from both major political parties, and rank-and-file members,” she told the virtually about the unique nature of this year’s event, as we’ll always work with anyone and everyone who’s willing assembled crowd, adding that she learned a lot well as the challenges that have faced the mari- to stand up for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for America’s about leadership from observing him. She went time industry in 2020. working families. on to highlight the work done by the SIU to Sacco said, “I have the honor of discussing Regardless of how you voted and for whom, I hope you safely reopen the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall one of the few bright spots of 2020, and that is share my encouragement at the record turnout across our Center for Maritime Training and Education. the outstanding performance of the U.S. Mer- great nation. This happened despite a pandemic that’s un- She referred to the U.S.-flag industry as a chant Marine during this global pandemic. precedented in modern times. “partnership” who “work together and so well,” Actually, I salute the world’s entire seafarers Pre- and post-election polls also showed widespread sup- before saluting the industry for stepping up and population for the outstanding job and sacrifices port for workers’ rights and for an economy that boosts the delivering throughout the crisis. middle class. This is firmly in line with our union’s work LTG Kenneth R. Wykle, USA, (Ret.), Chair- Continued on Page 5 since our founding in 1938. I’m not blind to the wide range of emotions that accom- panied Election Day and the sometimes-agonizing moments that followed. Just remember that we all love our country Labor Department Honors Crowley and we’ll all be better off by finding common ground, working together and treating each other respectfully. As Seafarers do every day when they’ve signed aboard a As Veteran-Friendly Employer vessel, let’s move forward together as one crew in 2021. U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia recently awarded SIU-contracted the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Em- ploying American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Platinum Medallion for its exemplary success re- OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL CIO cruiting, employing and retaining U.S. military veterans. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program, created Volume 83 Number 1 January 2021 through a 2017 federal law, is the only federal The SIU online: www.seafarers.org government award recognizing companies for exceptional achievement in veteran employment. The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Crowley was among a number of other companies Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, who received the award on Veteran’s Day, Nov. AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. 11. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland By meeting the criteria required for a Plati- 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, num Medallion Award, the highest level of the 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; program, Crowley “demonstrated both patrio- Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ tism and recognition of the value veterans bring Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; to the workplace,” according to the Labor De- Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, partment. Official logo for the DOL award Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Veterans make up more than 9 percent of the Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights overall company workforce, and 13 percent of Reserved. Crowley’s administrative employees, and the re- pany achieve great results,” said Crowley’s Julius tention rate for veterans exceeds 90 percent. In Richardson, talent acquisition business partner The Seafarers International Union engaged an environ- addition, the company supports an employee re- who is a Marine Corps veteran and co-chair of the mentally friendly printer source group led by members of its workforce Veterans Employee Resource Group. “We thank for the production of this dedicated to helping veterans and active-duty per- the federal government for the recognition, and the newspaper. sonnel achieve career success. biggest thanks goes to our men and women who “We see the contribution veterans make on a served our nation, and now make Crowley a great regular basis that help our customers and our com- company and a great place to work.” Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG January 2021

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG.indd 2 12/14/20 8:45 PM SIU-Backed Candidates Fare Well on Election Day The SIU’s political department has com- dent Biden wrote in part, “As a lifelong Biden continued. “For this reason, I have Biden’s firewall was union made!” pleted its review of the results of Election advocate for working families and unions, been a consistent and strong advocate for He added, “The labor movement is ex- 2020. The findings show overwhelming suc- I write to assure you of my strong and the Jones Act and its mandate that only panding the map. Look at . Look cess for candidates supported by the SIU. unwavering support for the Seafarers In- U.S.-flag vessels carry cargo in the coast- at Georgia.” Unlike most federal political action ternational Union, its members, and the wise trade. As President, I will continue my Trumka concluded, “There will be work committees, the Seafarers Political Ac- U.S.-flag Merchant Marine fleet. Labor strong support for the Jones Act.” to do over these next few days, and no tivities Donation – SPAD, the union’s vol- unions built the middle class and the middle He added his ongoing support for cargo shortage of work over the next four years. untary fund – is bipartisan, and the union class built this country. The basic building preference laws, the U.S. Maritime Secu- While we don’t know the final composition contributes to incumbents, challengers and blocks of a good life – middle-class jobs at rity Program, and the U.S. Export-Import of the Senate, we know our priorities. Our candidates running in open seat races. union wages, a 40-hour work week, health Bank, all of which help maintain jobs for members made it clear. Some 95 percent In the U.S. House of Representatives, insurance, retirement benefits, a voice in U.S. mariners. say that protecting workers’ rights is the SPAD participated in 153 races around the workplace – resulted from workers who AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, top priority for this next congress. And yes, the country. In those elections, the SIU- organized unions and fought for worker during on online speech that took place that includes 93 percent of our members backed candidate won in 149 and lost in protections. This is the history of the Sea- Nov. 5, said the union vote made a big dif- who went for Trump. The right to collec- four. That’s a win percentage of 97.38. farers International Union. And at a time ference on Election Day. “Joe Biden’s path tive bargaining. Fair wages and workplace SPAD participated in 13 Senate races when our country is facing unprecedented to the White House ran through America’s safety. A voice on the job. The belief that around the country. Of those races, the challenges, our economic future today de- labor movement,” Trumka stated. “Initial all work has dignity and everyone should SIU-backed candidate won in every single pends on unions like yours – just as it did toplines from our post-election survey retire with security. None of that is red race (for a win percentage of 100). in the past. show union members went 58 percent for or blue. It’s simply American. It’s what The U.S. Electoral College was sched- “Just as unions are essential to the mid- Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. While the America’s labor movement has fought for uled to vote Dec. 14 and was expected to dle class, the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine general public supported Biden by three in 2020 – not just in this election but in certify Joe Biden as president and Kamala fleet and the men and women who oper- points, our members favored him by 21 our workplaces, too…. None of this will be Harris as vice president. ate U.S.-flag ships are crucial to America’s points. easy, but union members are not afraid of In a letter to SIU President Michael national security, our international trade Simply put, we got out the vote. In Wis- hard work. We do it every day and we see Sacco earlier this year, former Vice Presi- relationships, and economic development,” consin. In Michigan. In Pennsylvania. Joe the job through.” New Defense Bill Constitutes A Huge Victory for Maritime Legislation Calls for New, 10-Vessel Tanker Security Fleet

A year of unprecedented challenges nev- “This bill is a gigantic win for our industry, ertheless contained some potentially fantastic and the maritime sections collectively are an news for the United States maritime industry. equally big victory for our country,” Tellez stated. On Dec. 3, the House and Senate Armed SIU Political and Legislative Director Services committees released the conference Brian Schoeneman said, “The wins we’ve report agreement for the William M. “Mac” achieved for maritime in this bill highlight Thornberry National Defense Authorization the SIU’s continuing, effective bipartisan ap- Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. At press proach. Working closely with members on time, both the House and Senate were ex- both sides of the aisle, and in both the House pected to pass the legislation and send it to and Senate, made this victory possible.” the president. As previously reported, 34 members of Although President Trump had expressed Congress in mid-September sent a bipartisan concerns about the bill completely unrelated letter backing the new Tanker Security Fleet The SIU-crewed Liberty Pride takes on military cargo in last year. (Photo cour- to maritime, its prospects appeared favorable. to Chairman of the Senate Armed Services tesy Elena Baladelli, 7th Army Training Command) Highlighting the NDAA is a new, 10-ves- Committee James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), sel Tanker Security Fleet patterned after the Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking well-proven Maritime Security Program Member Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), Chair- (MSP). The new program would allow own- man of the House Armed Services Commit- ers of eligible product tankers to apply for a tee Adam Smith (D-Washington), and House SIU Members Transport $6 million per year stipend in exchange for Armed Services Committee Ranking Mem- making the vessels available to the U.S. De- ber Mac Thornberry (R-Texas). partment of Defense in times of war or na- The provision creating the new program tional emergency. would initially involve 10 privately owned, 420 MRAPs for MSC The legislation also includes a temporary militarily useful U.S.-flag product tankers financial boost for MSP participants, in order crewed by American merchant mariners. SIU members aboard the MV Lib- tracted labor worked flawlessly with to offset some costs related to the global “We are deeply concerned about the de- erty Pride, chartered by the Military MSC’s chartered vessel. This wouldn’t COVID-19 pandemic. cline in the number of militarily useful com- Sealift Command (MSC) and oper- happen without well-trained represen- The aforementioned components were ag- mercial vessels operating under the U.S. flag ated by Liberty Maritime, arrived in tation.” gressively backed by the SIU, as is a section and, consequently, in the number of trained the Port of Livorno, Italy, late last year Camp Darby, about a five-hour that strengthens cargo preference require- and qualified American merchant mariners to complete an on-load with the U.S. drive from MSCEURAF and located ments for the movement of military cargoes. available to crew the vessels needed by the Army 839th Transportation Battalion, near the Port of Livorno, is home to Another part of the bill calls for a new study Department of Defense to protect America’s Military Surface Deployment and Dis- both the 839th and Army Field Sup- regarding federal compliance with existing interests and to support American troops tribution Command (SDDC) and its port Battalion-Africa. Its primary mis- civilian and military cargo preference rules. deployed around the world,” the legislators Italian detachment. sion is to support war reserve material American shipyards also stand to ben- wrote. “A tanker security program … would The Liberty Pride was in port to storage, maintenance and the move- efit from the NDAA, because the measure begin to rectify this situation, adding addi- on-load 420 MaxxPro Mine-Resistant ment of equipment for operations strengthens existing requirements that vessels tional commercial vessels to the U.S.-flag Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, across the globe. Camp Darby’s loca- under charter to the United States be repaired fleet and creating new jobs for American transferring them from the U.S. Ar- tion is well-suited to this role, being or modified in U.S. yards during the length mariners. This program … represents an im- of the charter. portant maritime policy initiative not only for my’s prepositioned stocks in Europe close to an MSC office, a port, rail- Moreover, the bill facilitates the purchase the maritime workforce but for our nation’s to the U.S. Central Command area of roads, highways and airport, making of existing, foreign-built vessels to recapital- commercial sealift readiness capability.” operations. it a prime location for U.S. forces in ize the government-owned reserve fleet. The writers pointed out that Lt. Gen. “Our U.S. Navy partners at MSC Italy. Other highlights include the establishment of John Broadmeadow (USMC), while serving provided the maximum amount of “At the end of the day, our respon- a new Maritime Transportation System Emer- in 2019 as deputy commander of the U.S. capability the U.S. can bring to bear sibility is to get combat capability to gency Relief program aimed at offering mon- Transportation Command, told Congress “a regarding sealift for this operation,” where it needs to be at the right time,” etary help to the industry during emergencies. 10-tanker program will be a welcome start to said Lt. Col. Scott F. Wyatt, 839th said Wyatt. “We couldn’t do this According to the bill’s text, eligible participants begin to address the gap in U.S.-flagged bulk Transportation Battalion Commander. without the partnership we have with include vessel owners and operators, shipyards, fuel delivery.” “It’s been a team effort across the SDDC and MSC.” maritime training facilities and others. The letter concluded, “Establishing a board.” SIU-crewed MSC ships play a cru- Finally, the bill includes new stipula- tanker security fleet would begin to reduce Operations like these require ex- cial role in the movement of cargo for tions to reinforce the Jones Act, both when it our military’s reliance on foreign-flag ves- tensive planning between several or- U.S. Army partners throughout Eu- comes to the law’s application to wind farms sels by ensuring that a greater portion of the ganizations, both public and private, rope, from supporting operations such and when waivers may be requested. fuel needed by the Department of Defense is between the United States and the as these to exercises around the globe. During the December SIU membership transported by American mariners on U.S.- host-nation, according to MSC. For inter-theater lifts, which are long- meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, SIU flag vessels. It would not promote or expand “Once again, on-site coordina- distance movements of equipment Executive Vice President Augie Tellez the production of petroleum products but tion was key in ensuring a timely on- from one fleet to another, MSC uses updated Seafarers on the bill and under- would instead begin to end America’s almost load,” said MSC Europe and Africa many SIU-crewed vessels “which sig- scored the vital roles played by U.S. Sen. total reliance on foreign flag-of-convenience (MSCEURAF) Marine Transportation nificantly reduces operational costs,” Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) and U.S. vessels to meet the energy needs of the De- Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) in partment of Defense at sea and around the Specialist John Myhre. “SDDC’s con- according to the agency. advancing pro-maritime components. world.”

