SEPTEMBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 9

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL CIO Labor Movement Loses a Giant

The SIU is mourning the loss of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, who unexpectedly passed away Richard L. Trumka Aug. 5. Trumka, 72, led the federation as its top official since 2009. He’s pictured at left and in the fore- 1949-2021 ground of the photo above, right, with President Barack Obama at the 2009 AFL-CIO convention. Page 5.

Vaccination Requirements Ramp Up Across Country As the U.S. grapples with COVID-19 variants, many private-sector employers have mandated vaccinations for their respective workers. Numerous unions, including the SIU, support vaccinations themselves but believe they should be a point of negotiation. Pictured below, QE3 Reynaldo Lacayo gets vaccinated in Piney Point, Maryland. Page 3.

AB Continues Family Tradition Second-generation Seafarer AB Richard Palacios (right) receives his full book at the hall in Fort Lauder- dale, Florida. His dad, AB Fabian Palacios, is at left, while SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins is in the middle.

USNS John Lewis Christened SIU Exec. Board News Page 2 Pages 4, 6

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 1 8/12/21 2:10 AM President’s Report

Remembering Rich Trumka Whether you’re reading this column online or in print, you know that the entire labor movement is mourning the unexpected passing of our friend and leader, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. As someone who worked with and knew Rich since the 1970s, I want each of you to know that all of the tributes written and spoken about him are accurate and well- earned. He was one-in-a- million, and I’m blessed to have been not only his colleague, but his friend. If you met Rich even once, you know that when it came to personal energy, he was an 11 on The official party pose for a photograph at the commissioning ceremony in San Diego for the USNS John a scale of 1-to-10. For Lewis on July 17. (U.S. Navy Photo) that reason, I hesitate to describe him as rejuve- nated following last year’s presidential election, The SIU is mourning the loss of AFL- Newest Replenishment Oiler Christened but there’s no doubt he CIO President Richard Trumka (right) had taken his work and who unexpectedly passed away Aug. The newest ship to enter the Military Sealift Com- his leadership to another 5. Trumka, 72, led the federation as mand (MSC) fleet was christened at General Dynamics level. He was exception- its top official since 2009. He was a NASSCO – a union shipyard – on July 17. ally fired up about the longtime friend of SIU President Mi- The fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis, very real opportunities we chael Sacco (left); the two are pictured which will carry CIVMARS from the SIU Government have before us for labor- above in 2017, during the AFL-CIO Services Division as part of its crew, was celebrated in a law reform and for grow- convention in St. Louis. ceremony attended by family of the ship’s namesake, the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis. The event marked the first an- ing our movement. niversary of Lewis’ death from pancreatic cancer. There’s a decent The christening also saw a bipartisan congressional chance you saw him on television in recent months, promoting delegation made up of 30 members including House workers’ rights and trade unionism. Be 100 percent certain that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), Rep Maxine Wa- those appearances were exclusively about the work at hand, rather ters (D-California), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York), than having anything to do with personal publicity. Rich was all Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Rep. Jackie Speier about workers and their families. (D-California), and Rep. Nikema Williams (D-Georgia), In practical terms, you cannot say that someone is one-in-a- Lewis’ successor. million and then expect our movement to not miss a beat. That’s Other dignitaries included former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus; Vice Adm. Ross Myers, commander, just not realistic. Throughout the AFL-CIO – from headquarters to Fleet Cyber Command and commander, Tenth Fleet; Vice the affiliate unions like the SIU, to the state labor federations and Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander, Naval Surface Forces; central labor councils to individual locals – we all have to step up MSC commanding officer Adm. Michael Wettlaufer; to help fill that void. It’s a tall order. and actress and social activist Alfre Woodard, the ship’s Nevertheless, I am completely confident in new AFL-CIO sponsor. President Liz Shuler, who, like Rich, came up through the ranks Lewis served 17 terms as a congressman and was and earned everything she got. Liz is the one who reminded us that known as the dean of the Georgia congressional delega- Ship’s sponsor Alfre Woodard christens the USNS we’re allowed and expected to mourn, but we’re not permitted to tion. A civil rights activist, he was awarded the Presiden- John Lewis in San Diego. (U.S. Navy Photo) slack off. As she said, Rich wouldn’t allow it. tial Medal of Freedom for his long service in government Please take the time to read our coverage of Rich, and also by then-President Barack Obama in 2011. “How perfect the motto of this ship: unbreakable per- ships with our friends and allies, and enable Naval forces know that he absolutely had a special affection for the SIU. When- severance,” said Pelosi in her keynote address. “Everyone to rapidly respond to crises, deter adversaries, and main- ever we asked for help or invited him anywhere, he made it hap- who sees this ship will be reminded of John’s persever- tain forward presence to protect the homeland,” said Wet- pen. I’ve got a framed photo of him in my office with a bunch of ance…. God truly blessed America with the dedication tlaufer. “USNS John Lewis, with current and future ships our officials playfully grabbing him during the 1999 AFL-CIO and leadership of John Lewis.” that make up our combat logistics force, are absolutely convention. Rich signed it, “8 Seafarers against 1 Mine Worker. The 746-foot Lewis is the first of the new John Lewis- fundamental to that mission as they provide fuel, parts, Seems about right!” class previously known as the TAO(X). This class of oil- provisions, and mail for Naval forces around the globe.” Even when he was kidding, his fighting spirit came through. ers has the ability to carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship Six more Lewis-class oilers are on order for the Navy. And those odds wouldn’t have been fair, anyway – to us. Rich fuel, aviation fuel and dry-stores cargo. The upgraded In July 2016, US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus that could overcome any challenge. oiler is built with double hulls to protect against oil spills he would name the Lewis-class oilers after prominent Rest in peace, my dear friend. You are missed. and strengthened cargo and ballast tanks, and will be civil rights activists and leaders including Harvey Milk, equipped with basic self-defense capabilities. The Lewis- Earl Warren, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone and Robert F. class of oilers will replace the current Kaiser class fleet Kennedy. replenishment oilers as they age out of the MSC fleet. “We miss John on this platform, but we will never “As the global maritime environment is increasingly be without him,” said Woodard Spencer. “May this ship crowded and contested, the John Lewis will continue to inspire and free the spirit of those who serve on her and support our national security strategy in building partner- those of us on land!” OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL CIO

Volume 83 Number 9 September 2021 SIU Vessel Hosts Sec. Buttigieg The SIU online: www.seafarers.org DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg (right) tours The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the the SIU-crewed Cape Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, Washington July 30 AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland in Baltimore, with SIU 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, Exec. VP Augie Tellez 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. (left). Acting Maritime Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Administrator Lucinda Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Lessley is directly be- Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; hind them. SIU Balti- Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, more Port Agent John Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Hoskins also was on Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights the scene. Reserved.

The Seafarers International Union engaged an environ- mentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper.

Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG September 2021

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG_X.indd 2 8/13/21 3:52 PM Arbitrator’s Ruling Mandates Vaccinations Other Businesses, DOD Also Begin Requiring Preventive Shots

An arbitrator on July 30 ruled in favor New York Times, Tyson Foods, Uber (cor- vaccine could achieve full FDA licensure of the American Maritime Association’s porate), United Airlines, Walgreens (cor- early next month.” (AMA) insistence that they can require all porate), Walt Disney, Walmart, and the The secretary added, “To defend this mariners sailing aboard the companies’ re- Washington Post. Nation, we need a healthy and ready force. spective vessels be fully vaccinated against On Aug. 9, U.S. Secretary of Defense I strongly encourage all DoD military and COVID-19. Lloyd Austin III issued a “memorandum civilian personnel – as well as contractor The SIU challenged the AMA’s mandate for all Department of Defense employ- personnel – to get vaccinated now and for by demanding expedited arbitration, primar- ees.” In part, the memo read, “As many military Service members to not wait for ily because they unilaterally imposed it rather of you know, President Biden asked me the mandate. All FDA-authorized COVID- than bargain over its effects with the union. to consider how and when we might add 19 vaccines are safe and highly effective. AMA companies are signatory to the the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) They will protect you and your family. union’s standard freightship and tanker agree- vaccines to the list of those required for all They will protect your unit, your ship, and ments. Those contracts specify that with these Service members. So, over the last week, I your co-workers. And they will ensure we kinds of grievances, “the matter shall be re- have consulted closely with the Chairman remain the most lethal and ready force in ferred to an impartial arbitrator whose deci- of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretaries the world.” sion shall be final and binding,” which means of the Military Departments, the Service During the August membership meet- the union cannot appeal the decision. Chiefs, and medical professionals. I appre- ing in Piney Point, Maryland, SIU Presi- In an Aug. 2 web post, the union said, ciate greatly the advice and counsel they dent Michael Sacco continued encouraging “While we are disappointed in the arbitra- provided. Seafarers to get vaccinated. It’s a position tor’s ruling, we aren’t necessarily surprised. “Based on these consultations and on he has stood by since the vaccines received Earlier in the week, the U.S. Department of additional discussions with leaders of the emergency-use authorization. Justice released an ‘opinion letter’ saying White House COVID Task Force, I want “It’s the safe way – the only way – to there’s nothing in federal law that prevents you to know that I will seek the President’s be in this industry,” Sacco stated. “I won’t private-sector employers from requiring approval to make the vaccines mandatory steer you wrong.” vaccines. That is consistent with other court no later than mid-September, or immedi- As of Aug. 9, nearly 36 million cases decisions and developments across the coun- ately upon the U.S. Food and Drug Agency of COVID-19 had been reported in the SIU President Michael Sacco, speaking at try, both in the public and private sectors.” (FDA) licensure, whichever comes first,” United States since February 2020. Almost the August membership meeting in Piney At press time, details about how the he continued. “By way of expectation, pub- 617,000 Americans had died from the coro- Point, Maryland, encourages Seafarers to AMA vaccine mandate will be imple- lic reporting suggests the Pfizer-BioNTech navirus during that same period. get vaccinated against COVID-19. mented were still being worked out. Mem- bers are asked to keep an eye on the SIU website. Among other points, the arbitrator said he based his decision on the unique nature of the maritime industry, including the fact that crews live together on the vessels. He cited the danger of the Delta variant, plus other recent legal rulings and opinions that support vaccination mandates. He empha- sized that his decision aims to maximize safety, and also noted the complications and costs of having vessels quarantine when positive cases occur aboard ship. He acknowledged the sacrifices of mariners and their important roles as part of the es- sential workforce. Many other companies – plus the U.S. Defense Department – also have either started enforcing vaccine mandates or in- formed employees that the requirements are imminent. Among others, the follow- ing businesses were requiring vaccines as of early August: Anthem (health insur- FOWT Frankinns Joseph displays his vacci- ance), Cisco Systems (tech company), nation document after receiving an injection Vaccine mandates are on the way for military personnel, but many from the armed DoorDash (corporate employees), Equinox at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train- forces already have taken the shots. Here, Spc. Tyler Boyer administers the COVID-19 (gym brand), Facebook, Frontier Airlines, ing and Education, administered by a local vaccine at Fort Carson, Colorado, in early August. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andrew Google, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, the health care professional. Greenwood)

box under a tent, emblazoned with the zon’s warehouse on Staten Island, New Labor Board Hearing Officer: Amazon’s company logo and erected in the parking York, where the firm fired worker Chris- lot. That prompted one tweeter replying to tian Smalls, who led a brief lunch-hour Law-Breaking Should Lead to Vote Rerun the RWDSU’s announcement to wonder walkout last year over company failure how Amazon achieved that feat after Post- to protect workers from the coronavirus. Amazon’s labor law-breaking during a union is supposed to be the workers’ de- master General Louis DeJoy had yanked New York Attorney General Letitia “Tish” the widely watched unionization vote at its cision and not the employer’s. Amazon’s thousands of blue mailboxes from mostly James is probing whether Amazon broke giant Bessemer, Alabama, warehouse ear- behavior throughout the election process Democratic central cities nationwide the state labor law by firing Smalls. lier this year should lead to a rerun of the was despicable. Amazon cheated, they got year before, especially from majority- Amazon also fired fellow Staten Island Retail, Wholesale and Department Store caught, and they are being held account- minority neighborhoods. The Bessemer worker Christian Bryson after he got into a Union’s (RWDSU) election try there, a able.” workforce is majority Black. dispute with a non-walkout worker. In De- National Labor Relations Board hearing Press Associates further reported that Regardless of the ultimate outcome at cember, an NLRB administrative law judge officer ruled. the RWDSU’s complaint to the NLRB, and Bessemer, where the multimillion-dollar ruled that firing was illegal. According to a report by the Press As- evidence at a hearing in May, showed 23 company campaign beat the RWDSU, the The national publicity also prompted sociates union news service, details of the company violations of labor law, including drive there has set off interest in unionizing the Teamsters, to announce a multi-year Aug. 3 decision were not released, but illegal threats to lay off 75% of the 5,600 among other Amazon workers. plan to unionize the giant warehouse, prod- RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum an- workers, cut health benefits, and even Leading the charge: Workers at Ama- uct distributor and retailer. nounced its bottom line. Amazon promptly close the warehouse. The firm, owned by said it would appeal the ruling to the Jeff Bezos, one of the three richest people board’s regional director in Atlanta. That in the U.S., spent millions of dollars a day office covers Bessemer and the Birming- on union-busting after the RWDSU’s drive ham area. began. “Throughout the NLRB hearing, we The RWDSU also cited Amazon’s suc- heard compelling evidence how Amazon cessful pressure on outside agencies for tried to illegally interfere with and intimi- aid against the union. In one case, Amazon date workers as they sought to exercise got Bessemer authorities to shorten traffic their right to form a union,” Appelbaum light timing at the parking lot exit outside said. “We support the hearing officer’s the warehouse so union advocates had less recommendation the NLRB set aside the time to approach workers sitting in their election results and direct a new election. cars waiting for the light to change. As President Biden reminded us earlier this Additionally, Amazon convinced the year, the question of whether or not to have Postal Service to put a mail ballot drop

September 2021 Seafarers LOG 3

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 3 8/12/21 2:10 AM SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (right) is pic- SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (third from right) already has met with numerous CIVMARS, including tured at an industry event in New York in 2019, with his prede- those aboard the USNS Miguel Keith on the West Coast. Among those also pictured are SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo cessor: the recently retired SIU VP Kate Hunt. (right) and SIU Government Services Representative Jesse Ruth (second from left). Celona Appointed as SIU VP Gov’t Services Former Port Agent Crespo is Union’s Newest Assistant VP The union’s executive board has an- High School in 1976 and soon thereafter delegate on the San Francisco-Alameda port agent in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in nounced the appointments of two long- found a home with the SIU. After com- Labor Council, secretary-treasurer of the 2005 and has held that post ever since. time officials to new positions following pleting the trainee program, he sailed in local port council, and a governor-ap- Crespo played a major role in helping the recent retirement of SIU Vice Presi- the engine department until 1982, upgrad- pointed member of the board of directors open the new hiring hall in Puerto Rico dent Government Services Kate Hunt (see ing several times along the way (most of the Cow Palace (a popular, multi-pur- in 2018, and he also has stepped up on story, page 6). recently to chief electrician). He sailed on pose arena in Daly City, California). numerous occasions to spearhead local Nicholas Celona succeeds Hunt as vice vessels operated by Sea-Land, Maritime Always politically active, Celona or- relief efforts following storms that have president, while Amancio Crespo fills Overseas, Delta Line, American Hawaii ganized the union’s annual Thanksgiving battered the island territory, including in Celona’s former spot as an assistant vice Cruises, Bay Tankers and others. gatherings in San Francisco and Oakland, the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Sep- president. “The sense of adventure from shipping which ran for 29 straight years before tember 2017. He plays a leading role in Both Celona and Crespo are well ac- out was life-changing as a young man,” temporarily being derailed due to the pan- the union’s participation in “BookWaves,” quainted with the union. Celona is a 1977 he recalled. “I fell in love with it right demic. Those feasts evolved into a Who’s a joint effort between the SIU, American graduate of Paul Hall Center Trainee away. When I was called ashore to work Who of politics, with regular appearances Federation of Teachers and Asociación de Class 229. Crespo graduated from the as an official, I did everything possible from Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, John Maestros de Puerto Rico, among others, trainee program in 1990. Both sailed for to help the membership and our union to Garamendi, Eric Swalwell, Jackie Spier to provide free educational reading mate- several years before coming ashore to grow.” and many others. rial to school-age children. work for the union. Celona worked as a patrolman in New Based on his extensive work with the He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal “My goals are to promote, protect and Orleans from 1983-88 and was involved military, Celona in 2002 was sworn in as justice from Caribbean University and is defend the U.S. Merchant Marine and in multiple inland beefs. He spent 1989 an honorary U.S. Marine, a rarity. a U.S. Army veteran who never misses a the SIU Government Services Division, serving as the port agent in Piney Point He will be based in New Orleans. chance to promote the union and the mari- which in turn will help ensure our na- before what turned out to be a long-term Crespo sailed for six years, both in the time industry. tional security,” Celona said. “We have to move to the West Coast. Celona was the deck and steward departments, and also “I’m looking forward to continuing make sure that supplies get through to our union’s San Francisco port agent from worked on a shore gang before serving as to work on behalf of our union members troops.” 1990-94; he became an assistant vice a patrolman beginning in 1997. A Brook- and the industry,” Crespo stated. “It’s all Born and raised in Brooklyn, New president in 1994. lyn native (he is good-natured about not about family – every time I can do some- York, Celona graduated from Lafayette Among other activities, he served as a having the accent), he became the union’s thing for our members, it’s worthwhile.”

SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (kneeling, center) has led the union’s participation in a phil- anthropic outreach benefiting schoolchildren in Puerto Rico and elsewhere. He’s pictured Newly appointed SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo with Seafarers who also volunteer in the effort. 4 Seafarers LOG September 2021

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG_X.indd 4 8/13/21 3:52 PM Pictured at a 2012 Maritime Trades Department meeting (from left) are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and SIU VP Contracts Trumka (left) and SIU President Michael Sacco in 2008 George Tricker. SIU Mourns Loss of Richard Trumka AFL-CIO President Had ‘Soft Spot for Seafarers’