January 2021 Seafarers LOG 3

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG.indd 3 12/14/20 8:45 PM Pictured from left are Captain Mark Tuck, Electrician Frederick N Williams, Rescued Pilot Nathaniel Johans- son, Rescued Pilot Kelly Michaels, AB Kenneth Benton, Wil- liam Laprade, AB Alicia Plunkett, Steward Maili Wang, William Kyttle, Bosun Ruben Datu, Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova, SA Daniel Mergillano, Antonio Ma- catiag, Justin Raby, AB James Douglas, Joseph Comerford II, AB Alan Lumansoc, Cresente Gumanas, GDE Alfredo Nieto, Oiler Yahya Shamman, Engine Utility Gabriel Waiwaiole, Third Engineer Elizabeth Jenkins and First Engi- neer Davie Rivera. Horizon Reliance Crew Rescues Two Seafarers came to the rescue after a small vivors were of course so very grateful.” assist weakened or hypothermic survivors cessful. The third line thrower was a ‘dude.’ plane went down in the middle of the Pacific The SIU crew of the Horizon Reliance in- onto the vessel. Vessel’s original plan was The fourth and last apparatus placed a line Ocean. cluded: Bosun Ruben Datu, AB Alan Luman- to approach from a northwesterly position near the raft. The pilot had to jump into the On Nov. 7, SIU members working aboard soc, AB Benton, AB Blake Braye, AB Alicia to place the vessel between the wind and water to retrieve the line. There was a very the Horizon Reliance (Sunrise Operations) Plunkett, Electrician Frederick Williams, En- the raft, creating a lee. By the time the Ariel good lee at this time, and the pilot leaving helped rescue the crew of the downed air- gine Utility Gabriel Waiwaiole, Oiler Yahya handed off the rescue to the Horizon Reli- the raft was not in danger of not being able craft, adrift in a life raft roughly 1,000 nauti- Shamman, Oiler Cresente Gumanas, Oiler ance, the raft was bearing 180 and approxi- to board the raft after retrieving the line. The cal miles from Honolulu. Stanley Golden, GUDE Alfredo Nieto, SB mately one to two NM distance, we were not line was secured to the raft, and the vessel’s “We were en route to Honolulu, from Maili Wang, Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova receiving a radar signal from the raft and it crew pulled the raft to a position under the Los Angeles, when we got the call that a and SA Daniel Mergillano. had to be located visually. pilot ladder/accommodation ladder rig. There small airplane went down with two pilots The rescue was described by the Horizon “The Ariel remained close to the raft and was a 2-3-meter swell wrapping around the on board and no passengers,” said AB Ken- Reliance’s master, Mark Tuck: “The winds advised the Reliance until we had a visual. vessel and moving down the starboard side. neth Benton. “The two were delivering an were northeasterly and sea heights were ap- I maneuvered the vessel using the wind and The survivors were told to debark the raft on airplane to a customer in ; they had proximately 2-3 meters. At 0800, the crew a “back and fill” maneuver to maintain po- the crest of the swell and to grab the pilot lad- taken off from Los Angeles when they lost rigged a pilot ladder, gangway, and gangway sition between the wind and life raft, close der and not climb, but hold tightly. The crew an engine and went down in the middle of net hanging at water’s edge, and painters on the range and maintain a bearing that would would then operate the pneumatic winch and Pacific. An Italian vessel [the tanker Ariel] the starboard side. Three additional crew bring the vessel alongside the raft. As the raise them to the main deck.” tried to rescue but were not capable, and were used on the bridge as lookouts and to vessel closed on the raft, we briefly acquired The two men pulled from the life raft, after 19 hours of unsuccessful attempts by take bearings to locate and maintain a visual the raft on the radar at about 0.4 NM and Pilot Nathaniel Johansson and Copilot Kelly the foreign vessel, they allowed our profes- on the life raft. The starboard side was cho- determined that we were closing on the raft. Michaels, were determined to be unharmed, sional crew to step in. With precision, we sen due to the vessel’s port gangway being The distance slowly closed and two attempts and were taken to Honolulu aboard the Ho- got the job done with ease, and the two sur- more narrow and possibly more difficult to with line throwing apparatus were unsuc- rizon Reliance. Industry Pioneer Imperatore Dies at 95

NY Waterway founder and President Ar- his native New Jersey community, and NY ing company in the United States. At A-P-A thur E. Imperatore Sr., a visionary entrepre- Waterway did just that. Starting with the he instituted stringent productivity and ef- neur who invented the modern commuter company’s Port Imperial terminus in Wee- ficiency systems which are emulated today ferry system, died Nov. 18 at age 95. hawken, Imperatore led the development of across numerous industries. SIU members crew NY Waterway’s 30- a thriving residential and commercial com- The notion that a company’s greatest plus boats, which operate between New munity. As his vessels transported passen- asset is a motivated and involved workforce York and New Jersey. gers to and from New York City, his fleet is a common thread that runs throughout “Arthur truly was unique, and he abso- of buses made the ferry service accessible Imperatore’s successful enterprises. He was lutely was a giant in the maritime indus- to the surrounding towns. In this way, the committed to connecting, communicating, try,” said SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast ferry-bus network became the infrastruc- and giving back to all of his employees, Joseph Soresi. “He held the SIU in high ture that supported waterfront development whom he looked upon as extended family. esteem and treated his employees with re- from Edgewater to Jersey City (the New As an employer, he set the performance bar spect. Arthur will be missed.” Jersey “Gold Coast”), boosting both local high to inspire employees to reach the po- Imperatore’s career spanned more than and state economies. To this day, the ferry- tential he believed they all had – demanding seven decades and included various ven- bus network is the international model for excellence while also leading by example. tures from mining to real estate, from sports effective, coordinated mass transportation Imperatore was widely regarded for teams to transportation. He founded NY systems. his responsible corporate citizenship, fam- Waterway in 1986 in Weehawken, New Jer- Born on July 8, 1925 to Italian fruit gro- ily values, and love for country. His sup- sey, and built it into a mass transit system cer Eugene Imperatore and his wife Teresa port and engagement in charitable causes which has transported almost 300 million (née Sorrentino) in West New York, New included medical research, social services people to date. Jersey, Imperatore was the ninth of ten chil- and education. NY Waterway ferries have become a dren living in a two-bedroom apartment Throughout his life, Imperatore was vital component in the Metropolitan Ar- above his father’s grocery. He began earn- honored by business and civic organiza- ea’s mass transit network and a life-saving ing a wage at age five, and by age eight had tions for his corporate and humanitarian backup system when other transit modes set a goal of earning 10 cents per week to contributions. Among his awards were are disrupted. SIU ferry crews evacuated help support his family. Starting as a deliv- three honorary doctoral degrees, the pres- 150,000 people from Manhattan on 9/11 ery boy for his father’s grocery, Imperatore tigious Horatio Alger Award, and the first (Photo courtesy NY Waterway) and have rescued hundreds of people from also worked as a Western Union messenger U.S. Senate Productivity Award, presented area waters, including 143 people from and shoeshine boy. His strong work ethic to him by former New Jersey Senator Bill Arthur Imperatore Sr. Flight 1547, the Miracle on the Hudson, and entrepreneurial drive continued to pro- Bradley. Never one to rest on his laurels, the most successful marine rescue in avia- pel him forward. Imperatore contemplated the possibilities tion history. Imperatore carried that work ethic and of what he might yet achieve during his stepson and daughter-in-law Armand Pohan Despite skeptics who derided his vision sense of duty into the U.S. Army Air Corps 2017 induction into the New Jersey Hall of and Nancy O. Rieger; his step-children as “Arthur’s Folly,” Imperatore drew from where he served as a navigator on B-24 Fame, saying, “I talk to God every once in George (Elizabeth) Carr, Alexander (Renée) his nearly 40 years of experience in the in- Liberators and B-29 Superfortresses dur- a while. I tell him ‘listen, God, I know you Carr, and Arielle Moylen; eight grandchil- dustry to pioneer a ferry-bus network, lead- ing WWII. After the war, in 1947, he and might have your eye on me – however, I dren; and two step-grandchildren. He was ing to the company’s resounding success. his brothers started A-P-A Transport Corp. still have a lot of work to do.’” predeceased by parents and his nine broth- With his stepson, Armand Pohan, Impera- with two surplus army trucks – and the He is survived by his wife, Dr. Mei-Ling ers and sisters. tore ran the company until his death. business grew to become the fourth largest Yee-Imperatore; his son, Arthur E. Impera- A memorial service will be planned for It was Imperatore’s dream to revitalize and most profitable interstate freight truck- tore, Jr.; his daughter, India Imperatore; his a future date.

4 Seafarers LOG January 2021

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG_X.indd 4 12/15/20 7:34 PM Pandemic Dominates 2020, SIU’s Year in Review: But Bright Spots Still Exist Identifying a given year’s top story – challenge, both in online and printed mes- If the modified basic formulas for con- record $152,000 in scholarships to members good or bad – sometimes may be difficult, sages. So did U.S. Transportation Secretary ducting routine business at the hiring halls and SIU dependents. but that’s certainly not the case when review- Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Transportation Com- and at the school gradually became part of ing 2020. mand commanding officer Gen. Stephen the so-called “new normal,” there were dis- Legislative Wins The COVID-19 global pandemic impacted Lyons, and U.S. Maritime Administrator tinctive considerations for running the SIU All indications were that the year would virtually all aspects of life around the world. Mark Buzby, each of whom credited crews election. Union officers are elected once end with one of the biggest legislative victo- By mid-December, the novel coronavirus had for living up to their federal designation as every four years, and the typical system for ries that maritime industry had seen in many claimed 1.55 million lives worldwide (more essential workers. voting involves casting ballots either at the years. At press time, the annual Defense bill than 300,000 in the United States). Upwards The can-do spirit of the SIU arguably was halls or via mail (absentee voting). appeared headed for enactment – and it in- of 68 million cases had been reported across never more evident than during the summer, Due to the pandemic, the union’s execu- cluded several crucial components that will the globe (15 million in the U.S.). when the union helped crew up 19 vessels in tive board implemented numerous, one-time boost the U.S. Merchant Marine. For the U.S. Merchant Marine in general a pair of turbo activations. These exercises modifications (with membership approval) Those elements included a new Ameri- and the SIU in particular, the pandemic pre- are a critical test of the nation’s sealift readi- in order to promote participation in the elec- can-flag tanker program, reinforcement of sented a challenge that is unprecedented in ness. The SIU filled more than 200 total jobs tion. The most visible change was conducting the Jones Act and cargo preference laws, modern times. Nevertheless, the industry in those mobilizations. shipboard voting; union reps visiting the ves- boosts for domestic shipbuilding and repair and the union rose to the occasion, deliver- One of the biggest pandemic-related chal- sels were required to show proof of a recent, and more. ing commercial and military cargoes around lenges faced by mariners around the world is negative COVID-19 test. In June, the industry observed the Jones the world. very much ongoing as the calendar turns to Other changes included relaxing the re- Act’s centennial. Throughout the year, vari- The following is a brief recap of some of 2021. Namely, crew changes have been post- quirements for requesting an absentee ballot ous studies underscored how the law remains the year’s top stories for the SIU. poned for periods as long as several months. and also making it easier to qualify to run for vital to U.S. national, economic and home- Complications include local and national office. Election results will be announced in land security. Pandemic transportation restrictions. early 2021. Also, in the early days of spring, President The list of adjustments made by Seafarers American-flag ship operators stepped up Trump signed an SIU-backed bill providing and the SIU isn’t short. At various times, hir- to tackle this component by chartering sev- New Ships, Rescues, Outreach the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II ing halls were closed to personnel other than eral crew-change flights to and from Diego For all the changes brought by 2020, some with a Congressional Gold Medal. staff, though business was still conducted by Garcia, with no monetary assistance from the things felt timeless, including the addition Finally, the SIU remained politically ac- phone, fax and email. Some halls periodi- government. of several new vessels into the SIU-crewed tive at the local, state and national levels. cally closed for precautionary reasons. When Travel also is a significant consideration fleet. Those ships included the Matson con/ SIU-backed candidates fared well on Elec- they were open (which was the norm), strict for the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for ro vessels Lurline and Matsonia, Schuyler tion Day, signaling potential progress for the safety precautions remained in place – in- Maritime Training and Education (PHC), lo- Line’s bulker SLNC Severn (more details will maritime industry and for America’s working cluding temperature checks, social distanc- cated in Piney Point, Maryland. The school be reported next month), and the expedition- families in the new year. ing, use of sanitizer, placement of dividers, implemented a gradual closure in the spring, ary fast transport USNS Newport, crewed by wearing masks, and more. during which students could choose between members of the SIU Government Services Final Departures Nevertheless, union representatives and finishing their coursework or leaving the Division. The SIU was saddened to say goodbye to members made it work, utilizing phones and campus and rescheduling later. Then, follow- Similarly, SIU crews took part in several far too many friends in 2020, including the emails and whatever other means of com- ing months of planning, the school reopened rescues, upholding the finest traditions of the following (any omissions are unintentional): munication facilitated Seafarers shipping out in early August, with myriad safety protocols Brotherhood of the Sea. The ships and boats Retired Port Agent Ed Kelly; retired MTD safely and on time. in place. These included travel-related pre- executing the rescues included the Mahi and SIU official Frank Pecquex; BCTGM By the fourth quarter of the year, it had cautions, since students travel to Piney Point Mahi, the USNS Yukon, the Horizon Reliance President David Durkee; retired PHC in- become commonplace for mariners to un- from all over the country (and because they and the Empire State (a NY Waterway ferry). structor Bernabe Pelingon; GUDE Michael dergo COVID-19 testing before sailing. Pre- likely sailed to numerous foreign countries). Members showed their mettle on shore, Vaughn, believed to be first active SIU mem- boarding quarantines also became routine. Tom Orzechowski, the school’s acting too. Among other philanthropic endeavors, ber to perish from COVID-19; U.S. Rep. Aboard the vessels themselves, precautions vice president, credited students and staff Seafarers participated in community out- John Lewis; Jack Martorelli, president, St. included wearing masks, temperature checks, for making it all work. As of mid-December, reach projects in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Flor- Louis Port Council; Robert Chiesa, longtime extra sanitization of common areas, stag- only a single positive case of COVID-19 had ida, Maryland, Washington State, Guam and crewing manager at Waterman; Arthur Im- gered meal times and more. been reported on campus, and the individual the U.S. Virgin Islands. peratore, head of NY Waterway; and Larry SIU President Michael Sacco repeatedly who contracted the virus promptly isolated Additionally, the Seafarers Health and Willis, president of the AFL Transportation praised members for stepping up to meet the and didn’t spread it. Benefits Plan issued what is believed to be a Trades Department. SIU President Sacco Delivers Keynote Maersk Sends Holiday Address During Annual AOTOS Awards