Somehow, AFL-CIO President Richard His passion, fervor and compassion for the Trumka managed to be simultaneously larger- working men and women of this country was than-life and eminently approachable. the hallmark of his being. Little doubt was left Likely due to the former quality, the initial as he bared his soul in the struggle for equality reaction among SIU officials and staff to unoffi- both economically and socially. He was truly an cial news of Trumka’s death on Aug. 5 primarily American hero. He had a soft spot for the Seafar- consisted of disbelief. Trumka’s high-energy per- ers going back to his Mine Worker days in the sonality and regular appearances on television 70s, and many of us got to know him personally. (promoting workers’ rights) as recently as that The world has a lost a good man, but there is no same week seemingly precluded his departure, doubt at all that his legacy will be carried on by and there had been no hints of health problems. millions.” Unfortunately, confirmation soon followed: SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel Trumka, 72, succumbed to a heart attack while stated, “With heavy hearts, we learned of the on a camping trip with family. passing of Brother Trumka. Rich was a true Outpourings of sympathy began the same leader and inspiration to many. Our heart goes day, including comments from President Biden, out to Rich’s family as well as the 12 million Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer brothers and sisters in his extended family of the (D-New York), and fellow labor leaders from Federation. He will be missed.” throughout the movement. President Biden described Trumka as “a dear SIU President Michael Sacco enjoyed a friend, a great American, and a good man. I will genuine friendship with Trumka. miss him as will the countless workers whose “Rich and I worked together for decades, lives he made better, and the labor movement going back to the 1970s, when we were involved he led with daring vision. As I told his family in labor disputes in Missouri, Kentucky and after we heard the news, Jill and I send our love Illinois,” Sacco stated. “Throughout his entire –today and always.” career, no one worked harder for America’s On the Senate floor the morning of Aug. 5, This photo was taken in 1991 at the Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Port Council working families. Schumer said, “The working people of America dinner. Trumka (right) was president of the Mine Workers at that time. He’s with U.S. Air “Rich was fearless and down-to-earth, and have lost a fierce warrior, at a time when we Force Gen. Hansford T. Johnson, one of the other honorees. even though he had plenty of formal education, needed him most. Just yesterday, Rich was at his core he remained a working-class union lending his support to the striking miners in guy and a family man,” Sacco continued. “He Alabama. Following in his father’s footsteps, to expand and be diverse. One of his passions as than workers standing together for a better life. never forgot his roots with the Mine Workers. he worked in the mines. He went to Penn State, a leader was immigration reform, which I talked “If you ever watched Rich at a rally or on a Those of you who were lucky enough to hear earned his law degree – but he didn’t practice, to him about repeatedly, because they were picket line, his face would light up with excite- Rich give a speech in person know that he com- didn’t go to some fancy place, he went right to working people, too. No matter where they came ment and hope,” she continued. “He never forgot manded a room like few others. His passion and work for the United Mine Workers, which he led from, or what they look like…. We have just lost who he was working for. He never forgot who intelligence and foresight always came through for so many years. a giant, and we need him so. We will remember he was fighting for. America’s working people loud and clear.” “He had in his veins, in every atom of his him forever, and his memory will, I know, im- were his guiding light for more than 50 years…. He concluded, “The labor movement that body, the heart, the thoughts, the needs of the portune all of us to do even more for the working We are not done yet. Rich would never allow Rich led and loved will move forward with working people of America,” Schumer contin- people of America who Rich Trumka so dearly it. Now more than ever, we must come together, heavy hearts – but we will move forward…. ued. “He was them. Rich Trumka was the work- and deeply loved.” as one federation, to carry out the mission Rich That’s how we honor his legacy.” ing people of America. He never had any airs, Trumka served as president of the federa- devoted his life to.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez he never put it on, and he cared about his fellow tion since 2009. In 1982, at age 33, he ran on a UMWA President Cecil Roberts said Trumka said, “If you ever heard Rich address a crowd, workers so. He was a great leader, and he knew reform ticket and was elected the youngest presi- “was more than the leader of the American labor you immediately knew what this man was about. that the labor movement and working people had dent of the United Mine Workers of America movement, he was an unequaled voice for the (UMWA). workers around the world…. Richard and I were There, he led one of the most successful partners in leadership at the UMWA for many strikes in recent American history against the years, but we were more than that. He was my Pittston Coal Company, which tried to avoid brother, he was my friend, he was my confi- paying into an industry-wide health and pension dant.” fund. American Federation of Teachers President Trumka was elected AFL-CIO secretary- Randi Weingarten stated, “Rich Trumka was our treasurer in 1995, and held that post until 2009, brother in the truest sense of the word. His sud- when he was elected president. den passing is a tremendous loss for the entire His commitment to improving life for work- labor movement, and for working families across ing people began early. He grew up in the small the country. From his first mining job in the late coal-mining town of Nemacolin, Pennsylvania. 1960s, to joining the staff of the United Mine Nearly all the men in his family, including his fa- Workers of America and eventually becoming ther and grandfather, were coal miners. Trumka president, to his fierce and courageous leader- followed them into the mines, working there as ship of the AFL-CIO for more than a decade, he attended Penn State and Villanova University Rich fought his entire life for dignity and respect Law School. for American workers. He practiced what he Acting AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, preached, and he brought the voices of working “Rich was a legend, from his early days as presi- people to the forefront of our nation’s conscious- dent of the United Mine Workers of America ness with deep humility and an abiding belief in to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of the power of collective action. President Trumka Longtime friends SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and AFL-CIO President Richard America’s labor movement. Rich loved workers. was a beloved colleague and friend, and his Trumka share a laugh in 2015 before the start of an MTD meeting. And he knew there was nothing more powerful legacy will endure for generations.” September 2021 Seafarers LOG 5

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG_X.indd 5 8/13/21 3:52 PM ‘We are Losing Our Tiger Mother’ Groundbreaking SIU VP Hunt Retires, Caps Dedicated Career The maritime industry proved a natural fit for Kath- est in mind. She fought with vigor and usually came out leen “Kate” Hunt, but that doesn’t mean her career was with a win. Fitting into a male-dominated industry never easy. distracted her. If anything, it played to her advantage. I She played pioneering roles along the way, includ- would like to wish her a well-earned retirement and best ing service as the first female patrolman for the National wishes in her next phase of life. I’m betting she will be Maritime Union (NMU) and the first female member of following Bruce Springsteen around the country while the SIU executive board. She weathered a rocky stretch he’s on tour.” (not of her doing) at the NMU and later handled major Nicholas Celona, Hunt’s successor as vice president, responsibilities for two SIU-affiliated unions. said, “It’s an honor and a privilege to have known Kate Hunt happily declared herself “finished with engines, and to have been a colleague. I hope she enjoys her next my friend” when describing her decision to retire as vice chapter of life, with fair winds and following seas.” president of the SIU Government Services Division, ef- SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services fective Aug. 1. She had been a vice president since 2018. Division Joe Vincenzo stated, “Well done and a well- “I’ve worked since I was 14 years old,” Hunt said. deserved retirement, Kate. It was a pleasure and privilege “I’ve never not worked. But initially, I will be sitting on working with you over the years on UIW and Govern- a beach in Rhode Island, just looking out on the horizon. ment Services contracts, issues and membership services. After that, I’m looking forward to a lot of family time. Enjoy that margarita on the beach!” We’ve got lots of toddlers and babies in my family; I’d Capt. Andrew M. Lindey, vessel master aboard the like to help my nieces and nephews, and just hang out with USNS Comfort, included this succinct message when them. I’d also like to travel a little when the time is right.” forwarding Hunt’s farewell email to the crew: “We are Hunt comes from a maritime family (her father was an losing our Tiger Mother.” NMU port agent, and many other relatives sailed), so it Capt. Keith A. Walzak of the USNS Grumman de- wasn’t shocking that she landed a job with a steamship au- scribed Hunt as “always on our side and at our call.” thority in the 1970s. But her next move – sailing in the deck In a written communication to Hunt, Chief Steward department of ferries in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, begin- Valerie McCaskill said, “I just wanted to take a moment ning in 1976 – was very uncommon for women in that era. to thank you for being such an inspiration to the industry She came ashore as a patrolman four years later and and myself. In the short time I was able to spend with continued serving as an NMU official until that union you at the NOAA union contract negotiations, I learned merged into the SIU in 2001, at which time she wasn’t so much from you. But the thing that truly captivated me sure about her future. was how you walked in the room with such authority, “God bless (SIU President) Mike Sacco. He let me humility, and grace that commanded presidential respect keep working,” Hunt recalled. “He just wants people that and admiration from all. I was blown away. I had never like to work and do their jobs, so I did.” seen that before and yet I loved every minute. From that After the merger, Hunt was assigned as a representa- day forward you have changed my perspective on how to tive for the SIU’s Government Services Division, work- represent women in the industry. Own who you are, com- ing with the SIU crews aboard Military Sealift Command mand respect with humility, and never settle for their best vessels, NOAA research vessels and other government- offer but demand they give you what you deserve! Thank Hunt addresses Seafarers at the July membership meeting owned ships. She’d done similar work for the NMU. you for being such a phenomenally fierce powerhouse!” in Piney Point, Maryland. Hunt also worked as a representative of the Seafar- Looking ahead, Hunt said she has “full faith and con- ers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU), fidence that Nick and the team that’s already in place will serving members employed in the Northeast while being be member-service oriented and do great things.” tor, “Seamen are seamen. And it always makes me happy based at the SIU’s New York-area office. She cited the successful resolution of the “gangways when I go aboard a ship and you see someone you helped. In August 2016, Hunt was appointed by the SIU’s up” beef as one of her biggest accomplishments (it in- I’d see guys years later who had redeemed themselves and Executive Board to serve as the national director of the volved prolonged restriction to ship during the pandemic), had a decent career. I was always really proud we helped United Industrial Workers (UIW). In this capacity, Hunt and also commended the work of former SIU Assistant guys hold onto their jobs and maintain their careers.” oversaw dozens of UIW shops in the continental United Vice President Government Services Chet Wheeler and Asked what advice she’d give to people entering the States and Alaska and in the United States Virgin Islands. counsel Deborah Kleinberg (both are retired) for helping industry, Hunt provided a twofold answer. First, she said, She held that post until her appointment (and subsequent improve shipboard habitability standards. “Join the union!” Second, “Just do your job.” reelection in 2020) as a vice president. “I think we led the way on that front,” Hunt said. “We Hunt said she will miss her colleagues, including fel- “Kate is one of the hardest-working officials we’ve were and still are the lead on making sure that the stan- low officials, members, and personnel from the govern- ever had,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “She’s dards aboard the ships are fair and equitable and decent, ment and the military. been a tremendous asset to the members, and she did a and that’s also true of the hotels (where CIVMARS stay). “I really have been very blessed,” she said. “All I ever great job representing them aboard the ships.” You can’t negotiate wages in the federal sector, so it’s wanted to do was be a good shipmate, and I think I’ve “Kate is a complete professional,” said SIU Secretary- working conditions that we always focused on.” been that. I’m really at peace with my decision to retire. Treasurer David Heindel. “Whatever task she took on She added that while there are some differences in the My only regret is that it’s been a year since I’ve been on was handled thoroughly and with the membership’s inter- federal maritime sector as compared to the private sec- a ship.”