Continued from Page 2 been maintained.” Gifts Showing Gratitude He concluded, “Last but not least, I have they have made to keep the supply chain mov- a request for every seafarer, no matter where ing.” you sail. Please, please continue to take this Towards Union Crews Later in his speech, he said, “My role today pandemic seriously, just like you’ve done all is to salute our mariners, but I also want to along. We can see the lighthouse ahead of the SIU-contracted , as much as possible.” say a brief word of thanks to our ship opera- safe harbor, but this isn’t the time to drop our Limited (MLL) knows that its MLL Labor Relations Vice tors, our U.S. Longshoremen and our partners guard. You really are essential workers, and crews made plenty of sacrifices in President Ed Hanley praised the at the Maritime Administration, TRANSCOM, your country depends on you. More impor- 2020, and the company recently crews “for keeping our vessels the Coast Guard and DOT. Your leadership and said “thank you” in a big way. moving throughout the pandemic tantly, I know that you are mothers and fathers, In mid-December, MLL sent – facing unique and extremely your cooperation made it possible for us all sons and daughters, spouses and close friends. $10,000 to each of its American- challenging circumstances – to continue getting the job done – safely and You have every reason to remain vigilant and flag vessels, to be used for crew often including extended periods on time. Because of your work, readiness has do everything possible to stay safe.” welfare. Additionally, all mariners away from family, quarantine, “Our union brothers and sisters have al- in good standing who sailed at and/or restriction to ship. While ways answered the call, as they did in 2020,” least 120 days with MLL in 2020 the rest of the world largely said Crowley, representing Jones Act carriers. will receive a holiday gift basket adapted to social distancing and “Our nation’s mariners play a vital role for the and note of appreciation sent to working from home, the U.S. economy and national defense.” their home address. (The latter Merchant Marine lived up to its Speaking for the U.S.-flag international endeavor also supports local small reputation and reliably delivered fleet, Woodhour described how the company businesses near the company’s the goods in 2020 including food, worked with its contracted unions to move home office in Norfolk, Virginia. medicine, PPE and thousands of crew members safely around the world. “Mar- MLL selected arrays of quality, other supplies to people suffering iners know it is more than a job, delivering non-perishable products from around the world from the pan- vital supplies,” Woodhour pointed out. various companies in Virginia’s demic. These mariners were on Adams represented the nation’s dockwork- Tidewater area.) the tip of the sword and helped ers, and spoke about their importance during In a communication to the make it happen – and we wanted this crisis: “Our members are essential work- fleet, MLL President and CEO to say thank you in an unexpected ers,” he declared. “We are heroes without capes. Bill Woodhour noted the “extraor- way.” Dock workers kept the supply chain moving.” dinary efforts of all serving on- SIU Vice President Contracts board ships in our fleet throughout George Tricker stated, “This is an Buzby jokingly stated “not many jobs in the 2020 pandemic.” He conveyed exceptionally generous gesture by this industry can be done remotely.” Then he the company’s “sincere apprecia- Maersk, and I applaud them for saluted mariners and the industry saying, “We tion and gratitude,” and encour- showing so much appreciation for needed everyone to get the job done and they aged the vessel masters to consult the crews. There is no doubt that got it done!” with officers and crew members 2020 has been uniquely challeng- Lyons thanked mariners and the industry regarding how to spend the cash ing, and there’s also no doubt that for making sure “the mission never fails. To- donations. He encouraged them our members and their shipmates gether, we will deliver.” to “keep in mind the funds should delivered. Maersk’s kindness is a Wettlaufer applauded mariners for over- try to benefit those onboard now great tone-setter as we head into SIU President Michael Sacco delivered the key- coming the challenges before them during the and those who will be returning, the winter holidays.” note address for this year’s AOTOS ceremony. epidemic. January 2021 Seafarers LOG 5

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG_X.indd 5 12/15/20 7:23 PM Steward: Maritime Careers Worth Exploring Longtime, Enthusiastic Seafarer Featured in Job Corps Newsletter Recertified Steward Just B. Self the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Self said he particularly values his isn’t the type to seek publicity, but when Maryland, in 2012 and plans to continue career’s longevity. The lone drawback he recently saw an opportunity to help shipping for the foreseeable future. “was not being home for certain things. showcase the U.S. Merchant Marine, he “This line of work has provided pretty Other than that, while the job can be a readily agreed. much everything I need for my family,” handful, there’s no comparison to the Self launched his maritime career in he stated. “I like the stability and the jobs I had before I started sailing. Now, 1991 after graduating from the Treasure flexibility. It allowed me to choose the I make more money and work less than Island () Job Corps program. best place for my family to live, too. I when I was on land.” He initially sailed with the National have no plans to leave, unless I hit the As for advice he’d give to people Maritime Union before that organization lotto or something. This is pretty much considering maritime careers, Self said merged into the SIU in 2001. it. The work pays the bills.” it’s important to weigh some of the po- In early October 2020, Self was fea- Reflecting on his initial contacts both tential sacrifices involved “if they have tured in the Treasure Island Job Corps with the SIU and NMU, Self said he’s young children. But otherwise, I’d say newsletter (whose editors had been re- grateful for the assistance he received. take advantage of this opportunity. Stack minded about him). He encouraged oth- “There were a lot of SIU chefs on your money, get yourself set up, and ers to consider following his wake into Treasure Island back in 1991, and they maintain a positive attitude. Channel the maritime industry. were talking about wellness already,” he your energy and be respectful.” “I always wanted to reach back and recalled. “They knew that wellness pro- He added that patience can pay off. help with Job Corps, so I thought the grams were coming, and all these years For instance, Self first sailed as an OS article was good,” he said. “I’ve also later, it’s real. They were very helpful to even though he had a chief cook en- always felt that Job Corps would be a me. dorsement, because shipping was slow. good place for the union to get man- “Switching to the SIU was a good “The patrolman told me I’d be all power.” transition for me, and (retired SIU As- right. ‘Just don’t go out there acting like Self, 52, said his sailing career has sistant Vice President) Archie Ware was you know everything.’ He was right. proven very worthwhile. He has spent like an angel,” he continued. “We met I got to know the steward department the vast majority of his years working when he worked in San Francisco, and from the outside and built a rapport with for Alaska Tanker Company, where he coincidentally, we’d both end up moving them. Sometimes you have to do things Recertified Steward Just B. Self says his helped found the organization’s wellness to Jacksonville. He really made a differ- you don’t like in order to get where you career “provided pretty much everything I program. He completed recertification at ence in my career.” want to go. Things worked out.” need for my family.”

full application, which must be received by plicants who have not done so to take these April 15, 2021. tests no later than February 2021. Doing so SHBP Offers Scholarships for 2021 A scholarship selection committee, con- will virtually assure that the results reach The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan contains eligibility information, procedures sisting of a panel of professional educators, the evaluation committee in time for review. (SHBP) Scholarship Program will offer for applying for the scholarships and an ap- will examine the high school grades of all Seafarers and dependents who previ- eight awards totaling $132,000 for the 2021 plication form. Union members and their applicants as well as evaluate scores from ously applied for the scholarship program calendar year. dependents now have three avenues through their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and and were not selected are encouraged to Three scholarships will be designated which they may obtain this booklet. American College Tests (ACT). Accord- apply again this year, provided they still for Seafarers while five will be targeted Prospective applicants may request ingly, arrangements should be made by ap- meet the eligibility requirements. for spouses and dependents. One of the these booklets via mail by completing and endowments reserved for Seafarers totals mailing the form provided. Booklets may $20,000 and is intended to help defray the also be obtained by visiting any SIU hall. Please send me the 2021 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility in- costs associated with attending a four-year, Finally, applicants may obtain the book- formation, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. college-level course of study. The remain- let online by visiting www.seafarers.org, ing two are in the amount of $6,000 each going to the Member Benefits tab, navigat- Name ...... and are designed as two-year awards for ing to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Street Address ...... study at a postsecondary vocational school Plan menu and selecting Scholarship Book- City, State, Zip Code...... or community college. Each of the five let (PDF). Telephone Number ( ) ...... scholarships for spouses and dependents is Once the scholarship booklet has been for $20,000. received, applicants should check the eli- This application is for: Self Dependent Now is an ideal time to begin the appli- gibility criteria. They should also begin Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 cation process. The first step is to obtain a collecting and assembling the remainder of 1/21 scholarship program booklet. This package the paperwork needed to submit with the

Spotlight on Mariner Health

Chronic Conditions Pose Assorted Cajun Chicken Challenges to Health Care System Servings: 25 Ingredients ents together. 10 pounds chicken breast without Mix the dry seasoning into the Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers medications, frequent hospital visits, and abrupt declines in the skin, trimmed of fat chicken. Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. quality of life for the individual. Activities which they once did 1/2 cup olive oil suddenly cannot be done anymore. Things they use to be able to 2 tablespoons thyme, dry crushed Place the seasoned chicken in 2” Although the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to domi- do, they cannot do anymore. To make matters worse, individuals fine hotel pans. Bake the chicken in a nate the headlines, a host of other chronic health issues are suffering from chronic conditions could require help in execut- 1-1/4 teaspoons salt 350’F oven uncovered for about also presenting challenges to the effectiveness and adaptabil- ing day to day activities, requiring them to find and set aside 1-1/2 tablespoons paprika, Span- 15-20 min. until internal temp. of ity of our overall health care system. funds to pay for in-home assistance. ish 165’F. In addition to COVID-19, the country also has an alarm- The former conditions are long-term. Rather than waiting 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ingly high rate of non-communicable diseases (NCD) that until they develop irreversible health conditions caused by dan- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic Garnish pans with chopped pars- put people at risk. Some examples are cardiovascular dis- gerous lifestyle choices (smoking, poor diets and lack of exer- 2 tablespoons oregano, dry ley and roasted peppers. eases, diabetes, obesity, cancer, lung diseases, depression, cise), people should regularly seek guidance and assistance from crushed fine anxiety, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse. Cardiovascular dis- health care providers. These professionals can provide valuable 1 teaspoon white pepper, ground Yield: 5/8 ounce ease alone causes nearly half of the annual NCD deaths in this support – to adults as well as children – in fostering and main- 1 teaspoon cumin, ground Per Serving (excluding unknown country. And when additional chronic illnesses manifest them- taining healthy lifestyles and addressing issues before they be- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground items): 205 Calories; 6g Fat selves at the same time, the picture for health care gets much come serious. 2 tablespoons parsley, fresh (28.6% calories from fat); 34g more serious. Associated costs are phenomenal. Everyone is encouraged to see their family doctors and/ chopped Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace One in three adults worldwide has multiple chronic con- or other health care practitioners often. Do lab work when re- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, roasted Dietary Fiber: 84mg Cholesterol; ditions. So, in addition to the dollars and cents ingredients, quested and always take medications as prescribed. A final tip and diced 202mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 stress is added to this unsavory recipe that ultimately must be would be to remain open to new ideas for different types of treat- Grain (Starch); 4 112 Lean Meat: consumed by not only the person suffering from several con- ments. Preparation 0 Vegetable: 1 Fat. ditions, but also by their family members. In such a scenario, In the final analysis, managing one’s health effectively pays Place the chicken in a large con- everyone involved potentially could experience loss of work, huge benefits. There are less trips to the doctor, fewer labs and tainer with plenty of room. Pour (Recipe courtesy of the Paul pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. tests to accomplish and far less medications to ingest. Collec- the olive oil all over the chicken. Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry The personal challenge of living with chronic conditions can tively, these paybacks translate into reduced costs and a better Mix all the remaining dry ingredi- Lundeberg School of Seamanship) also give rise to other stressors including coping with the cost of quality of life.

6 Seafarers LOG January 2021

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG.indd 6 12/14/20 9:07 PM SIU’s Heindel Tackles Crew-Change Crisis Presented with the sizable task of describing some of the process audits, and more. countries and port states to cooperate to assure passports can more significant challenges facing the maritime industry, SIU Heindel also talked about how new technology will affect be renewed and/or extended for those trapped on board ves- Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel opened with what’s argu- the industry; the realities of a career at sea; and how the ITF sels and that visas can be issued or extended.” ably the runaway leader in that category: crew-change crises has worked collaboratively in the shipping industry. Heindel added, “We need leniency when it comes to in- across the globe. But he began by describing “the most pressing – and least ternational travel so that mariners can go to their jobs and Besides his role with the SIU, Heindel also serves as the forgivable – challenge faced by our industry. then go home. We need flexibility from governments because head of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s There are approximately 400,000 seafarers currently suf- society hasn’t faced a pandemic like this in a century. (ITF) Seafarers’ Section. He figuratively wore that hat as fering because of the pandemic, whether it’s due to ship re- And we need follow-through from all concerned, for all a keynote speaker Nov. 28 during an online address that strictions or pre-work quarantines or other related hardships. the right reasons.” reached tens of thousands of people in real time. The two- Employer organizations estimate that around half of those Some progress has been made, he noted: “Those of us in day event was hosted by The Naval Connection, and featured mariners – 200,000 people – have completed their tours but the industry have done practically everything possible, short more than 40 “global leaders” from all components of the are unable to return home due to various port state, labor sup- of shutting the industry down, to facilitate the easing of the maritime industry. ply state and travel restrictions. crew change crisis. Now, we need governments to recognize The host organization offers wide-ranging services includ- “For those who are unaware, seafarer contracts are often the importance of the industry, the significance of the human ing mariner training, consulting, quality management and as long as nine months on average,” he continued. “Imagine capital that keep their supplies and trade moving and keeping working that long, seven days a week, and rarely or never their store shelves filled…. leaving the ship, but still being stuck when you’ve finished If you retain nothing else from this presentation, please your contract. remember that hundreds of thousands of mariners around the Those travel restrictions cut both ways, too. There are world need our help – and the world, in turn, depends on hundreds of thousands of other seafarers who are ready to go their work.” back to work but are unable. This means they can’t support Changing subjects, he then discussed the ILO Maritime their families.”He then provided several examples of mari- Labor Convention (2006) and its positive impact on mariners; ners fulfilling their contracts but subsequently being unable to periodic criminalization of seafarers; and maritime piracy. leave the ships for months. In some instances, mariners ended Notwithstanding those and other challenges, Heindel said up spending 20 straight months on the vessels. maritime careers still can be appealing. There is a shortage of “This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Heindel asserted. “The seafarers around the world, though. ITF has numerous examples of other seafarers being held on “For one thing, those jobs aren’t going away anytime board ships for more than a year because of the inability or soon,” he said. “There isn’t a single country in the world that unwillingness of shipowners, charterers or governments to can support its economy internally without importing some make crew changes happen. goods or materials from other nations – items that can only be The ITF has received more than 12,700 requests for help moved by sea in sufficient quantities. And yes, that includes from seafarers since the pandemic began. Not all of those re- China. quests are about getting on or off the ship. The pandemic also Approximately 170 countries have an investment in sea- has created problems with non-payment of wages, and lack of farers as a workforce, and for island nations in particular, it’s provisions on board. And by ‘lack of provisions’ I don’t mean imperative that they retain those individuals. that the crews want big-screen televisions. Some, cannot get “Personally, I think we can help make it a more attractive basic food and water supplies. career by ensuring that the typical requirements are more re- Some of these conditions are what we’d normally call alistic, and that all parties feel invested beyond finances,” he slave labor.” added. “Right now, a contract is likely to involve a seafarer Besides the basic humanitarian considerations, Heindel from South Asia going on a tour of duty lasting nine months, said there are other problems stemming from the prolonged and that will be their only commitment to the shipping com- tours. pany. “Even in normal times, this industry is characterized by We might question what kind of loyalty these seafarers very long hours,” he explained. “We’re in a dangerous spot can realistically have, but yet they’re delivering the essentials with these extended tours, because tired and exhausted crew of life for the rest of humanity. members are much more likely to be involved in accidents, The ITF believes a longer-term vision should in- with potentially disastrous consequences not only for human volve working together as an industry to shape the future life but also for the environment.” skills needed to crew ships and therefore provide young sea- For remediation, he said mariners “need to be properly farers, including more women, with skills that can later be identified and respected as key, essential workers. Follow- transferable to a shore-based job.” ing ITF and employer lobbying, the United Nations has en- He concluded by discussing new technology in the mari- dorsed this approach, but in many countries it hasn’t been time industry. enough.” “As with all transport sectors, there are moves towards He said the industry also needs “consistency and coopera- more automation on ships,” he said. “Seafarers will never tion with national administrations so commitments by trans- stand in the way of progress, but new technology must be David Heindel portation departments are upheld across other governmental used to relieve the burden on mariners and to help them be SIU Secretary-Treasurer agencies. We need foreign affairs agencies of labor supplying more effective rather than replacing them.”