In this file photo from 2019, Hunt (center) stands with SIU Govern- Hunt in 2018 became SIU VP Government Services Division. Prior to that, she served as National Director of ment Services Division members aboard the Joshua Humphreys one of the SIU’s affiliated organizations, the United Industrial Workers. In photo above, Hunt (left) is pictured with in Norfolk, Virginia. SIU/UIW President Michael Sacco (center) and her UIW National Director successor Karen Horton-Gennette. 6 Seafarers LOG September 2021

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG_X.indd 6 8/13/21 3:52 PM Crowley Wins Vessel Acquisition Management Pact A recent contract award should mean ongoing job security for SIU members. In late July, SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime announced that it had received a “multi-year, $638 million contract for ves- sel acquisition management by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD).” The company will assist the agency “in the enhancement of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), helping reduce the overall age of the fleet and increase ship reliabil- ity,” Crowley reported. That means acquir- ing newer ships – and, after those vessels enter the fleet, Crowley will maintain and operate them for MARAD. “To carry out the contract, Crowley will use a new, proprietary information technology system to assess, research and make purchasing recommendations,” the company noted. “Once the vessels are ac- quired, Crowley will oversee any required re-flagging, re-classification, modification and maintenance to ensure they are fit for service in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, and Defense Department requirements.” “A successful vessel acquisition man- agement program is important to the U.S. The SIU-crewed Cape Wrath (left) and Cape Washington, both operated by Crowley, are pictured in Baltimore. The vessels are part of as a maritime nation, the maritime indus- the Ready Reserve Force. try and Crowley as we mutually invest in the strength of our nation,” said Mike Golonka, vice president, government ship military forces. As a key element of De- surge sealift capability and has rightfully to designated loading berths,” according management in Crowley Solutions. “We partment of Defense strategic sealift, the been called ‘America’s Sea Power Reliant to MARAD. “Prior to being activated, want to share our innovative, successful RRF primarily supports transport of Army Partner.’” commercial U.S. ship managers provide approach to vessel ownership and lifecycle and Marine Corps unit equipment, combat The program began with a half-dozen systems maintenance, equipment repairs, engineering with the U.S. government.” support equipment, and initial resupply vessels in 1977 and now consists of more logistics support, activation, manning, and MARAD describes the RRF as “a sub- during critical surge periods – the period than 40, most of them roll-on/roll-off ships. operations management by contract. The set of vessels” within the agency’s National of time before commercial ships can be RRF ships “are expected to be fully RRF is periodically tested by DOD-driven Defense Reserve Fleet “ready to support secured for similar support. The RRF pro- operational within their assigned five- activations of ships for military cargo op- the rapid worldwide deployment of U.S. vides nearly 50% of government-owned and 10-day readiness status and then sail erations and exercises.” Spotlight on Mariner Health

Updated News about Type 1 Diabetes Healthy Recipe Editor’s note: This article is provided by Remember that in Type 1 diabetes, the im- the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medi- mune system is unable to tell the difference cal Department. between harmful germs and the body’s cells, Grilled Grouper with Pesto Drizzle so the immune system attacks the body’s own Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease insulin-producing beta cells. Studies are un- Servings: 25 in which immune cells attack and destroy derway to identify methods for persuading an the insulin-producing cells (beta cells) of the improperly functioning immune system to ac- Ingredients pancreas. The loss of insulin leads to the in- cept the beta cells as part of the body, rather 10 pounds grouper fillet ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Patients than attacking them. 4 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning are usually treated by insulin-replacement When the pancreatic beta cells (the cells 1 tablespoon granulated garlic therapy. that make insulin) have been destroyed, 1/4 cup smart balance, melted Type 1 diabetes may occur at any age and one solution may be to replace the beta in people of every race, shape, and size. cells with new ones. There are potential Pesto Recipe: In Type 1, the body does not produce insu- obstacles to this approach, though. For 1 1/2 ounces Toasted pine nuts, or al- lin. The body breaks down the carbohydrates example, a patient would require that is- monds you eat into blood glucose that will be used lets be received from more than one donor. 3 each garlic cloves, minced for energy. Insulin is a hormone that the body Patients also would have to take immu- 1/2 ounce salt needs in order to get glucose from the blood- nosuppressant medications for the rest of 10 1/2 fluid ounces olive oil 3 ounces basil leaves, washed and stream into the cells of the body. their lives. Related financial costs can be dried well There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes. There substantial. 2 ounces parsley is strong evidence that Type 1 happens when Meanwhile, insulin can be delivered by 2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated an individual with a certain combination of daily multiple injections, insulin pens, and genes comes into contact with a particular by portable insulin delivery devices called To Make Pesto: environmental influence. Scientist are still pumps. Place nuts, garlic, half of the salt, on a well-oiled med-high temped grill working on this theory. According to the National Institutes of and half of the olive oil into a blender or in a sautee pan; place in 2-inch hotel Health, more than 30 million people in the or food processor fitted with the blade pans, drizzle with olive oil and put 1/4 U.S. have some form of diabetes. attachment. Blend to a paste, about 1 cup water in each pan. Symptoms of diabetes, according to the minute. Cook in a 325° F oven for 10 min. or U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Pre- Begin adding basil leaves and pars- until flaky and an internal temp of 145° vention, may include frequent urination, ley gradually and blend on and off to in- F is reached.Drizzle the prepared pesto thirst, weight loss, numbness or tingling in corporate the greens into the emulsion. over top of the cooked fish. Serve. the hands or feet, fatigue, dry skin, blurry Add the additional oil gradually until the vision, increased infections, and sores that paste is thoroughly combined. Nutrition Information heal slowly. People who have Type 1 diabe- Adjust the seasoning with salt as Per Serving (excluding unknown tes may also experience nausea, vomiting, or needed. Add the parmesan cheese and items): 288 Calories; 15g Fat (46.7% stomach pains. Type 1 diabetes symptoms blend just before serving. Pesto should calories from fat); 37g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate. Trace Dietary Fiber: can develop in just a few weeks or months be stored under refrigeration with a layer of oil across the surface. 69mg Cholesterol; 360mg Sodium. Ex- and can be severe. Type 1 diabetes usually changes: 0 Grain (Starch); 5 Lean Meat; starts in childhood or teenage years, but can To cook the Fish: 0 Vegetable; 2 1/2 Fat. happen at any age. Cut the fish into 5 6-oz. filets, season Seafarers are encouraged to see their re- the fish on both sides with the Mrs. Dash (Provided by Paul Hall Center’s Sea- spective health care providers for appoint- and granulated garlic. farers Harry Lundeberg School of Sea- ments, prescriptions, newest treatments and Grill the fish 1-2 min. on each side manship) testing products to help make life easier with diabetes. September 2021 Seafarers LOG 7