from circumstances beyond their control. In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist Labor Movement Mourns attacks, Larry took on the insurmountable challenge of restoring our transportation in- dustry and balancing the security needs of the country with the due process working Passing of TTD President people are entitled to, successfully securing protections in our laws that lie at the center With his wife and daughter by his side, in defense of the Jones Act.” of our homeland security regime. During AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department TTD Secretary-Treasurer Greg Regan is- the 2008 financial crisis, he played a pivotal (TTD) President Larry Willis on Nov. 29 suc- sued this statement of mourning and remem- role in shaping the largest economic stimulus cumbed to injuries sustained a week earlier in brance: package for transportation investments ever a tragic biking accident. He was 53. “We mourn today the shocking loss of passed in the U.S. Even up until the week he “The collective hearts of America’s labor a brother and fierce advocate for working left us, Larry continued to push for health care movement, particularly transportation unions, people. The transportation labor family and and economic assistance for those impacted are broken by the tragic death of our brother, the entire workers’ rights community lost by the COVID-19 pandemic, and acted as a TTD President Larry Willis,” said AFL-CIO a leader, activist, mentor, and friend when steady reminder that recovery from this crisis President Richard Trumka. “Larry brought a Larry … passed away yesterday. is not possible without the essential functions love of workers and a deep understanding of “For more than 20 years, Larry dedicated performed by transportation workers.” transportation issues to his leadership of TTD. his life to the labor movement, working tire- Regan added, “Larry’s advocacy style He paid an incredible attention to detail, al- lessly to enhance the rights and livelihoods was straightforward and effective: forge ways looking for opportunities to win more of those who work on the front lines of our meaningful relationships with leaders at all power and prosperity for the working people transportation system,” Regan continued. “In levels of government and across the politi- TTD President Larry Willis who move America. As a lawyer, congressio- addition to serving as president, a position cal spectrum, build power through unity and nal staff member, policy expert and worker he was elected to in 2017, Larry also served find ways to work together to lift up all trans- advocate, Larry was respected across the as secretary-treasurer, chief of staff, general portation workers. This approach is perhaps of people. Though his time with us has been aisle and throughout our movement. Larry’s counsel, and legislative counsel and represen- best exemplified in the 2018 FAA Reautho- cut short, Larry’s legacy will live on in the passing is a reminder that we cannot take a tative at TTD. His mastery of complex legal rization bill. Under a Republican-controlled legislation he helped shape, the policy makers single day for granted, and the AFL-CIO will and regulatory issues set the foundation for Congress and White House, Larry’s leader- he reached through thoughtful, sophisticated honor his memory by fighting for the issues TTD’s policy leadership, and raised the bar ship led transportation labor to endorse one arguments, the colleagues and staff he influ- he championed and the people he loved. Our for demanding and enforcing worker protec- of the most pro-labor FAA reauthorization enced and mentored, and the working people thoughts and prayers are with Larry’s wife tions throughout our nation’s transportation bills in U.S. history. he dedicated his life to.” and daughter, along with the entire TTD fam- system. “Millions of people have had their lives Willis graduated from the University of ily, during this difficult time.” “During his tenure at TTD, Larry faced improved because of the work Larry did, yet Iowa with a B.A. in Political Science and AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Depart- some of transportation labor’s most daunt- most of those people will never know Larry’s earned a J.D. from the John Marshall Law ment Executive Secretary-Treasurer ing challenges. He met those and other crises name,” Regan concluded. “For Larry, that School. He was an active member of the D.C. Daniel Duncan stated, “Larry was truly head on, showing an unwavering dedication didn’t matter. He was not motivated by fame Bar. He is survived by his wife, Amy, and dedicated to improving the lives of work- to working people and their unions, and a or fortune – his end goal was always about daughter, Samantha. ing people. He was a pugnacious fighter deep-seated desire to help those suffering doing the most good for the greatest number The TTD includes 33 affiliate unions.

January 2021 Seafarers LOG 7

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG_X.indd 7 12/15/20 7:40 PM At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

B-BOOKS IN OAKLAND – Being sworn in for their respective full B-books at the hall in Oakland, California, are (center in photo at left) Chief Cook Reynaldo Agapay and (center in photo at right) QEE Sukhbir Bains. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone is at left in both photos; SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona is at right.

SEAFARING SELFIE – Thanks to Bosun Brett Tiede- man (left) for this photo from aboard the Philadelphia ABOARD INDIANA HARBOR – Chief Cook Saleh Saleh Express (Marine Personnel & Provisioning). He’s pic- (above and right in photo at immediate right) shows off tured with AB Christopher Barberan (right) and OS some of his Thanksgiving Day handiwork aboard the Gideon Korley as they get ready to stow the starboard- American Steamship vessel. Thanks to Bosun Jeremy side accommodation ladder and pilot ladder after leav- Shenett for the photos. ing Hamburg, Germany.

ABOARD APL GUAM – Pictured from left in the group photo are Recerti- fied Steward Karl Meyer, SIU Guam Port Agent Fred Sanchez Jr., ACU Jose Ayon-Ayon and Chief Cook Virnabeth Cano. The other photos are from Thanksgiving.

8 Seafarers LOG January 2021

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG_X.indd 8 12/15/20 7:23 PM ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Pictured in the larger group photo are ABDM Felix Garcia, Bosun Gregorio Cudal, AB Ethan Jones, ABDM Fernando Haber, AB Debbie Garcia and AB Ali Mohsin Ali. The other photo includes John Bennett, Chief Cook Hyeyoung Forrer and GVA Roche Bonita. Both snapshots were taken in Singapore Harbor and supplied by vessel master Capt. T. Pham. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE – The Seafarers in these two photos are shown receiving their respective full B-books at the hiring hall. ACU Jack Gourgue (left) and OMU Blake Caviness are pictured in the photo above, while the image at right includes (from left) OMU Tyrique Batie, SA Ashley Fabor, AB John Paul, AB Travis Williams, AB Thyron Dy, SA Wilfredo Ramos-Silva and Chief Cook Brittany Harris.

FULL BOOK IN MOBILE – AB Joshua Maughon (left) picks up his full B-book at the A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – Chief Cook Al Yandoc (right) receives his B-BOOK IN JERSEY – SA Angel Berrios (right) picks up Mobile, Alabama, hall. He’s pictured with Port A-book at the Wilmington, California, hall. He’s pictured with Patrolman his book at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. Congratu- Agent Jimmy White. Jesse Sunga Jr. lating him as Port Agent Ray Henderson.

WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY – Longtime SIU member George DiCanio A-BOOK FOR AB – Terrance Jones (left) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Hous- (right) picks up his first pension check at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. He’s ton. He’s pictured with Patrolman Kelly Krick. pictured with SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi.

January 2021 Seafarers LOG 9

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG.indd 9 12/14/20 8:45 PM Great Lakes Towing Contract Approved

SIU members employed by Great Lakes Towing Company recently approved a new six-year contract that raises wages and maintains benefits. The agreement is retroactive to this past July and lasts through July 14, 2026. Negotiating on behalf of the SIU were Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell, Port Agent Todd Brdak and Safety Director Gerret Jarman. In a sign of the times, negotiations took place online. The contract, which covers 20 or so Seafarers, garnered unanimous approval. Members were surveyed leading up to ne- gotiations. Contract highlights include annual wage increases; maintaining top-level benefits for both the Seafarers Pen- sion Plan and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan; maintaining contributions to the Seafarers Money Pur- chase Pension Plan; adding bereavement pay; and con- tinuing training and upgrading opportunities for crew members at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Great Lakes Towing boasts the largest American-flag fleet on the Lakes, and provides harbor assist and The SIU-crewed Michigan is one of Great Lakes Towing’s newest tugs (christened in 2019). towing services to ships in more than 40 U.S. Great Lakes ports.

Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan

Introduction 2. U.S. Government securities 0.0% This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes impor- 3. Corporate debt instruments 0.0% tant information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): 21.8% general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation 5. Real estate (other than employer real property): 8.8% (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) 6. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 62.1% must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the 7. Other 3.9% Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2019 and Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report ending July 31, 2020 (the “2019 Plan Year”). Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic How Well Funded Is Your Plan copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administra- called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the tion’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making funded percentage for the 2019 Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2018 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available now. The annual report for the 2019 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee Benefits Funded Percentage Security Administration in May 2021. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as 2019 Plan Year 2018 Plan Year 2017 Plan Year the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993 or the Valuation Date August 1, 2019 August 1, 2018 August 1, 2017 address above if you want information about your accrued benefits. Funded Percentage Over 100% Over 100% Over 100% Value of Assets $106,530,327 $105,673,021 $104,556,811 Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Value of Liabilities $99,134,084 $97,021,217 $90,405,432 Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial val- plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits ues.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31, 2020 A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and ben- is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this notice eficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2019 annual participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2021. will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded. July 31, 2020 July 31, 2019 July 31, 2018 Fair Market Value of Assets $101,843,604 $104,172,254 $105,757,360 Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan of credited service. are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2019 Plan Year. or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual Participant Information rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 2,150. for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the Of this number, 847 were current employees, 962 were retired and receiving benefits, and 341 were retired participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retire- ment benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are Funding & Investment Policies preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by employer benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termi- contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping nation or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan, and may agree through collective bargaining in or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance with the mini- For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the mum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a portfolio of investments PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your Plan,” below. which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. Where to Get More Information Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU investments, as of the end of the 2019 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-764- 4993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the Board of Asset Allocations Percentage Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number or “EIN” 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 3.4% is 94-6061923.

10 Seafarers LOG January 2021

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG_X.indd 10 12/15/20 7:23 PM Voting in 2020 SIU Election Concludes Voting concluded at the end of last month ships) and was scheduled to end Dec. 31. to pick up a ballot either in person at one ballot, a list of voting locations and other (December), and results of the election The February issue of the Seafarers of the 20 union halls around the country related information appears on pages 6-10 of officials for the Seafarers International LOG will carry the election results. The bal- and overseas or via mail (absentee ballot). of the October 2020 issue of the Seafar- Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland lot included a list of candidates seeking the Additionally, because of the COVID-19 ers LOG. Waters will be announced, in accordance posts of president, executive vice president, pandemic, voting took place on numer- Additionally, a notice of the election was with the SIU Constitution, upon completion secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six ous SIU-crewed vessels, following execu- mailed in October to all members at their of the tallying committee’s work. assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents tive board actions that were approved by last known addresses, with a list of all vot- Special membership meetings took place (for a total of 25 positions). Individuals the membership last year. Those actions ing locations as well as a sample of the of- last month at union halls listed in the SIU elected in this round of balloting will serve included other steps aimed at promoting ficial ballot. Constitution to elect delegates for a rank- a four-year term lasting from 2021 through participation in the election while protect- and-file tallying committee. That commit- 2024. ing everyone’s safety. Editor’s note: The photos below, as well tee, including two members from each of Seafarers who were eligible to vote in Article XIII of the union’s constitu- as those appearing on Pages 12-14 show the union’s constitutional ports, will tabu- the election were full book members in tion spells out the procedures by which rank-and-file members casting their ballots late results of the election, which started good standing, according to the union’s an election will be conducted. The entire in union halls around the country as well as Nov. 1 in all SIU halls (and aboard many constitution. Members had the opportunity text of Article XIII, along with a sample aboard SIU-contracted vessels.

SA Graeme Dy (right) is sworn in by Port of Jacksonville Safety Director Joseph Koncul prior to Peter Bondarenko completes necessary forms before voting in Jacksonville. casting his ballot. Bondarenko is employed by Crowley as a dock worker at the Tallyrand Terminal.

Bosun John Telles is ready to drop his bal- Posing for a photo just prior to submitting their ballots in Puerto Rico (from left) are: Steward Jesus Pacheco, Steward Luis Santiago, lot in the box in Puerto Rico. OMU Richard “Red” Vega, Steward Fernando Marquez and Bosun Charles Ortiz.

Aboard the Gem State in Oakland: (from left to right): Bosun John Young, QEE Douglas Maravelias, QEE Milan Dzurek, GVA Ahmed Hussain, GUDE Greg To- jong, GVA Rodolfo Ludiv- ice, SB Charlito Aseberos, GVA Ali Naser, GUDE Sari Alkarnoon, SB Abdullah Falah.