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 7 8/12/21 2:10 AM Mississippi Legislature Backs Jones Act Mississippi’s State House and State shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable Senate recently adopted pro-Jones Act inland waterways; and resolutions. WHEREAS, Mississippi is home to The statements are basically identical 13,460 maritime jobs supported by the and read as follows: Jones Act, the sixth-highest per capita WHEREAS, Mississippi’s access to among all states, that generate $728.8 over 1,000 miles of the Mississippi River, million in labor income; and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and the Ten- WHEREAS, maritime industry jobs nessee-Tombigbee Waterway makes it a create ladders of opportunity through critical hub in the nation’s transportation high-paying, family-wage careers that system; and offer significant career advancement WHEREAS, the current global pan- without generally necessitating advanced demic has demonstrated the critical formal education and extensive student importance of maintaining resilient do- loans; and mestic industries and transportation ser- WHEREAS, the more than 40,000 ves- vices to the citizens and workforce of sel-strong Jones Act fleet supports nearly Mississippi; and 650,000 family-wage jobs and over $154 WHEREAS, the Merchant Marine billion in economic output nationally and Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act and $3.05 billion to the Mississippi economy: codified in Title 46 of the United States NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo SOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REP- between locations in the United States be RESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF owned by American companies, crewed MISSISSIPPI, That the House of Rep- by American mariners, and built in Amer- resentatives affirms its resolute support ican shipyards; and for the Jones Act and celebrates the cen- WHEREAS, America’s ability to proj- tennial anniversary of its passage which The Mississippi State Capitol is located in Jackson. ect and deploy forces globally, and sup- has fostered a strong domestic maritime ply and maintain military installations industry that is critical to Mississippi’s domestically, depends on the civilian fleet and the nation’s economic prosperity and SOLVED, That the Senate of the State of and the nation’s economic prosperity and of Jones Act vessels and mariners; and national security. Mississippi affirms its resolute support national security; and WHEREAS, mariners aboard Jones for the Jones Act and celebrates the cen- BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Act vessels strengthen America’s home- (Editor’s note: The next paragraphs tennial anniversary of its passage which copies of this resolution be furnished to land security as added eyes and ears are from the Senate’s version.) has fostered a strong domestic maritime each member of the Mississippi congres- monitoring the nation’s 95,000 miles of NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- industry that is critical to Mississippi’s sional delegation. USA Maritime Coalition Letter Defense Expert Cites Urgent Need To Congress: Reverse ‘Disastrous To Revitalize U.S. Shipbuilding Reductions in Cargo Preference’ A major American maritime coalition has urged Congress to The situation isn’t hopeless, but the United is to dominate global supply chains for vital shore up support for vital cargo preference laws. States had better get moving if it wants to re- industrial goods, so the fact China is outpro- USA Maritime, to which the SIU is affiliated, sent a letter claim its status as a leading shipbuilder. ducing America in large commercial vessels to U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) in late July. DeFazio That’s the conclusion reached by Loren 100-to-1, that it increasingly dominates traf- chairs the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc- Thompson, a highly regarded national de- fic, and that it is securing control of ports ture. fense expert who runs the non-profit Lex- along key trade routes, should have elicited a The coalition, which also includes vessel operators, other ington Institute. Thompson’s commentary policy response from Washington,” he wrote. unions, and related associations, asked DeFazio to push for in- appeared on the Forbes website in late July. “So far, it has not. Meanwhile, Beijing’s abil- clusion of cargo preference requirements “in any future infra- He began with a quick recap of America’s ity to dominate the future naval balance in structure programs enacted into law. For example, the Biden maritime history, then said that modern-day its own region – the industrial heartland of Administration’s American Jobs Plan represents a significant “U.S. shipbuilding and maritime trades … the new global economy – is increasingly investment in infrastructure across the United States. By add- have virtually collapsed over the last gen- evident.” ing U.S. flag cargo preference shipping requirements, Congress eration. A nation that led the world in com- Thompson identified the decline of domes- will ensure that cargoes shipped for the infrastructure programs mercial shipbuilding at key junctures in its tic shipbuilding as “just one facet of Amer- authorized and funded through the American Jobs Plan will be history today builds less than 10 vessels ica’s broader deindustrialization, a process carried by American ships with American crews. As such, the for oceangoing commerce in a typical year. that has seen the land of Edison and Westing- program would not only rebuild America’s critical infrastruc- China builds over a thousand such ships each house gradually abandon the production of ture, but it would also ensure that American taxpayer dollars year.” every industrial product from smartphones to benefit working families and their communities by providing Those weren’t the only sobering statistics aluminum since the Cold War ended.” cargo to U.S.-flag vessels and jobs to U.S. citizen mariners.” offered by Thompson, who holds doctoral For example, he said, the nation has only a Next, USA Maritime asked Congress to consider “reversing and master’s degrees in government from single manufacturer of large aircraft. the disastrous reductions in cargo preference that were enacted Georgetown University and who has taught He also criticized former President Ronald during the 112th Congress. Those reductions had a catastrophic at Harvard. Reagan’s decision to eliminate shipbuilding impact on the U.S.-flag internationally sailing fleet. In the years “The entire U.S.-registered fleet of ocean- subsidies “without seeking reciprocal action following the enactment of the Moving Ahead for Progress in going commercial ships numbers fewer than from other nations. That move was never the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the U.S.-flag international fleet 200 vessels, out of a global total of 44,000,” revisited, even though the shipbuilding in- saw a reduction in size of over 25%. The commensurate loss he wrote. “And despite trade flows to and dustry lost 40,000 workers during the Rea- of jobs was significant, and the impact on American national from America exceeding a trillion dollars gan years. Time will tell whether the Biden security and readiness has been serious.” annually – the vast preponderance of which administration has the sense to revise naval That law also reversed time-tested agreement among various travel by sea – U.S.-registered ships carry shipbuilding plans, which at the moment stakeholders that facilitated reimbursement to the U.S. Mari- barely 1% of that traffic. That is quite a de- could spell doom for some of the surviving time Administration for certain costs related to cargo prefer- cline from the year I was born, 1951, when U.S. shipyards.” ence. The agreement helped ensure “that the increased U.S.-flag the U.S. Merchant Marine transported a third Moreover, Thompson said the Trump ad- cargo preference shipping requirements will enhance commer- of all global trade.” ministration’s last industrial-base report to cial sealift readiness without negative consequences to interna- The writer then pointed out that China Congress correctly stated that the largest tional aid programs,” the coalition pointed out. possesses the world’s largest fleet of war- contributing factor of declining U.S. com- “By repealing the changes made by MAP- 21, and poten- ships (around 350), while the U.S. Navy is petitiveness in global shipbuilding has been tially increasing cargo preference requirements to 100%, Con- “struggling to get above 300…. The Navy’s state intervention from competitor countries. gress can undo the damage caused by MAP-21 while working request for ship construction funds next year “In other words,” Thompson wrote, “China to strengthen and expand the U.S.-flag international fleet,” the envisions building only four combat vessels and other shipbuilding nations subsidize their letter concluded. (out of eight total), a level of effort that if industries, at the expense of America’s ship- According to the Maritime Administration, “Just as many sustained would guarantee Chinese maritime builders. So, what is Washington going to do other seafaring nations have learned, history has taught us that dominance by 2030.” about it?” cargo preference, the reservation of certain cargoes to U.S.-flag Ironically, he added, the largest exporter He concluded by identifying three op- ships, is necessary for our national defense and a key driver of of containerized cargo to the U.S. “is a ship- tions: “institute expanded cargo preferences domestic and foreign commerce.” ping company owned outright by the Chinese for U.S.-built and -manned vessels, directly There are multiple cargo preference laws and regulations. government.” subsidize U.S. shipbuilders, or persist in our Collectively, they require that all U.S. military cargo and all Thompson also touched on the shipboard current dream-like state until the destruction cargo generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank is carried manpower crisis in the U.S. Merchant Marine of U.S. maritime supremacy is complete. I’m aboard American-flag ships, while at least half of government- before returning to the subject of China. not holding my breath waiting for an effec- impelled agricultural cargo and civilian-agencies cargo is trans- “We know that Beijing’s long-term goal tive policy response from Washington.” ported on those vessels.

8 Seafarers LOG September 2021

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 8 8/12/21 2:10 AM NMC Releases Notices Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Covering Email Renewal “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from July 8 - Aug. 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Aug. 9.

Exams, REC Appointments Total Registered Total Shipped Registered on Beach Editor’s note: The National Maritime Center posted both of All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups the following notices in July. Seafarers are reminded that they Port A B C A B C Reliefs A B C may renew their respective merchant mariner credentials without Deck Department any loss of valid time on the current documents (meaning the new Algonac 20 7 3 12 1 1 4 35 14 4 credential becomes valid upon the original expiration date of the Anchorage 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 1 old one). Also, the links mentioned in these notices are available Baltimore 4 1 2 1 0 2 1 6 1 0 both on the SIU website and on the NMC site. Fort Lauderdale 16 7 5 18 8 2 12 37 16 6 Guam 5 0 0 2 0 0 0 8 0 0 Email Renewal Exam Update Harvey 14 2 1 9 3 2 7 24 5 1 The National Maritime Center (NMC) launched a centralized Honolulu 3 4 0 6 3 0 2 11 4 0 electronic delivery process (via e-mail) for renewal examinations Houston 42 26 6 31 13 6 17 67 35 9 in May 2020. Over 1,200 mariners have completed more than Jacksonville 43 17 10 30 19 6 27 69 34 11 3,000 examination modules using this process, and the feedback Jersey City 24 3 5 16 4 1 8 57 9 8 regarding the improved communications and significant reduc- Joliet 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 2 0 0 tion in processing time is overwhelmingly positive. The process Mobile 10 4 1 5 2 0 2 16 5 1 allows mariners to request, complete, and submit renewal exami- Norfolk 24 20 3 17 13 2 5 39 18 10 nations for grading by e-mail. The NMC discourages requests to Oakland 12 3 0 9 0 1 4 25 9 4 mail hardcopy examinations. These requests introduce signifi- Philadelphia 3 1 0 3 0 0 1 6 4 0 cant delays in processing that are beyond our control. Piney Point 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 Approval to test (ATT) letters for renewal examinations is- Puerto Rico 7 3 1 5 1 0 1 14 6 1 sued on or after May 1, 2020, include directions on how to obtain Tacoma 15 4 1 15 6 0 6 36 16 6 an electronic examination, which are also found on the NMC St. Louis 3 1 1 1 1 0 0 8 1 1 Examinations Page website. Wilmington 24 10 0 11 4 1 2 57 18 5 E-mail process for renewal examinations: TOTALS 271 116 41 192 78 28 101 520 201 68 After receiving an ATT letter, mariner requests their examina- tion by e-mail to [email protected] or by contact- Engine Department ing the NMC Customer Contact Center. If the examination fee Algonac 8 1 1 4 1 1 4 7 1 1 was not previously paid, mariner must provide a Pay.Gov pay- Anchorage 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 ment receipt with the request. Baltimore 5 7 1 2 6 0 3 6 1 1 NMC e-mails the mariner an Adobe PDF copy of the exami- Fort Lauderdale 4 11 3 8 6 2 7 8 13 3 nation module(s), a fillable answer sheet for each module, and Guam 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 directions for completing the process. Harvey 2 4 1 4 1 2 1 6 5 0 Mariner completes the answer sheet for each module and re- Honolulu 4 2 1 4 1 1 3 6 4 0 turns via e-mail in accordance with the directions. Houston 10 11 1 10 8 2 6 28 20 0 NMC receives the answer sheets, scores them, and notifies Jacksonville 21 10 1 16 7 0 8 30 15 4 the mariner by e-mail of the results, including required retests or Jersey City 11 5 2 5 3 1 1 16 3 3 re-examinations, routinely within 2 business days. Joliet 2 1 0 1 1 1 2 6 0 0 Mariners may be approved for both original and renewal Mobile 1 2 1 0 2 0 0 4 2 2 examinations on one ATT letter. They may only use the e-mail Norfolk 17 11 8 9 10 5 11 20 19 6 process for the renewal examination and must schedule original Oakland 8 5 2 2 4 2 2 14 8 2 examinations at a Regional Examination Center (REC). See the Philadelphia 3 1 1 1 0 1 0 3 2 1 REC webpage for instructions on scheduling original examina- Piney Point 1 3 0 3 2 0 0 1 3 0 tions. Puerto Rico 1 1 0 3 0 0 0 6 4 1 If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding Tacoma 6 7 5 5 0 0 4 22 12 4 this process, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e- St. Louis 1 2 1 2 0 0 0 2 5 1 mailing [email protected], or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC Wilmington 10 7 4 6 4 1 6 21 16 3 (427-5662). TOTALS 116 91 33 86 57 19 59 209 134 32