January 2021 Seafarers LOG 11

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG_X.indd 11 12/15/20 7:23 PM Rank-and-File Members Cast Union Election Ballots

Piney Point Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) and Bosun Piney Point Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) and Chief Cook Aboard the Yorktown Express: Patrolman John Niday and Brian Guiry Walter Lent AB Phillip Nichols

Among those pictured aboard the Ocean Grand: Patrolman John Niday, Bosun Jovan Williams, AB Wash- Aboard the Yorktown Express: Port Agent Joe Zavala, QMED Ricky Pet- ington Williams and AB Jushua Maughon taway and AB Ronnie Quess

Aboard the Cape Henry in Oak- land: Chief Cook Gerardo Melano prepares to vote in the union elec- Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Ha- Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: QEE tion for his first time. waii: Bosun Ruben Datu Frederick Williams

Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Ha- Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Ha- Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: Patrolman John Niday and Virginia Ann SB Rose Ward waii: Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova waii: EU Gabriel Waiwaiole OMU Stanley Golden 12 Seafarers LOG January 2021

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG_X.indd 12 12/15/20 7:23 PM Aboard the Jean Anne in Hawaii: Bosun Near the Horizon Pacific in Hawaii: Port Agent Hazel Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Noel Camacho and SREC Ismael Gara- Aboard the Jean Anne in Hawaii: QEE Jo- Galbiso and EU Larry Calixto Hawaii: SB Maili Wang yua seph Letang and AB Noel Lau Rank-and-File Members Cast Union Election Ballots

Aboard the Mahimahi in Hawaii: ACU Roberto Firme, Chief Cook Aurelio Esperanze, SREC Frank Mamones Aboard the Mahimahi in Hawaii: Chief Cook Aurelio Esperanza, SREC Frank Ramones, Port Agent Hazel Galbiso

Aboard the R.J. Pfeiffer in Hawaii: ACU Mohamed Wasel, Chief Aboard the USNS Petersburg in Oakland: GVA Julian Lacausta, SB Jurally Aseberos, Bosun Roberto Flauta, Port Cook Ali Munsar, SREC Barry Alviso Agent Nicholas Marrone II. January 2021 Seafarers LOG 13

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG.indd 13 12/14/20 8:45 PM Rank-and-File Members Cast Union Election Ballots

Port of Algonac: AB Mukhtar Ali (left) picked up his Port of Baltimore: Patrolman Shane Sterry, Denebola Bosun Port of Baltimore: Patrolman Shane Sterry, Antares Bosun David James, Port Agent John Hoskins A-Seniority Book and cast his ballot. Safety Director Robert White, Port Agent John Hoskins Gerret Jarman is at right.

Aboard the Cape Mohican in Oakland: Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, Bosun Anthony Pace, GVA Aboard the USNS Algol: QEE Salah Saleh, GVA Martin Jakob, SB Dante Cruz Mohamed Omar.

Aboard the Daniel K. Inouye in Hawaii: QE4 Bevan Cottone (left) receives his full B-book at the Algonac hall prior to voting. Pictured Aboard the Maersk Columbus: QEE Jing ACU Ahmed Omer and SREC Edvaldo at right is Safety Director Gerret Jarman. Huang, SA Teo Flores Viana

Aboard the MV Houston in Hawaii (photo at left): QEP Michael Banks, Bosun Pablo Borja, Chief Steward Lemuel Robinson, QEP Noel Magbitang and GUDE Hermogenes Aquino

Note to Our Readers

Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including test- ing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We can- not stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protec- tion of those around you

14 Seafarers LOG January 2021

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG.indd 14 12/14/20 8:45 PM Kamikaze Attacks Wreak Havoc on Seafarers During Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Nov.10-Dec. 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Dec. 9.

WWII Battles in Philippines Total Registered Total Shipped Registered on Beach Continued from Page 24 All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups Port A B C A B C Reliefs A B C ing along toward the Persian Gulf about 850 miles southwest of India. Gunners were at general quarters and the ship had been Algonac 24 8 2 13 5 1 8 31 13 1 blacked out for the night when a torpedo hit, exploding in a Anchorage 0 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 0 hold full of smokeless powder, turning the ship instantly into a Baltimore 1 3 2 2 2 2 0 4 1 2 solid sheet of flame from bow to stern. Fort Lauderdale 18 15 5 10 9 4 10 28 13 6 Guam 5 1 0 1 0 0 0 7 1 0 Crewmen Trapped Harvey 11 7 3 8 3 4 9 15 11 4 Maurice W. Price later described how many of the Honolulu 10 1 0 6 3 0 1 11 2 1 crew were trapped in the quarters and the passageways, with the Houston 46 30 6 31 14 4 18 74 35 6 bodies of merchant seamen and gunners laying here and there Jacksonville 31 34 3 29 15 2 23 54 45 4 across the fire-swept deckplates. He told how two Japanese subs cruised among the wreckage Jersey City 23 5 5 14 9 2 12 47 12 8 while the Liberty exploded, taking the oars, masts, sails and Joliet 6 0 1 3 0 2 0 4 3 1 other gear from the lifeboats, throwing rations into the sea and Mobile 6 3 3 4 1 1 1 16 5 2 leaving the survivors, so they thought, to perish slowly from Norfolk 11 17 2 13 9 3 11 25 23 7 thirst and starvation. Oakland 15 9 1 13 3 0 9 19 11 1 But in their hurry to get away from the burning ship, which Philadelphia 5 4 0 5 1 0 2 4 4 0 served as a huge beacon as she flamed and exploded in the Piney Point 1 2 0 0 2 1 1 2 3 0 darkness of the night, the two Japanese U-boats overlooked an- Puerto Rico 6 4 0 4 4 1 6 16 6 1 other lifeboat which had floated free from the hulk. Tacoma 21 9 3 16 4 3 9 38 11 5 The boat enabled survivors to arrive safely after a voyage St. Louis 1 2 3 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 of many days, on some islands south of the Indian coast, where Wilmington 24 6 1 14 5 1 10 49 24 5 they were later picked up and taken to Columbo. TOTALS 265 162 41 189 92 33 133 446 225 57 Bad as were these sinkings, they seemed mild in comparison with the fate of the SS Jean Nicolet, a Liberty operated by the Oliver Olson Co. The personnel of this ship suffered diaboli- Algonac 2 4 2 2 0 2 2 2 4 1 cal treatment at the hands of a Japanese submarine crew which Anchorage 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 would have seemed more appropriate to the darkest days of the Baltimore 2 3 0 3 2 1 2 6 5 0 middle ages. Fort Lauderdale 7 7 2 5 6 1 6 11 12 2 Saw Long Service Guam 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 A lazy swell was rolling across the Indian Ocean on the eve- Harvey 3 2 0 0 4 0 2 6 5 1 ning of July 2, 1944, as the Jean Nicolet steamed her way from Honolulu 7 6 0 5 2 0 2 12 4 1 the Persian Gulf toward the coast of Africa, with more than 100 Houston 17 13 4 7 6 2 9 23 15 4 crewmen and passengers aboard – the latter including Army Jacksonville 22 18 0 13 12 0 17 28 25 0 personnel and civilians returning to the States after long service Jersey City 10 3 2 7 1 2 6 19 7 0 in the Persian Gulf. Joliet 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 At exactly seven minutes after seven, two torpedoes hit the Mobile 3 5 0 2 4 0 4 1 6 0 ship in number-three hold just forward of the bridge. It should Norfolk 9 19 1 4 11 0 4 14 22 4 have been enough to blast the freighter apart but these Liberties Oakland 8 7 3 6 3 2 4 10 7 3 were staunch vessels and, while she reeled under impact, the Philadelphia 1 2 0 3 0 0 1 1 3 0 engines kept going. In fact, the black gang stayed at their posts Piney Point 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 for five minutes after the blast, receiving no orders to abandon Puerto Rico 4 5 0 1 4 0 2 10 3 0 ship. Tacoma 12 11 3 8 7 1 6 16 9 3 When the engine was finally secured and the propeller St. Louis 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 stopped, all hands abandoned ship without a casualty, the boats Wilmington 10 11 0 5 5 0 4 18 21 3 and rafts laying some distance off from the deserted hulk. They TOTALS 121 119 17 72 68 11 71 186 154 23 could see flashes of gunfire from the unseen raider as it shelled the Jean Nicolet. Steward Department Algonac 4 0 0 2 0 0 0 8 2 0 Anchorage 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Baltimore 2 2 0 5 4 0 3 1 1 0 January & February 2021 Fort Lauderdale 8 3 0 4 5 0 8 19 7 1 Guam 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 Harvey 1 0 0 4 1 0 5 5 0 0 Membership Meetings Honolulu 7 3 1 2 1 0 1 15 3 1 Houston 15 5 1 9 2 1 4 26 7 1 Piney Point...... Monday: January 4, February 8 Jacksonville 19 12 0 14 10 0 13 34 15 3 Jersey City 12 3 0 7 1 0 4 11 3 1 Algonac...... Friday: January 8, February 12 Joliet 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Baltimore...... Thursday: January 7, February 11 Mobile 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 6 6 0 Guam...... Thursday: January 21, February 25 Norfolk 13 13 0 12 5 1 6 16 24 3 Oakland 18 5 0 9 3 0 3 25 9 1 Honolulu...... Friday: January 15, February 19 Philadelphia 4 1 0 4 1 0 3 0 0 0 Piney Point 3 4 0 4 0 0 1 3 6 0 Houston...... Monday: January 11, **Tuesday: February 16 Puerto Rico 3 4 1 3 2 1 6 4 9 1 Jacksonville...... Thursday: January 7, February 11 Tacoma 12 4 0 4 1 0 3 23 3 3 St. Louis 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 Joliet...... Thursday: January 14, February 18 Wilmington 20 7 1 21 6 0 8 33 14 1 TOTALS 149 69 5 104 42 3 69 239 109 16 Mobile...... Wednesday: January 13, February 17 New Orleans...... Tuesday: January 12, February 16 Entry Department Algonac 0 8 5 0 2 5 2 1 19 6 Jersey City...... Tuesday: January 5, February 9 Anchorage 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 1 1 3 Baltimore 0 2 1 0 3 2 2 0 1 1 Norfolk...... Friday: January 8, February 12 Fort Lauderdale 0 6 4 0 3 3 2 1 11 4 Guam 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 4 1 Oakland...... Thursday: January 14, February 18 Harvey 1 3 3 2 0 1 1 4 4 1 Philadelphia...... Wednesday: January 6, February 10 Honolulu 0 3 1 0 1 1 0 0 4 3 Houston 4 13 11 3 6 4 1 7 17 17 Port Everglades...... Thursday: January 14, February 18 Jacksonville 3 25 33 0 11 20 6 3 41 51 Jersey City 5 5 10 2 7 4 0 4 16 15 San Juan...... Thursday: January 7, February 11 Joliet 0 0 4 0 0 3 1 0 2 5 St. Louis...... Friday: January 15, February 19 Mobile 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 Norfolk 1 12 21 0 8 9 4 1 24 35 Tacoma...... Friday: January 22, February 26 Oakland 0 11 3 1 1 0 2 3 24 6 Philadelphia 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 Wilmington...... *Tuesday: January 19, Monday: February 22 Piney Point 0 0 12 0 0 13 1 0 0 3 Puerto Rico 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 *Wilmington change due to Martin Luther King Day Tacoma 5 10 7 4 3 9 1 5 17 10 Observance.**Houston change due to President’s Day Obser- vance. St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Wilmington 1 10 8 0 12 4 5 4 29 14 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m TOTALS 20 109 128 12 60 82 29 35 219 186 GRAND TOTAL: 555 459 191 377 262 129 302 906 707 282

January 2021 Seafarers LOG 15

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG_X.indd 15 12/15/20 7:23 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer This month’s question was answered by students in the AB-to-Mate class at the union-affiliated Paul Hall George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What was one of your favorite voyages, and what made it so? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Chenequa Rodriguez Carlo Gentile Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast AB AB My favorite voyage was in 2012. Going to Saint Petersburg, Russia, Kate Hunt, because I got to experience the culture Vice President Government Services I was on the Bobo. The most memo- rable part is, that’s when I traveled more than any other place I’ve been to. the most – we visited Spain, Estonia, We went to the Hermitage Museum, and HEADQUARTERS Greece. I got to experience different also saw the Nutcracker ballet on Christ- 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, cultures overseas on that trip. We mas. This was on the Ocean Crescent, Camp Springs, MD 20746 were in port for two weeks at a time, back in 2015. We were carrying gantry (301) 899-0675 and were visiting different places. cranes back to Norfolk. We were in Rus- ALGONAC sia for three weeks, and I’d never heard 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 of the Hermitage until I was there. (Edi- (810) 794-4988 tor’s note: It’s the world’s second-largest art museum. We had to look it up.) ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 David Brusco Ahmed Mohamed Eissa (907) 561-4988 AB AB Probably aboard the Green Lake, a One of my favorites was on the BALTIMORE RO/RO. Not only was the crew great, 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 heavy-lift ship Ocean Charger, in 2013 (410) 327-4900 I ran into an old shipmate who I went or 2014. We left Norfolk and went to school with. We went from Cali- around the world, visited a lot of places. GUAM fornia to Hawaii to the Far East and We had a lot of good shipmates from P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 just had a blast. The officers were the union. We also went through a hur- Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B amazing, too. We spent two weeks ricane in the Indian Ocean. When you 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 in Honolulu, two weeks in Busan, see something like that, you think there’s (671) 477-1350 Korea. We had port time everywhere. no way you can keep floating, but we HONOLULU had a good crew and we worked to get 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 through it. (808) 845-5222

HOUSTON Diego Barbosa Jorge Santos 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 Bosun AB (713) 659-5152 One of my favorites was on board I’ve been to so many places, but one the Ocean Glory. Heavy-lift cargo is voyage was two years ago, on the Green JACKSONVILLE always versatile – one day you could Cove. We went all around the world in 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 be loading helicopters, the next day 120 days. I got on in Texas and we did you could be fixing up the ship to some coastwise, then started overseas JERSEY CITY carry grain. The run itself was Japan from Newark. We left Newark in Sep- 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 and Korea. We brought back the last tember and came back to Jacksonville in (201) 434-6000 explosives and bombs that were left January. That’s a very fast ship. We had from the Korean War to the U.S. Then at least a couple of days in each port, es- JOLIET we went to Portland and all the way pecially in the Middle East and Far East. 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 back out. We carried grain to Oman We experienced new cultures. (815) 723-8002 and had to retrofit the ship entirely. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916

NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Pic From NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 The Past (757) 622-1892

OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 This photo first ran in the May 1, 1953 LOG. The PHILADELPHIA original caption: Seafarer 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 Anthony Skillman recuper- (215) 336-3818 ates at his home PINEY POINT under the watchful eye of 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 his wife, Catherine, after (301) 994-0010 rescuing a shipmate at sea. Skillman saved Conrad PORT EVERGLADES Nilsen, of the 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Beatrice, when Nilsen was (954) 522-7984 knocked cold by a swell that threatened to sweep SAN JUAN him overboard. Skillman 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills injured his back and right San Juan, PR 00920 side in the rescue. (787) 721-4033

ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500

TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774

WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000

If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to [email protected]

16 Seafarers LOG January 2021

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG_X.indd 16 12/15/20 7:23 PM Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland water- ways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead.