Steward Department Continued on Page 19 Algonac 5 4 0 0 2 0 2 10 5 0 Anchorage 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 Baltimore 3 1 0 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 Fort Lauderdale 9 7 1 4 3 0 2 17 12 1 September & October Guam 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 0 Harvey 5 2 0 2 0 0 2 8 3 0 Honolulu 7 3 0 2 1 0 0 12 3 0 Membership Meetings Houston 9 11 1 10 5 0 6 25 13 1 Jacksonville 14 14 3 12 11 2 14 35 16 3 Piney Point...... *Tuesday: September 7, Monday: October 4 Jersey City 8 3 0 5 1 0 3 16 3 1 Algonac...... Friday: September 10, October 8 Joliet 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 Mobile 1 8 0 1 2 0 1 4 7 0 Baltimore...... Thursday: September 9, October 7 Norfolk 13 11 1 8 6 1 4 33 19 4 Guam...... Thursday: September 23, October 21 Oakland 15 8 1 15 2 1 10 17 10 1 Philadelphia 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 Honolulu...... Friday: September 17, October 15 Piney Point 3 2 0 3 2 0 2 4 1 0 Houston...... Monday: September 13, *Tuesday: October 12 Puerto Rico 2 6 0 3 1 0 1 2 5 0 Tacoma 14 3 1 7 1 0 1 19 7 1 Jacksonville...... Thursday: September 9, October 7 St. Louis 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 Wilmington 24 15 0 13 5 0 12 34 19 0 Joliet...... Thursday: September 16, October 14 TOTALS 139 101 8 89 43 4 61 250 128 12 Mobile...... Wednesday: September 15, October 13 Entry Department New Orleans...... Tuesday: September 14, October 12 Algonac 2 8 6 1 6 1 3 2 15 14 Anchorage 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 5 3 Jersey City...... Tuesday: September 7, October 5 Baltimore 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 Norfolk...... Friday: September 10, October 8 Fort Lauderdale 0 3 4 0 0 1 1 0 6 5 Guam 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 Oakland...... Thursday: September 16, October 14 Harvey 1 2 0 1 1 1 1 2 5 2 Honolulu 1 3 3 1 4 2 1 0 5 3 Philadelphia...... Wednesday: September 8, October 6 Houston 1 10 14 1 7 2 4 4 15 16 Jacksonville 1 25 55 1 13 33 14 4 39 85 Port Everglades...... Thursday: September 16, October 14 Jersey City 2 13 9 0 8 6 3 4 20 11 San Juan...... Thursday: September 9, October 7 Joliet 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 Mobile 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 St. Louis...... Friday: September 17, October 15 Norfolk 0 16 24 0 9 11 4 0 25 29 Oakland 1 13 4 0 9 3 4 2 26 10 Tacoma...... Friday: September 24, October 22 Philadelphia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Wilmington...... Monday: September 20, October 18 Piney Point 0 2 11 0 0 16 4 0 2 13 Puerto Rico 0 2 3 0 1 0 1 0 3 3 * Piney Point change due to Labor Day observance. Tacoma 4 13 8 3 4 4 7 7 26 11 St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 * Houston change due to Columbus Day observance Wilmington 2 18 1 2 7 3 1 4 31 8 TOTALS 15 134 149 10 70 86 48 30 227 221 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m GRAND TOTAL: 541 442 231 377 248 137 269 1,009 690 333

September 2021 Seafarers LOG 9

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 9 8/12/21 2:10 AM At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSMAN – SIU Port Agent Chris West- SIU VP MEETS WITH PANAMA’S PRESIDENT – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) is pictured in brook (left) is pictured with U.S. Rep. Troy Carter (D-Louisiana) at a political mid-July with Laurentino Cortizo, the president of Panama. Corgey is a longtime member of the Port gathering July 13 in New Orleans. Carter has been a champion for working of Houston Authority; in that capacity, he and other port commissioners met with Cortizo to discuss families and has committed to working with the maritime industry to maintain general shipping issues, Panama Canal-area crew changes, and vaccinations. and strengthen the U.S. Merchant Marine.

NEW CONTRACT SECURED – As reported in last month’s edition, Seafarers have ratified a new three-year contract with Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning covering more than 250 members. The pact includes wage increases and other gains, and also maintains benefits. Seafarers covered by the contract include (group photo, aboard the ATB Commitment on the West Coast) Capt. George Fleischfresser, CM Michael Walker, 2M Raymond Oglesby, 3M Eugene Narubin, AB Angelo Golden, AB Kyle Baker, Chief Cook David Norris, CE Piotr Kwiatkowski and DDE Charles Regan. (SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II is third from right.) Also covered by the contract is 2M Mark Gaskill, left in photo below, with SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala in Baytown, Texas.

HOLIDAY FEAST ABOARD CALIFORNIA – The Fourth of July menu aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning tanker truly appears mouthwatering. Pictured from left in the photo above are Chief Cook Keith Hall, SA Edwin Balcruz and Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi.

10 Seafarers LOG September 2021

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG_X.indd 10 8/13/21 3:52 PM ABOARD USNS FISHER – The U.S. Marine Management vessel has activated in support of a military exercise. Here are a few snapshots, courtesy of Capt. Jennifer L. Senner (an SIU hawsepiper). The Gal- ley gang (photo at left) includes Chief Steward Kevin Hubble Jr., Chief Cook Randy Sudario, ACU William Flores-Gueits, SA Kierra Bradley and SA Florentino Espiritu. OS Ibrahim Ghalib (center photo) is pictured in a rigid-hull inflatable boat while AB Jeremy Cooke and Bosun Algernon Reed (photo at right) take a break from their duties to pose for a photo on deck. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

FULL BOOK IN JAX – AB Anthony Brown (left) is sworn in as a full book member (B seniority) during the July membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. SIU Port Agent Ashely Nelson is standing at right.

READ ALL ABOUT IT – AB Luis Ramos stops DROPPING IN AT THE HALL – Recertified Steward by the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to grab Clifton Medley (right) and his family stop by the hiring copies of the Seafarers LOG for fellow mari- hall in Oakland, California, in late July. ners aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE).

WITH SEAFAR- ERS IN THE GULF – SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala (left) and SIU Pa- FULL BOOKS IN OAKLAND – SAs (from left) Mohsin Saeed and Munasser trolman J.B. Niday Sallan receive their full union books. They’re pictured at the hiring hall; SIU (second from right) Port Agent Nick Marrone II is at right. meet with crews from the USNS Pollux and USNS Regulus aboard the Pollux in Vidor, Texas. Both ships are operated by TOTE Services.

FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – Chief Cook Neyda Oviedo- Bermudez (left in photo at left) receives her full B-book at the hiring hall. She’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.

WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – Bosun Michael Carvalho (left) recently called it a career after more than two decades with the SIU. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II. Carvalho spent most of his career aboard the Grand Canyon State, though he also briefly sailed in the inland division after signing up with the SIU in 2000. September 2021 Seafarers LOG 11

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 11 8/12/21 2:10 AM 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 members of the most recent class of recertified stewards to graduate George Tricker, Vice President Contracts from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Mario Firme Jr. Albert Sison Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Recertified Steward Recertified Steward Services My two brothers are SIU I came to the SIU through the members. I joined after high merger with the SIU and NMU. HEADQUARTERS school, in Hawaii. My life is I remained in the organization 5201 Capital Gateway Drive here; I raised my family be- because of the opportunities they Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 cause of this job. I’m happy to offer. I have been blessed ever be an SIU member and I enjoy since I’ve been given the opportu- ALGONAC travelling all over the world. nity. 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988

ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dante Cruz Recertified Steward BALTIMORE Before I became an SIU Edwin Bonefont 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 member, I was sailing foreign Recertified Steward (410) 327-4900 flag. There is no comparison. I joined the SIU because it is a The SIU changed my way of family tradition, and I remained GUAM life and gave me a better life, with the union because it has done P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 financially and physically. I’ve Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B a lot for me and my family during 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 been a member of the SIU for all these years. (671) 477-1350 almost 30 years and I’m still going strong. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222

HOUSTON Kenneth Greenidge Marlon Battad 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 Recertified Steward (713) 659-5152 Recertified Steward My father was NMU. He I joined the SIU because I JACKSONVILLE died when I was 12 or 13, but wanted a job that can provide me 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 I saw his success and was in- and my family with the finances (904) 281-2622 trigued. Joining the SIU was a we need to support us. After a few blessing. It saved my life, and years in the industry, I realized it JERSEY CITY I’m so grateful. I’ve been able wasn’t just providing financially 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 to help other people get in, too. but also offering a career that I (201) 434-6000 want to do for the rest of my life.

JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Jatniel “Bam Bam” Aguilera MOBILE Recertified Steward Francisco Madsen 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 Recertified Steward (251) 478-0916 I joined the SIU because I needed change in my life for When I started, I said to myself, NEW ORLEANS the better. I remain in the union I can do this job for maybe one 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 because I see many benefits, or two years. Well, here I am, all (504) 328-7545 including education, a pension, these years later. The SIU changed vacation checks and, most im- my life. It has been a blessing for NORFOLK portant, jobs. I feel so proud to me and my family, and it has al- 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 be part of this union. lowed me to see the world. (757) 622-1892

OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360

PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 Pic From

PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD The Past 20674 (301) 994-0010 The SIU-crewed Cit- ies Service Norfolk PORT EVERGLADES docks in Linden, 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 New Jersey, in the (954) 522-7984 summer of 1973.

SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 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 WILMINGTON Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 images may be sent to [email protected] (310) 549-4001/4002

12 Seafarers LOG September 2021

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG_X.indd 12 8/13/21 3:52 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 shipping aboard she upgraded at in both the deck and engine depart- MIRCEA JIGAROV the USNS H.H. the Piney Point ments. Brother Johnston upgraded Brother Mircea Jigarov, 63, joined Hess. He was school on numer- on numerous occasions at the Piney the Seafarers in 1990. He was first CYNTHIA ADAMSON a deck depart- ous occasions. Point school. He last shipped on the employed by ment member Sister Cynthia Adamson, 67, joined Sister McClus- John Boland and resides in Duluth, McAllister Tow- and upgraded at the Seafarers International Union key’s first vessel Minnesota. ing of Philadel- the Piney Point in 1993, initially was the Mau- phia and worked school on several sailing aboard the nawili; her last, in the deck de- occasions. Brother KELLY NEUROHR Independence. the Navigator. partment. Brother Davis last sailed She upgraded at She is a resident Brother Kelly Neurohr, 62, signed Jigarov upgraded on the Maersk the Piney Point of Honolulu. on with the union in 1995 when at the Paul Hall Iowa and resides in Chesapeake, school on mul- he sailed with Center on numer- tiple occasions Virginia. CHARLENE MEDEIROS Upper Lakes ous occasions. He and shipped in Barge Lines. He last worked for the steward de- CHRISTOPHER D’ANDREA Sister Charlene Medeiros, 71, joined shipped in both Moran Towing of partment. Sister the Seafarers International Union in the deck and en- Philadelphia and resides in Dover, Adamson’s final Brother Christopher D’Andrea, 72, 1995. She was a gine departments. Delaware. vessel was the Coast Range. She is a started his career with the Seafar- steward depart- Brother Neurohr resident of Warrenton, Oregon. ers in 2003 and ment member and was most recently first shipped first shipped on employed by HAYWARD LOWERY aboard the the Independence. Vanenkevort Tug Brother Hayward Lowery, 69, JOHN AGUGLIARO Grand Canyon Sister Medeiros and Barge. He signed on with the union in 1975. State. He sailed Brother John Agugliaro, 62, began continued to sail calls Cornell, Michigan, home. He sailed in the deck department and in the steward sailing with the SIU in 1979. A stew- on the same ves- worked for Dravo Basic Materials department and ard department sel for the dura- for his entire career. Brother Lowery upgraded on mul- ALBERT RATLIFF member, he first tion of her career. makes his home in Honoraville, tiple occasions shipped on the She calls Hemet, Brother Albert Ratliff, 65, donned Alabama. Seattle. Brother at the Paul Hall California, home. the SIU colors in 1977. He primarily Agugliaro up- Center. Brother sailed in the engine department and graded his skills D’Andrea’s final vessel was the JAMES NIGRO ROMEL REYES upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in at the Paul Hall Maersk Kentucky. He lives in New 1981. Brother Ratliff’s first vessel Center on multi- Smyrna Beach, Florida. Brother James Nigro, 62, began sail- Brother Romel Reyes, 65, joined the was the Columbia; his last, the Sam ing with the Seafarers in 1976. He ple occasions. He union in 1999 and first sailed aboard Laud. He lives in Taylor, Michigan. last sailed on the was employed by G&H Towing for WAYNE GREEN the McDonnell. Courier and lives the duration of his career and was a He was a mem- member of the engine department. in Melbourne, Florida. Brother Wayne Green, 65, signed ber of the engine Brother Nigro resides in Friend- on with the SIU department and INLAND swood, Texas. in 1990. He upgraded at the MICHAEL ALATAN initially sailed union-affiliated Brother Michael aboard the Sealift Paul Hall Center RANDALL BRINZA HERBERT O’NEAL Alatan, 71, em- Antarctic and was on numerous oc- Brother Randall Brinza, 64, began barked on his a deck depart- casions. Brother Brother Herbert O’Neal, 67, began sailing with the union in 1998 sailing with the career with the ment member. Reyes last when he shipped Seafarers in 1989, Brother Green shipped on the union in 2007. with OSG Ship A deck depart- initially sailing on upgraded at American Phoenix. He lives in Palm Management. He the Independence. the Piney Point Beach, Florida. ment member, he worked in the upgraded at the He was a stew- school on numer- deck department ard department ous occasions. He most recently Paul Hall Center BENJAMIN SANDOVAL and upgraded in 2014. Brother member and last shipped on the Pacific Collector often at the union- shipped aboard and is a resident of Rosburg, Wash- O’Neal was em- Brother Benjamin Sandoval, 68, affiliated Piney ployed by Express the SBX in 2015. ington. began his career Point school. Brother Alatan resides in Honolulu. Marine for the with the SIU in Brother Brinza’s duration of his MOHAMED JEBOKJI 1990 when he final vessel was career. He calls sailed aboard the the Courage. He is a resident of EDYSON CHANIAGO Bayboro, North Carolina, home. Brother Mo- Independence. Pensacola, Florida. Brother Edyson Chaniago, 65, hamed Jebokji, A deck depart- embarked on his career with the 65, joined the ment member, STEVEN SEARS Seafarers in 1991, SIU in 2003 he upgraded at MICHAEL GETCHELL Brother Steven Sears, 62, joined the initially sailing on when he sailed on the Piney Point Brother Michael Getchell, 65, em- the Independence. the Cleveland. He school on multiple SIU in 1979, initially working for barked on his career with the SIU in Dixie Carriers. He was a member sailed in the deck occasions. Brother 1978. A deck de- of the steward department and Sandoval most re- He upgraded at partment member, the Paul Hall department and upgraded at the cently shipped aboard the Overseas he was employed upgraded at Paul Hal Center Boston. He resides in Schertz, Texas. Center on numer- by Crowley Tow- ous occasions and the Piney Point on multiple occasions. Brother Je- ing and Transpor- school on numer- bokji last shipped on the Overseas was a member of CASSIE TOURERE tation for most of the deck depart- ous occasions. New York and makes his home in his career. Brother Brother Chaniago Groves, Texas. ment. Brother Sister Cassie Tourere, 70, embarked Getchell upgraded Sears most re- last shipped on the Palmetto State on her career with at the Paul Hall and makes his home in Houston. cently sailed with DOUGLAS MCLAUGHLIN the SIU in 1989. Center in 1998. Crowley Towing She first sailed on He makes his and Transportation. He settled in Brother Douglas the USNS Lynch home in Jacksonville, Florida. Seabrook, New Hampshire. ANGEL CORCHADO McLaughlin, and shipped in Brother Angel Corchado, 63, joined 70, signed on the steward de- the union in 1991 when he sailed with the union partment. Sister HECTOR GUZMAN JOSEPH WALKER on the USNS in 2009, initially Tourere upgraded Brother Hector Guzman, 55, joined Kane. He sailed shipping on the at the Paul Hall Brother Joseph Walker, 65, donned the Seafarers International Union the SIU colors in 2002, initially sail- in the steward John Boland. He Center in 1991. in 1993 when he department and sailed in the en- She concluded ing aboard the sailed with Crow- Coastal Reliance. upgraded at gine department her career on the ley Puerto Rico the Piney Point and upgraded Paul Buck and lives in Port Allen, He shipped in the Services. He was deck department school on multiple often at the Paul Louisiana. a member of the occasions. Brother Hall Center. Brother McLaughlin and upgraded at deck department the Piney Point Corchado most last shipped aboard the Cape Mohi- and upgraded at recently shipped can. He lives in South Lake Tahoe, school on numer- the Piney Point ous occasions. aboard the Maersk California. GREAT LAKES school on mul- Chicago, and settled in Puerto Rico. Brother Walker’s tiple occasions. last vessel was the Brother Guzman LYNN MCCLUSKEY GARY JOHNSTON Pride. He makes was last employed by Crowley Tow- his home in Old Orchard Beach, JONATHAN DAVIS Sister Lynn McCluskey, 65, donned Brother Gary Johnston, 65, joined ing and Transportation and lives in Maine. Brother Jonathan Davis, 69, signed the SIU colors in 1980. A mem- the Seafarers in 1977. He initially Puerto Rico. on with the SIU in 1990, initially ber of the steward department, shipped on the A Guthrie and sailed September 2021 Seafarers LOG 13

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 13 8/12/21 2:10 AM Final Departures