DEEP SEA Jersey. Brother DiCanio upgraded Center on multiple occasions. and upgraded often at the Piney Butler upgraded at the Paul Hall at the Paul Hall Center in 2004. He Brother Ostrowski’s first vessel Point school. Brother Williams last Center in 1980. He last worked lives in Brooklyn, New York. was the Seabulk Pride; his most shipped aboard the Liberty Pas- with Moran Towing of Maryland SALVADOR BACLAYON recent, the Horizon Anchorage. He sion and is a resident of Lake City, and resides in Baltimore. makes his home in Seattle. South Carolina. Brother Salvador Baclayon, 61, LARRY DOCKWILLER signed on with the Seafarers in 1986. ERIC DOBSON A member of the Brother Larry Dockwiller, 65, ERROL PINKHAM engine department, signed on with the SIU in 1977 Brother Eric Dobson, 65, donned he first sailed on when he shipped Brother Errol Pinkham, 64, signed GREAT LAKES the SIU colors in 1994. A deck de- the Independence. on the Aquarius. on with the Seafarers in 1980 partment member, he upgraded at Brother Baclayon He was a steward when he sailed on the Piney Point school on multiple upgraded often at department mem- the Santa Mer- JAMES STANLEY occasions. Brother Dobson sailed the Piney Point ber and upgraded cedes. Brother Brother James Stanley, 65, became with G&H Towing for the duration school. He most on numerous Pinkham was a a member of the of his career. He makes his home recently sailed on occasions at member of the SIU in 1973, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. the USNS Peters- the Piney Point deck department first working burg and resides in school. Brother and upgraded aboard the Paul Covina, California. Dockwiller’s at the union- H. Townsend. DANIEL HANBURY final vessel was affiliated Piney He sailed in the Brother Daniel the Mobile. He makes his home in Point school on deck department, ROBERT BESS Hanbury, 60, Ruidoso, New Mexico. numerous occa- most recently on signed on with Brother Robert Bess, 65, joined sions. He most recently sailed on the Charles E. the union in the Yorktown Express and resides Wilson. Brother the Seafarers International Union JOHN LEWIS 1979. He sailed in 1973, initially sailing on the in Colonie, New York. Stanley calls Al- in the deck de- Sea-Land Brother John Lewis, 76, joined the pena, Michigan, home. partment and McLean. He SIU in 1972. Sailing in both the RAMEND PRASAD worked for sailed in all three deck and steward departments, he Crescent Towing departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center Brother Ramend Prasad, 73, began THOMAS STROPICH and Salvage for upgraded at the on multiple occasions. Brother shipping with the SIU in 1990, ini- Brother Thomas Stropich, 62, his entire career. Paul Hall Center Lewis’ first vessel was the Mis- tially sailing on the Independence. embarked on his career with the Brother Hanbury lives in Satsuma, on multiple oc- souri; his last, the Endurance. He A deck department member, he up- union in 1982. A deck department Alabama. casions. Brother settled in New Orleans. graded at the Paul Hall Center on member, he upgraded at the Paul Bess last shipped multiple occasions. Brother Prasad Hall Center on numerous occa- aboard the Gulf last shipped aboard the Patriot. He sions. Brother Stropich worked DAVID LING GREGORY LYNCH Banker. He settled in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. for Upper Lakes Towing for the Brother David Ling, 63, began makes his home Brother Gregory Lynch, 64, began majority of his career. He settled shipping with the SIU in 1978 in Norfolk, Virginia. in Tucson, Arizona. his career with the SIU in 1980, VICTOR SAPP when he worked initially sailing for Quality Quar- LUDIVICO CASTILLO aboard the Santa Brother Victor Sapp, 60, joined the ries. He upgraded Mariana. He union in 1979. An engine depart- KENNETH SVEDEK at the Paul Hall Brother Ludivico Castillo, 65, was a member ment member, Brother Ken- Center on multi- began his career with the union of the steward he first sailed neth Svedek, 67, ple occasions and in 1991 when he sailed on the department and aboard the El started sailing was a member of Independence. He shipped in all upgraded at Paso Sonatrach. with the Seafar- the deck depart- three departments and upgraded at the Piney Point Brother Sapp ers in 1977. He ment. Brother the Piney Point school on several school on sev- upgraded often at sailed in the Ling concluded occasions. Brother Castillo’s final eral occasions. the Piney Point deck department, his career aboard vessel was the Maunawili. He Brother Lynch school. He most initially aboard the Liberty Island. He is a resident lives in Waipahu, Hawaii. most recently shipped on the Peli- recently shipped the Schoellkoff. of Fort Gratiot, Michigan. can State. He makes his home in aboard the Isla Brother Svedek Ocean Park, Washington. Bella and makes last worked on JAMES CORPREW his home in Jacksonville, . the Saturn. He lives in Pellston, STEVEN PETROSKI Michigan. Brother James Corprew, 68, signed CONRADO MARTINEZ Brother Steven Petroski, 63, on with the SIU in 2001. He sailed REGINALD WATKINS became a member of the SIU in in the engine department and Brother Conrado Martinez, 66, 1976. He sailed upgraded at the Paul Hall Center started sailing with the SIU in Brother Reginald Watkins, 63, in the deck on numerous occasions. Brother 1991. He first sailed on the Ul- joined the SIU in 1981. He shipped INLAND department Corprew’s first vessel was the trasea, and shipped in the engine in the deck de- and was first USNS Indomitable; his last, the department. Brother Martinez up- partment, sailing employed by Cape Edmont. He calls Norfolk, graded at the Paul Hall Center on first aboard the DAVID BENSON Interstate Oil. Virginia, home. multiple occasions and last worked American Eagle. Brother David Benson, 62, became Brother Petroski aboard the Charleston Express. He Brother Watkins a member of the SIU in 1991. He upgraded at the lives in Palm Bay, Florida. upgraded at the union-affiliated RAY DANIELS sailed in the deck department and Paul Hall Center was employed by Crescent Towing Piney Point on several oc- school in 1982. Brother Ray Daniels, 65, started CHRISTOPHER MAYE and Salvage for the duration of his sailing with the union in 1978 casions. He last career. Brother Benson makes his He concluded his career with when he shipped Brother Christopher Maye, 60, sailed on the San- home in New Orleans. American Marine Corporation and on the Maine. signed on with the Seafarers in torini and lives in makes his home in Cherry Hill, A member of 1988 when he Mobile, Alabama. New Jersey. the engine de- sailed on the JEFF BRUTON partment, he USNS Antares. JAMES WHITE Brother Jeff Bruton, 67, started VINCENT SCOTT upgraded often Brother Maye his career with the Seafarers in at the Piney was a member Brother James White, 65, started 1996. He sailed in the deck depart- Brother Vincent Scott, 61, started Point school. of the deck de- sailing with the Seafarers Inter- ment and upgraded at the Piney his career with the Seafarers in Brother Daniels partment and national Union in 1974. He was a Point school on several occasions. 1988. He sailed in the deck depart- last sailed on upgraded at member of the engine department Brother Bruton worked for OSG ment and upgraded at the Paul the Franklin J. the Piney Point and first shipped on the St. Louis. Ship Management throughout Hall Center on multiple occasions. Phillips and settled in Suffolk, school in 1989. Brother White concluded his his entire career. He lives in New Brother Scott worked for OSG Virginia. He most recently career on the Patriot. He resides Castle, Delaware. Ship Management for most of sailed on the USNS John Glenn and Chula Vista, California. his career. He lives in Onancock, resides in Haworth, Oklahoma. Virginia. GEORGE DICANIO LAWRENCE BUTLER SHAWN WILLIAMS Brother George MICHAEL OSTROWSKI Brother Law- DiCanio, 55, Brother Shawn rence Butler, 65, embarked on Brother Michael Williams, 53, joined the union his career with Ostrowski, 67, signed on with in 1972. Sail- the Seafarers in donned the SIU the union in ing in the deck 1990. He spent colors in 2001. 1992, initially department, he his entire tenure He shipped in the sailing aboard was initially em- as part of the deck department the Producer. He ployed by OSG shore gang in and upgraded was a deck de- Ship Manage- Elizabeth, New at the Paul Hall partment member ment. Brother January 2021 Seafarers LOG 17

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG.indd 17 12/14/20 8:45 PM Final Departures

DEEP SEA shipped on the APL China. He ALEJANDRO MURILLO SIU in 1960 and passed away No- retired in 2015 and lived in San Pensioner Alejandro Murillo, 88, was first em- vember 11. He KENNETH BIDDLE Francisco. died November 17. He signed ployed by Ameri- joined the union can Steamship. in 1971 when Pensioner Kenneth Biddle, 76, on with the union in 1978 and Sailing in the en- he worked on died November 7. He signed on DAVID MARTZ was a steward department mem- gine department, the Vantage En- with the union in 1968 and was ber. Brother Murillo first sailed Pensioner David Martz, 64, Brother Elder deavor. Brother an engine department member. aboard the Santa Mercedes. He died November 29. He donned concluded his ca- Hunter sailed in Brother Biddle first shipped last shipped on the Consumer the SIU colors reer aboard the St. Clair. He went the deck department and con- aboard the Del Norte. He last and retired in 1998. Brother in 1975, initially on pension in 1991 and lived in cluded his career with Crowley sailed on the El Morro before Murillo settled in Paramount, sailing aboard Spartanburg, South Carolina. Towing and Transportation. He going on pension in 2014. California. the Van De- went on pension in 1999 and Brother Biddle was a resident of fender. Brother settled in Gulfport, Mississippi. Cookeville, Tennessee. Martz sailed in BILLY NUCKOLS EDWARD KESTER the deck depart- Pensioner Edward Kester, 76, Pensioner Billy Nuckols, 95, JAMES KABAKOVICH WILLIAM BRATTON ment and con- passed away October 9. He passed away May 2. He em- cluded his career barked on his career with the Pensioner James Kabakovich, Pensioner William Bratton, 74, began sailing with aboard the USNS Denebola. Seafarers in 1964, initially work- 93, died November 21. He em- passed away November 3. He the union in 1952 He went on pension in 2019 ing for American Steamship. barked on his career with the began his career with the SIU when he sailed and was a resident of Laurel, A deck department member, SIU in 1962. Brother Kaba- in 1987 when he shipped with with Sprogue Delaware. Brother Kester last worked for kovich was a deck department Dixie Carriers. Brother Brat- Steamship. A Great Lakes Associates. He re- member and worked for McAl- ton was a member of the deck deck depart- tired in 2009 and called Parma lister Towing of Baltimore for department and last sailed on PATRICK MCCARTHY ment member, Heights, Ohio, home. his entire career. He became a the Jack Lummus. He became a Brother Nuckols Pensioner Patrick McCarthy, pensioner in 1985 and was a Bal- pensioner in 2013 and made his last sailed aboard 71, passed away timore resident. home in Monroe, North Caro- October 7. He the Capricorn. He became a GLENN WATTERS lina. embarked on pensioner in 1991 and made his Pensioner Glenn Watters, 90, his career with home in Anstead, West Virginia. died November 15. He donned RAYMOND MCKNIGHT JACK CALLAWAY the Seafarers in the SIU colors in 1969 when Pensioner Raymond McKnight, 1990, initially JOSE RIVERA he sailed on the Reiss Brothers. 62, passed away November 1. Pensioner Jack Callaway, 89, shipping on the Brother Watters was a member Born in Philadelphia, he joined died November Pensioner Jose Rivera, 80, died USNS Indomi- of the deck department and last the Seafarers in 1978. Brother 17. He started November 19. He became a table. A deck shipped aboard the Paul H. McKnight first worked with Na- shipping with the member of the department member, Brother Townsend. He began collecting tional Marine Service and sailed SIU in 1952 when SIU in 1965 when McCarthy last sailed aboard the his pension in 1996 and resided in the deck department. He last he sailed on the he worked with Taurus. He began collecting his in Wichita, Kansas. worked for Crowley Towing and Joyce Kilmer. A United States pension in 2015 and settled in Transportation and went on pen- deck department Shipping. Brother Blaine, Washington. sion in 2004. Brother McKnight member, Brother Rivera was a INLAND called Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, Callaway last steward depart- home. sailed aboard the Del Mar. He BOGUSLAW MIKULA ment member. lived in Boaz, Alabama. Pensioner Boguslaw Mikula, 66, He last sailed on GEORGE A. BODDEN died November 9. He began his the Sirius and retired in 2007. Pensioner George A. Bodden, PAUL STARVISH Brother Rivera resided in Hous- LAWRENCE CONTICELLO career with the SIU in 2005, ini- 82, passed away Brother Paul Starvish, 37, died tially sailing aboard the Energy ton. November 16. August 24. He signed on with Pensioner Lawrence Conticello, Enterprise. Brother Mikula was He joined the the union in 2007. Brother 96, passed away December 1. a member of the deck depart- DAVID SWITZER Seafarers in 1971 Starvish was a deck department He joined the ment and concluded his career and sailed in the member and was employed by Seafarers Inter- Pensioner David Switzer, 76, on the Maersk Idaho. He became deck department. Penn Maritime for the duration national Union in passed away November 19. He a pensioner in 2019 and resided Brother Bodden of his career. He was a resident 1947 and initially signed on with in Phoenix. the SIU in 1990. worked with Red of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. sailed aboard the Circle Transport Oremar. Brother Brother Switzer DOMINGO MIRELES was an engine de- for his entire career. He retired in Conticello was 2001 and lived in Tampa, Florida. NMU a member of the Pensioner Domingo Mireles, partment member deck department 90, passed away October 28. and first shipped and last shipped on the Santa He signed on with the union on the Sealift MARVIN CATES VERNAL MARSHALL Lucia. He became a pensioner in 1990, first Mediterranean. Pensioner Marvin Cates, 83, died Pensioner Vernal Marshall, 88, in 1983 and settled in Towson, sailing aboard He concluded November 4. A deck department died October 31. He was an NMU Maryland. the USNS Algol. his career aboard the Honor and member, he signed on with the member before the 2001 NMU/ Brother Mireles became a pensioner in 2010. SIU in 1968. Brother Cates was SIU merger. Brother Marshall Brother Switzer lived in Excello, EDMOND FRANCOIS sailed in both the first employed by Hvide Marine. sailed in the engine department deck and engine Missouri. He last worked for Allied Trans- and last shipped aboard the Maersk Pensioner Edmond Francois, 81, departments and portation and went on pension in Iowa. He retired in 2009 and settled died November 29. Signing on concluded his MICHAEL TANNEHILL 1999. Brother Cates was a resi- in Brooklyn, New York. with the union in 2001, he first career aboard the dent of Hernando, Mississippi. shipped on the St. Louis Express. Brother Michael Tannehill, 60, Cape Vincent. He began col- Brother Francois sailed in the passed away October 2. Born lecting his pension in 2001 and In addition to the foregoing individu- deck department and last worked in Pasadena, Texas, he joined WALTER EVANS als, the following union members have made his home in Beaumont, on the Charleston Express. He the union in 1989. Brother Tan- Pensioner Walter Evans, 75, also passed away. Insufficient informa- Texas. tion was available to develop summaries went on pension in 2016 and re- nehill first shipped aboard the passed away November 12. sided in Houston. Courier. A member of the deck He signed on with the union of their respective careers. HASKELL MOORE department, he last sailed on the in 1992. A deck department NAME AGE DOD Commitment. He was a Houston SUHERMADHY GHANI Pensioner Haskell Moore, 91, member, Brother Evans was em- Barrick, David 83 09/23/2020 passed away October 23. He resident. ployed by Higman Barge Lines Castro, Juan 96 09/12/2020 Pensioner Suhermadhy Ghani, joined the Seafarers in 1961 and for the duration of his career. He Lugo, Jose 87 10/28/2020 73, passed away November 19. Martin, Edward 86 11/12/2020 first sailed with Isco Inc. Brother began collecting his pension in He began sailing with the SIU Reed, Allen 79 11/06/2020 Moore was an engine department GREAT LAKES 2007 and lived in Bryan, Texas. Reyes, Jose 98 11/20/2020 in 1981 when he shipped out member. He last shipped on the Robinson, George 80 11/19/2020 aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Cape Avinof and retired in 1994. CLARENCE ELDER Sharif, Abdo 83 09/20/2020 Ghani was a steward depart- WILLIAM HUNTER Triplett, Norman 83 09/27/2020 Brother Moore lived in Sequim, ment member and most recently Pensioner Clarence Elder, 92, Pensioner William Hunter, 89, Washington. died October 25. He joined the 18 Seafarers LOG January 2021

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG.indd 18 12/14/20 8:45 PM The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as pos- sible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Digest of Shipboard Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requir- ing attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The Union Meetings minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.

OREGON (Intrepid Person- Educational Director Enrique the importance of upgrading addressed in shipyard. Wi-Fi in using CBD oils, including the nel & Provisioning.), June 23 Velez, Deck Delegate Michael at the Paul Hall Center. Crew port now working. Chairman chances of triggering positive – Chairman Gerald Alford, Smith, Engine Delegate Kirk reviewed ship’s fund and dis- thanked members for their co- drug test results. Educational di- Secretary Donald Williams, Chambers. Crew went over cussed MMC renewals. No operation with large riding crew rector stressed various consider- Educational Director Frank August LOG and protocols for beefs or disputed OT reported. while construction continues at ations regarding both attending Harris. Vote of thanks given COVID-19 safety. Chairman Steward delegate thanked ev- sea with exhaust scrubber unit. upgrading courses at the Paul to steward department for a job informed members that mariners eryone for helping with stores He also thanked everyone for Hall Center and renewing docu- well done. Educational director can now use their TWIC cards and BBQ. following COVID-19 protocols ments. No beefs or disputed OT reminded crew to upgrade at the to go through the pre-check on board, both at sea and in reported. New linens ordered. Piney Point school. No beefs or line at all airports. Secretary HORIZON ANCHORAGE port. Secretary gave thanks to Vote of thanks given to steward disputed OT reported. Members advised crew to remain six (Horizon Lines, LLC.), Sep- both GVAs who assisted with department. asked for better Wi-Fi on ship. feet apart while in the galley. tember 28 – Chairman Shawn passageway cleaning and wax- Educational director reminded Strand, Secretary Amanda ing after shipyard period. Edu- ALASKAN NAVIGATOR DEWAYNE T. WILLIAMS members of the August reopen- Suncin, Educational Director cational director advised crew (Alaska Tanker Company), Oc- (Crowley), August 31 – Chair- ing of the Piney Point school Gary Dahl, Engine Delegate to follow updates for reopening tober 17 – Chairman Gregory man Volodymyr Bendus, and encouraged them to sign up Mikel Tittsworth, Steward classes at the Paul Hall Center. Hamilton, Secretary Albert Secretary Elizabeth Ibanez, for upgrading courses. No beefs Delegate Paul Diesner. Payoff No beefs or disputed OT re- Sison, Educational Director Educational Director Fred- or disputed OT reported. Crew at sea scheduled to take place in ported. Ship is coming around Leland Peterson, Deck Dele- rick Wright, Deck Delegate discussed the purchase of Amer- Tacoma, Washington. Chairman after China shipyard period. gate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Sean Wilson, Engine Delegate ican Steamship Company by encouraged members to sign up Much more to tidy up after rid- Delegate Louie Smith, Stew- Michael Maldonado, Stew- Rand Logistics. Seafarers’ jobs for text alerts from the union. ing crew leaves the end of Octo- ard Delegate Sajid Foster. ard Delegate Philip Zulueta. are secure. Members requested Secretary reminded crew to stay ber/November. Members would Chairman encouraged crew Vessel now receiving Core lift of ship restriction and would on top of documents. Educa- appreciate more work to be to read OSG’s travel memo. Plus insurance. Exceptional like more vacation days. Next tional director urged members done to correct issue with house Secretary thanked members performance by members by port: Jacksonville, Florida. to upgrade at the union-affil- air conditioning. Next port: San for keeping mess area tidy successfully completing ABS iated Piney Point school and Diego. and thanked steward assistant and COI inspections. Secretary USNS MONTFORD POINT advised them to donate to SPAD for maintaining it. Crew was reported dramatic improvement (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), (Seafarers Political Activity GOLDEN STATE (Intrepid reminded to follow meal hours in onboard sanitation and house- August 31 – Chairman Wil- Donation). No beefs or disputed Personnel & Provisioning), and to return utensils and keeping as a result of the joint liam Johnson, Secretary Jean OT reported. Members dis- October 13 – Chairman Philip dishes to galley. Educational effort among crew. Educational Favreaux, Educational Director cussed policies pertaining to re- McGeoghegan, Secretary director urged members to director announced the reopen- Jose Encarnacion, Deck Del- striction to ship. Crew requested Michael Carello, Educational keep up with documents. Most ing of the Paul Hall Center and egate Allan Coloyan, Engine company-provided cold-weather Director Juan Castillo, Engine upgrading courses at the Piney encouraged members to upgrade Delegate Richard Digman, gear while in ports of Alaska Delegate David Garrett, Stew- Point school are still closed as often as possible. Deck del- Steward Delegate Christo- and that overtime be counted ard Delegate Michael McDer- due to COVID-19 pandemic. egate echoed secretary’s report pher Kluth. Crew went over towards pension benefits. Mem- mott. Safety mats still need to No beefs or disputed OT re- and commended all crewmem- email system installation for bers asked that vacation days be be ordered. Wi-Fi not available ported. Members motioned for bers for doing an amazing job unlicensed crew. Chairman dis- counted 20 for 30 and physicals yet and flooring needs to be same pay scale for all entry improving the ship. Members cussed updates to COVID-19 to only be required annually. replaced. Ventilation system level positions across deck, requested standard Wi-Fi testing for members returning to needs to be cleaned. Some items steward and engine depart- availability aboard ship and next port. He reviewed proce- MARJORIE C (Pasha), Sep- have been obtained by officers ments. Crew requested new motioned to raise vacation pay dures and dates of certificates/ tember 13 – Chairman Daniel but not obtained by crew (mat- blankets and Wi-Fi. Members to 15 for 30. Next port: Diego expiring dates for COVID ex- Davenport, Secretary Jatniel tresses/TVs). Chairman dis- requested launch service and Garcia. tensions. Steward department Aguilera Santiago, Educational cussed pandemic-related issues, union patrolman to board ship prepared two pier-side BBQs Director Jared Cabasug, En- reiterated the importance of the in Long Beach, California. ISLA BELLA (TOTE), August while gangway was down. gine Delegate Oscar Cesena, Jones Act and also reviewed Vote of thanks given to stew- 31 – Chairman Paulin Augus- Port stay was enjoyed by all. Steward Delegate Reno Duque. written resolutions. Secretary ard department for job well tin, Secretary Melvin Cooper, Educational director stressed Some old business items already reminded crew of risks when done. Next port: Long Beach.

Know Your Rights

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu- requested. The proper address for this is: PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and In- to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to fur- land Waters District makes specific provision Augustin Tellez, Chairman the SIU unless an official union receipt is given ther its objects and purposes including, but for safeguarding the membership’s money Seafarers Appeals Board for same. Under no circumstances should any not limited to, furthering the political, social and union finances. The constitution requires 5201 Capital Gateway Drive member pay any money for any reason unless and economic interests of maritime workers, a detailed audit by certified public accoun- Camp Springs, MD 20746 he is given such receipt. In the event anyone the preservation and furthering of the Ameri- tants every year, which is to be submitted to attempts to require any such payment be made can merchant marine with improved employ- the membership by the secretary-treasurer. Full copies of contracts as referred to are without supplying a receipt, or if a member is ment opportunities for seamen and boatmen A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file available to members at all times, either by required to make a payment and is given an and the advancement of trade union concepts. members, elected by the membership, each writing directly to the union or to the Seafar- official receipt, but feels that he or she should In connection with such objects, SPAD sup- year examines the finances of the union and ers Appeals Board. not have been required to make such payment, ports and contributes to political candidates reports fully their findings and recommenda- this should immediately be reported to union for elective office. All contributions are vol- tions. Members of this committee may make CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts headquarters. untary. No contribution may be solicited or dissenting reports, specific recommendations are available in all SIU halls. These contracts received because of force, job discrimination, and separate findings. specify the wages and conditions under which CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con- or as a condition of membership in the union TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU or boat. Members should know their contract stitution are available in all union halls. All or of employment. If a contribution is made Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dis- rights, as well as their obligations, such as fil- members should obtain copies of this consti- by reason of the above improper conduct, trict are administered in accordance with the ing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and tution so as to familiarize themselves with its the member should notify the Seafarers In- provisions of various trust fund agreements. in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member contents. Any time a member feels any other ternational Union or SPAD by certified mail All these agreements specify that the trustees believes that an SIU patrolman or other union member or officer is attempting to deprive within 30 days of the contribution for inves- in charge of these funds shall equally consist official fails to protect their contractual rights him or her of any constitutional right or ob- tigation and appropriate action and refund, if of union and management representatives and properly, he or she should contact the nearest ligation by any methods, such as dealing with involuntary. A member should support SPAD their alternates. All expenditures and disburse- SIU port agent. charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, to protect and further his or her economic, ments of trust funds are made only upon ap- the member so affected should immediately political and social interests, and American proval by a majority of the trustees. All trust EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA- notify headquarters. trade union concepts. fund financial records are available at the FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradition- headquarters of the various trust funds. ally has refrained from publishing any article EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guar- NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any serving the political purposes of any individual anteed equal rights in employment and as time a member feels that any of the above SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s ship- in the union, officer or member. It also has re- members of the SIU. These rights are clearly rights have been violated, or that he or she has ping rights and seniority are protected ex- frained from publishing articles deemed harm- set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the con- been denied the constitutional right of access clusively by contracts between the union and ful to the union or its collective membership. tracts which the union has negotiated with the to union records or information, the member the employers. Members should get to know This established policy has been reaffirmed employers. Consequently, no member may be should immediately notify SIU President Mi- their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts by membership action at the September 1960 discriminated against because of race, creed, chael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, are posted and available in all union halls. If meetings in all constitutional ports. The respon- color, sex, national or geographic origin. return receipt requested. The address is: members believe there have been violations of sibility for Sea farers LOG policy is vested in an If any member feels that he or she is denied their shipping or seniority rights as contained editorial board which consists of the executive the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, Michael Sacco, President in the contracts between the union and the em- board of the union. The executive board may the member should notify union headquarters. Seafarers International Union ployers, they should notify the Seafarers Ap- delegate, from among its ranks, one individual 5201 Capital Gateway Drive peals Board by certified mail, return receipt to carry out this responsibility. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY Camp Springs, MD 20746.

January 2021 Seafarers LOG 19

68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG.indd 19 12/14/20 8:45 PM Paul Hall Center Classes

The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Title of Start Date of Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland Course Date Completion during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are Safety/Open Upgrading Courses geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Basic Training Revalidation February 5 February 5 Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the April 16 April 16 Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Government Vessels February 8 February 12 Title of Start Date of February 15 February 19 Course Date Completion March 8 March 12 March 22 March 26 Gap Closing Courses

MSC Storekeeper Basic March 22 April 9

MSC Supply Configuration Management April 12 May 7

Deck Department Upgrading Courses

Able Seafarer-Deck (online lecture) January 18 January 29 April 5 April 16

Able Seafarer-Deck (at Piney Point) February 1 February 5 April 19 April 23

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

FOWT March 15 April 9

Junior Engineer March 29 May 21

Marine Electrician March 8 April 9

Marine Refer Tech January 25 March 5

Machinist February 15 March 5

Pumpman March 8 March 12

Welding January 25 February 12 April 12 April 30

Steward Department Upgrading Courses

Galley Operations February 8 March 5 May 3 May 28

Certified Chief Cook January 25 February 26 March 1 April 2 April 5 May 7

Advanced Galley Operations March 8 April 2

Chief Steward May 3 May 28

Safety/Open Upgrading Courses

Basic Training January 25 January 29 March 8 March 12

UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION ______Name ______Address ______Telephone (Home)______(Cell)______Date of Birth ______Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member  ______If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ______Social Security #______Book # ______Seniority______Department______LAST VESSEL: ______Rating: ______Home Port______E-mail______Date On: ______Date Off:______Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held______SIGNATURE ______DATE______  Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if If yes, class # and dates attended ______you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes  No questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are ______reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674- With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five 0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits stu- I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this applica- dents, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with tion, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply activities. for any benefits which might become due to me. 1/21

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Apprentice Water Survival Class #863A - Graduated November 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Lucas Anderson, Ramona Cabrera Appleby, Erik Arnold, Christian Branch, Kobe Cisero, Christoher Dhanoolal, Joseph Golden II, Jamel Hollomond, Seth Schrader, Bradley Tucker, Tyler Vitulli and Kevin Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Apprentice Water Survival Class #863B – Graduated November 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Braxton Clay, Kimoni Dickens Jr., Joy Eady, Jordan Griffin, Mikel Hatcher, Kumasi Johnson, Neil Johnson, Martin Morales and Luke Vandegrift. January 2021 Seafarers LOG 21

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UA to FOWT (Basic Motor Plant) – Gradu- ated October 30 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Joshua Glancy, Albert Granville III, D’mitri Hill, Carleton Jenkins II, Damon Johnson, Freder- ick Jones Jr., Zion Lyons, David Palumbo, Corey Reseburg, Benjamin Scott, Nicholas Sweeney, Paul Valiente and Scott Water- man.

Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated October 30 (above, in alphabetical WATCHKEEPING – Graduated November 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fer- order): Eduardo Arroyo, Charles Collins III, Francois Emmanuel Doucet III, Thedford nando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Brian Guiry, Ahmed Mohamed Mo- Jones Jr., Joshua Kraynak, Daniel Jaim Leon-Burges and Ethan Love. Class instructor hamed Eissa, Cheneque Rodriguez and Jorge A. Salas Santos. Roy Graham is at the far left.

UA to FOWT – Akim Davis- Griffin (above) completed his requirements in this course UA to FOWT (Steam) – Graduated November 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Glancy, Albert Granville III, Carleton Jenkins II, Damon John- and graduated November son, Zion Lyons, David Palumbo, Corey Reseburg, Benjamin Scott, Nicholas Sweeney, Paul Valiente and Scott Waterman. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 13.

Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated November 13 (above, in alpha- Junior Engineer (Plant Maintenance II) – Graduated November 20 (above, in alphabetical betical order): Joshua Nino Bonita, Nicolas Brailsford, Ashley Burke, Carlos Louis order): Adewale Adiat, Daveyon Kymyondro Burton, Tianna Evans, Merville Lariosa Gallema, Guzman, Daryl Hicks, Christopher Hinton and Wordell Prescott. William Dodd, their Tony Hamaguchi, Jeffrey Hamer, Lawrence Numfor-Suh, Lorenza Session and Nadiyah Taylor. instructor, is at the far left. 22 Seafarers LOG January 2021

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Government Vessels – Graduated November 20 (photo at left, in al- phabetical order): Carl Anderson, Matthew Aus- tin, Elizebeth Chavez, Terronce Debarros Free- man, Blake Fisher, Cody Fox, Michael Fregolle, Ali Ganjour, Colin Ihlefeld, Khalid Mohamed, Michael Page, Blake Randle, Sarah Ryan, Victor Sam- bula, Murray Stahler and Dewayne Thomas. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated November 13 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Jasmine Donahue, Quandell Freeman, Barton Hatch, Jolanta Czeslawa Jankowski, Jose Outeiral-Rodriguez, Jessica Wil- liams and Al Siquete Yandoc.

Chief Cook Assessment – Gradu- ated November 6 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Carl Anderson, Elizebeth Chavez, Terronce Debar- ros Freeman, Ali Ganjour, Khalid Mo- hamed, Michael Page, Murray Stahler and Dewayne Thomas.

Chief Cook Assessment – Graduated November 20 (photo at left, in alphabeti- cal order): Marcus Dalton, Edward Gassman, Ro- salinda Lorenzo, James Mikell, Mitchell Morrell, Cesar Augusto Pena Amaro, Bertrand Pluviose and Costadeano Tsantilas.

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68794_JANUARY_2021_LOG.indd 23 12/14/20 8:45 PM JANUARY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 1 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL CIO Steadfast Seafarers Serve in War’s Final Stages

Editor’s note: This is the ninth install- war, a battle that lasted for 82 days and ment from a 1951 booklet titled “The ended only after 90,000 Japanese were Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the killed in a maniacal defense of the “last stop late SIU historian John Bunker, the publica- before Japan.” tion recapped SIU members’ service in the In the 1,400-ship armada that launched War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost this invasion was every type of craft built their lives to wartime service in the U.S. during World War II, a vast array of freight- Merchant Marine. Earlier segments are ers, tankers, combat transports, invasion available on the SIU website and in print barges and warships. beginning with the May 2020 edition of the A measure of the fury with which Japa- LOG. (We are tentatively planning to post a nese airmen sought to throw back the Amer- PDF of the entire booklet on the SIU web- icans at Okinawa is the staggering total of site once all of the text has been published planes shot down during the fighting there here. There are probably two installments – no less than 4,000 of them! remaining after this month.) This one picks Kamikaze pilots made no differentiation up right after hundreds of soldiers and between merchant ships or men o’war, the mariners aboard the Liberty ship SS Marcus one being as good a key to eternal paradise Daly died because of a kamikaze attack. as the other as far as these suicidal people were concerned. Many were the fighting Many a merchant ship was subjected to freighters at Okinawa that battled nobly, but prolonged battle action during the fighting still were not spared from the onslaught of in the Philippines. The SS Alcoa Pioneer, the “divine wind.” for instance, experienced 103 alerts and 50 One of these was the SS Logan Victory, direct attacks during her 23-day sojourn in which arrived at Okinawa with a load of Leyte Gulf. “hot stuff” for Buckner’s battling dough- At 7 a.m. in the morning of November boys. 19, 1944, three Japanese suicide planes broke out of protective cloud cover and Kamikaze’s Target dived onto the Alcoa Pioneer, whose guns Only a few slingloads of cargo had come were instantly in action, joining those of out of her holds before there was an air raid nearby ships to hurl a gauntlet of fire that alert, followed by the appearance of three would have discouraged ordinary airmen. kamikazes swooping over the nearby hills. But these kamikaze pilots were eager Gunfire from the nearby Hobbs Victory to die for their fatherland, and enter that blew one of the attackers to bits, sending its land of infinite bliss, promised to them in pilot riding the divine wind to the warriors’ exchange for blowing an American ship to Valhalla. bits. The second suicide plane headed for Two of them swerved off to dive on the an LST, while the third bore straight at the nearby freighters General Fleischer and Logan Victory. Every gun that could bear Cape Romano but the third kept at the Alcoa was instantly pouring a hurricane of lead Pioneer through a hail of fire, crashing and steel, but it had no effect. Less than a onto the bridge deck in an explosion that minute later he crashed into the boat deck, destroyed all the navigating equipment, de- exploding and searing the ship in sheets of molished the stack, ripped up the decks and flame. started fires all over the ship. Fire soon roared out of the Logan Victory as though it were being fanned by a giant Blanket of Fire bellows in the hold. The midships house Even as the plane smashed into the ship, was a solid mass of flame as the crew aban- Victory ships are pictured on the U.S. West Coast during the war. Merchant vessels were every man was at his post, the Navy armed doned ship. indispensable to the Allied victory. According to a War Shipping Administration announce- guard at the 20 millimeters and the mer- The Logan Victory blew up at 11 p.m. ment from 1945, “American merchant shipyards have built four ships for every prewar ship chant seamen standing shoulder to shoulder that night, followed by a veritable rain of we had. Our fleet of Liberty, Victory, C-type and other vessels reached an all-time high of with them as ammunition tenders and re- steel fragments from the sky around her. more than 3,500 dry cargo vessels, and more than 900 high-speed tankers. placements. She was in commission only two months Captain Andrew Gavin and the other of- to the very day that she ended her career ficers were on the bridge as the kamikaze before the kamikaze onslaught by the em- months, in temperatures so hot the work While the crew huddled helplessly be- hit, pinning First Mate Daniel Noonan and battled shores of Okinawa. She was another could only be done at night. Not a few mer- hind whatever slim shelter they could find, armed guard Lieutenant Howard Jersild SIU-SUP ship that, in taking supplies to the chant seamen succumbed from the heat of the cruiser and a destroyer used the Bienville under wreckage. beachheads, fought at the very front lines of the Gulf. for target practice, throwing shell after shell Pieces of the burning plane and shower- World War II. On the voyage home, which was also un- into the gun-less ship until she finally sank ing shrapnel from the guns started a fire in Before concluding this story of SIU dertaken without convoy for the most part, beneath the placid waters of the Bay. a gasoline-laden forward hold, but Bosun ships in the war it would be greatly amiss the ships faced additional peril from raiders Clark Smith and AB John Peterson put out to overlook the great job done by the many and subs. A few, like the Jean Nicolet, were Lifeboat Shelled the flames, and turned the fire hose on the freighters, mostly Liberties, that carried sent to the bottom by shells and torpedoes. One shell hit a lifeboat that was being burning midships section till the flames supplies to the Russians by way of the Per- These ships on the Persian Gulf run lowered away, killing all the occupants, there were also extinguished. sian Gulf. contributed vitally to one of the biggest and, with the ship in flames fore and aft, All guns were kept manned, despite 20 Riding often well below their Plimsoll transport jobs the world has ever seen. one after another of the crew were killed or casualties among armed guard and merchant marks and carrying huge deck loads, they They sailed their hazardous route to supply wounded by flying shrapnel. crew. Navy gunners stayed at the forward freighted everything from locomotives and the Russian front, carrying a stupendous Salvo after salvo smashed into the 20 millimeters though they were badly bombers to flour, shoes and black powder. amount of war cargoes, the full extent of freighter without mercy, slashing the deck burned and the gun tubs were punctured For the most part these ships sailed which has never been told. plates, smashing the booms, cutting the hull with shrapnel holes. alone – without convoy on the long road to to ribbons and sending rivets and bits of Sharing the battle honors was Captain Iraq and Iran. To minimize losses from subs Way of the Japanese steel bulleting through the air in a deadly Gavin’s little dog “Skipper.” Although hit and raiders, some were dispatched across Voyaging in the Indian Ocean and adja- hail. with shrapnel, Skipper stayed on the bridge the South Atlantic to Vape Town, and some cent waters was especially hazardous during Only half of the Bienville’s crew was beside his master, licking the captain’s face down the west coast of South America the war, for Japanese subs roamed these still alive when the freighter went down, as he lay unconscious in the wreckage. ’round Cape Horn; while still others crossed seas and, while a German raider would tor- and they were sucked under the water by the The ship’s crew kept discharging cargo the South Pacific by way of the Tasman Sea, pedo a ship without warning, the Japanese suction of the cargo-laden hulk. as though the vessel were safely at dock stopping in Australia briefly for bunkers added a touch of unnecessary cruelty to the While the Japanese laughed at back in Frisco, working 18 hours at a stretch before continuing through Japanese-held sinking of merchant vessels. They exercised the crewmen struggling in the water, the and turning to at the guns during the recur- waters of the Indies. their own queer brand of fun on torpedoed task force steamed off on the quest for other rent air raids. Some of the “Persian Gulf ships” were ships and crews – fun that was inhuman and prey. sunk. The SS La Salle, an old Waterman bestial. One lifeboat had floated free and the Home for More , disappeared sometime after passing SIU crewmen of the SS Bienville, an men climbed into it, while several of the After discharging was finished, the through the Panama Canal bound for Cape unarmed Waterman freighter outward bound survivors who were terribly wounded merchant crew made temporary repairs to Horn, probably the victim of a German from Calcutta for Columbo, experienced begged their mates to throw them over the the midships house and the Alcoa Pioneer raider. Not a word of her fate has ever been this uncalled-for cruelty when their ship was side. returned home under her own power, ready reported. caught by a Japanese task force in the Bay Of the Bienville’s crew of 43, only 19 to fill up with another load for the fighting of Bengal on April 6, 1942. lived to tell the story of this one-sided battle fronts! Mighty Delivery Job Without even a rifle with which to de- after the lifeboat reached the shore of India SIU ships were among the huge fleet that Reaching the Persian Gulf, these freight- fend themselves, the Bienville’s men could some 20 miles away. landed Marines and supplies on the volca- ers unloaded their cargoes at small ports, do nothing when two Japanese planes came About a year after this incident, the SS nic, bloody isle of Iwo Jima. whose facilities were created by American over and planted a brace of bombs squarely Henry Knox, a Matson Liberty, was push- And they were in the midst of the fight- engineers at American expense. on the foredeck, setting the ship afire. The planes were followed by a cruiser, three de- ing at Okinawa where, on Easter Day in Unloading was done mostly by Army Continued on Page 15 1945, began the last great invasion of the longshoreman and, during the summer stroyers and an aircraft carrier.

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