DEEP SEA department. TED THOMPSON member of the steward department. ment member, Brother Heick’s Brother Ted Thompson, 50, died He last shipped on the President Brother Medina RICKIE BURGESS first vessel was May 10. He started his career with Polk before retiring in 1990. Brother last worked for the Western Clip- Williams lived in Saint Albans, New Crowley Towing Pensioner Rickie Burgess, 67, the SIU in 2018 when he sailed per; his last, the aboard the National Glory. Brother York. and Transporta- passed away June Explorer. He be- tion. He went on 16. He began sail- Thompson worked in both the deck came a pensioner and steward departments. He last pension in 2017 ing with the union in 2015 and called GREAT LAKES and lived in Rus- in 1970 when shipped with Crowley Towing and San Pedro, Cali- Transportation and resided in Lake ton, Louisiana. he worked for fornia, home. Michigan Tank- Charles, Louisiana. JAMES REILLY ers. A deck de- Pensioner James Reilly, 73, passed RICHARD ROSSER partment member, THOMAS HERBERT WILLIE TOOMER away July 12. He signed on with Pensioner Richard Rosser, 67, Brother Burgess Pensioner Thomas Herbert, 69, died Pensioner Willie Toomer, 83, passed the union in died June 13. He joined the union last sailed aboard July 7. He joined away May 26. 1970 and sailed in 1974 when the Cape Island in the SIU in 1973 He joined the in the engine he sailed with 2009. He retired later that year and when he sailed union in 1995 department. Crescent Tow- settled in Tacoma, Washington. aboard the Van and first sailed on Brother Reilly ing and Salvage. Defender. Brother the Cape Breton. first shipped Brother Rosser ELIZABETH COSS Herbert sailed Brother Toomer with Inland was a member of in the engine Lakes Manage- the deck depart- Pensioner Elizabeth Coss, 90, died was a steward de- department. He partment member ment. He last ment and worked June 4. She became a member of last shipped on sailed aboard the for the same the SIU in 1996, and last worked the Quality and aboard the Light- American Mari- company for the initially sailing retired in 2017. ner and went on pension in 2006. majority of his aboard the Mc- ning in 2008. He Brother Herbert lived in Melbourne, went on pension the following year Brother Reilly was a resident of career. He retired in 2007 and settled Donnell. Sister Florida. Alpena, Michigan. in Belle Chase, Louisiana. Coss was a stew- and resided in Sun City, California. ard department SHAWN IVERSEN FRANK SMITHWICK member. She last RAFAEL TORO INLAND shipped on the Sister Shawn Iversen, 62, passed Pensioner Rafael Toro, 79, has Pensioner Frank Smithwick, 89, USNS Bowditch away July 21. She passed away July passed away. He JOEL ANSOTIGUE before retiring in signed on with began shipping 6. He signed on 2002. Sister Coss the Seafarers in with the SIU in Pensioner Joel with the SIU in made her home in New Lenox, Il- 2010, initially 1962 when he Ansotigue, 78, 1975. Brother linois. sailing aboard sailed aboard the died June 29. He Smithwick sailed the USNS Loyal. Anton Brunn. signed on with in the deck de- JAMES DAVID Sister Iversen was Brother Toro was the SIU in 1978. partment and a deck depart- A deck depart- was employed by Pensioner James David, 82, died a steward depart- ment member. ment member. He ment member, he Interstate Oil for March 8. He signed on with the She most recently was employed by the duration of his union in 1963 retired in 1992 shipped on the after conclud- Mariner Towing career. He became and primarily Magnolia State in for his entire ca- a pensioner in 2003 and was a resi- sailed in the ing his career on the Long Lines. 2018 and made her home in Clinton, Brother Toro was a Miami resident. reer. Brother An- dent of Floral City, Florida. deck department. New York. sotigue retired in 2009 and resided Brother David in Tampa, Florida. first shipped on ANTONINO UDAN HENRY OCULAM NMU the La Salle. He Pensioner Antonino Udan, 79, died concluded his ca- Brother Henry Oculam, 60, died BURTON BAXTER May 8. He donned the SIU colors in BASIL WALDRON reer on the Long May 25. Born in the Philippines, 1983 and initially Pensioner Burton Baxter, 82, passed Island and went he began his career with the SIU in sailed aboard away June 30. Pensioner Basil Waldron, 86, passed on pension in 2008. Sailing in the deck depart- the Constitution. He joined the away June 16. He 2006. Brother David was a resident ment, he first shipped on the Pr- Brother Udan Seafarers in sailed with the of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. esque Isle. Brother Oculam’s final sailed in the deck 1965 when he NMU prior to the vessel was the Overseas Texas City. department and worked for Hig- 2001 NMU/SIU RAFAEL DURAN He resided in Pearland, Texas. concluded his man Barge Lines. merger. Brother career aboard the Brother Baxter Waldron sailed in Pensioner Rafael Duran, 90, passed sailed in the deck the steward de- away July 10. He began his career SIMA PADILLA Pacific. He went on pension in department and partment. He last with the SIU in 1960. Brother Du- Pensioner Sima Padilla, 93, passed remained with the shipped aboard ran’s first vessel was the Seatrain away July 1. He donned the SIU 2006 and was a resident of Waipahu, Hawaii. same company the Maersk Ken- Savanna. He sailed in the engine colors in 1967 when he sailed on the for the majority of his career. He tucky and retired department and last shipped on the Sacramento. Brother Padilla worked retired in 2002 and called Kountze, in 2010. Brother Waldron was a Courier. Brother Duran became a in the engine department and con- STEPHEN VALENCIA Texas, home. resident of Jacksonville, Florida. pensioner in 2013 and resided in cluded his career aboard the Shining Brother Stephen Kenner, Louisiana. Star. He retired in 1994 and lived in Valencia, 67, has CHARLES DOUGHERTY Puerto Rico. passed away. A In addition to the foregoing individ- OLIFIDIO ESQUIVEL steward depart- Pensioner uals, the following union members SANTOS PASTORIZA ment member, he Charles Dough- have also passed away. Insufficient Pensioner Olifidio Esquivel, 93, erty 95, died died July 9. He Pensioner Santos Pastoriza, 78, died joined the SIU information was available to de- in 1978 when he June 11. He velop summaries of their respective started shipping November 26. He joined the Seafar- signed on with with the SIU in ers in 1964, initially shipping on sailed aboard the careers. Santa Magdelena. the SIU in 1956. 1948 and first the Commander. Brother Pastoriza A deck depart- sailed on the Steel sailed in the engine department and Brother Valen- cia’s last ship was ment member, NAME AGE DOD Fabricator. A last shipped on the Santa Clara. He Brother Dough- steward depart- became a pensioner in 2008 and the Lurline. He made his home in Honolulu. erty worked for Rahman, Sadick 100 06/30/2021 ment member, settled in Staten Island, New York. McAllister Tow- Shavers, Willie 93 06/22/2021 Brother Esquivel ing of Baltimore Spates, Paul 85 06/25/2021 concluded his ROBERT PIMENTEL RICHARD WILLIAMS for most of his career. He became a Verdejo, Carmelo 99 06/06/2021 career working Pensioner Rich- pensioner in 1984 and lived in Glen with OMI. He re- Pensioner Robert Pimentel, 73, passed away May 31. After sign- ard Williams, Burnie, Maryland. tired in 1989 and lived in Wharton, 95, died July 9. Texas. ing on with the union in 1966, he first sailed on the Jefferson City. He embarked on STEVEN MEDINA Brother Pimentel was a steward de- his career with CARROL HEICK the Seafarers in Pensioner Steven Medina 64, partment member and last worked passed away May 17. He began Pensioner Carrol Heick, 70, passed aboard the Manulani. He went on 1951 when he shipped with SC his career with the union in 1991, away June 18. He joined the Seafar- pension in 2012 and resided in San initially sailing aboard the USNS ers in 1969 and sailed in the deck Francisco. Loveland. Brother Williams was a Adventurous. A deck depart-

14 Seafarers LOG September 2021

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 14 8/12/21 2:10 AM 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.

HOUSTON (USS Transport), deck and steward departments the importance of membership Secretary Alba Ayala, Edu- Money Purchase Pension Plan, March 28 – Chairman Carlos for a job well done. Ship sail- meeting attendance. Smooth- cational Director Guiomar fewer physicals and a decrease Arauz, Secretary Alexander ing smoothly as reported by sailing ship per secretary. Crew Rancel. New fans distributed of sea time required for retire- Cordero, Educational Director secretary. Fresh food provisions change scheduled for June 10. throughout staterooms. Chair- ment. Vote of thanks given to Jorge Lawrence, Deck Delegate will be delivered upon arrival or Educational director encouraged man thanked crew for working steward department for all the Eugene Edwards, Engine Del- shortly after. Educational direc- members to upgrade at the Piney safely. He praised the steward great meals. egate Olympia Harley, Steward tor advised members to upgrade Point school and discussed SIU/ department for good service, Delegate Vidal Vallesteros. at the Piney Point school and Seabulk contract. No beefs or despite a low budget. Chairman GLOBAL SENTINEL (Subcom, Chairman reminded crew to to keep documents current. No disputed OT reported. Overtime commended members for keep- LLC), June 27 – Chairman Lee stay on top of documents and beefs or disputed OT reported. not currently paid to steward ing the ship in great shape. Edu- Hardman, Secretary Joshua to keep house clean. Secretary Crew requested an increase in department for handling of food cational director reminded crew Hinton, Educational Director and educational director encour- vacation days. Members asked waste. Food waste garbage is of the long-term benefits that Nicolae Marinescu, Deck Del- aged members to upgrade at for company’s response for traditionally designated for deck come with upgrading at Piney egate Sanyboy Whiting, Engine the union-affiliated Piney Point restrictions to ship and mobile department overtime. Crew re- Point. No beefs or disputed OT Delegate Christopher Brown, school. No beefs or disputed OT COVID-19 vaccinations. quested increases in pay and va- reported. Members requested Steward Delegate Albert Her- reported. Crew reviewed contract cation time. Members asked for better Wi-Fi coverage, an in- moso. Members who were and gave thanks to the steward MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, overtime for laundry and union crease in vacation benefits, an restricted to ships last summer department for a job well done. Limited), May 27 – Chairman meetings. Next port: Port Ever- increase in health benefits, and a were reminded to keep up with James Joyce, Secretary Emie glades, Florida. cost-of-living pay increase. redlined overtime sheets and MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Aguinaldo, Educational Direc- turn them into the hall. Chair- Limited), April 19 – Chairman tor Joel Bell, Engine Delegate MAERSK MICHIGAN (Maersk AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid man stressed the importance for Nathaniel Sherrill, Secretary Christopher Sykes, Steward Line, Limited), June 5 – Chair- Personnel and Provisioning), each sailor to maintain their ship Emie Aguinaldo, Educational Delegate Michele Woodley. man Rudy Harjanto, Secretary June 20 – Chairman Felsher restriction documentation as Director Angel Hernandez, Chairman thanked crew for Gerard Cox, Educational Di- Beasley, Secretary Detrell Lam- the appeal process with MSC is Engine Delegate Marquez a safe voyage. Educational rector Walden Galacgac, Deck bey, Educational Director Char- ongoing. Crew was urged to stay Fields. Issue with Wi-Fi still director recommended mem- Delegate Fernando Haber, En- lie Wescott, Steward Delegate on top of their documents and ongoing. Educational director bers upgrade at the Paull Hall gine Delegate Fontanos Ellison, Ramon Sarmiento. Chairman to never join a vessel without urged members to attend up- Center for Maritime Training Steward Delegate Hyeyoung discussed new jobs and urged shipping documents in hand. No grading courses at the Paul Hall and Education, located in Piney Forrer. Chairman thanked all crew to stay hydrated while beefs or disputed OT reported. Center and to donate to Seafar- Point, Maryland. No beefs or members aboard ship. He dis- working in warm weather. Edu- Chairman encouraged everyone ers Political Activities Donation disputed OT reported. Members cussed document renewals and cational director recommended to read the Seafarers LOG in (SPAD), the union’s voluntary requested a big-screen TV and encouraged everyone to upgrade members upgrade at the Piney order to be familiar with perti- political action fund. Engine DVD player for crew lounge as soon as possible. Secretary Point school and keep up with nent SIU information. Members delegate reiterated the impor- and asked for new refrigerators. praised GVA for doing an out- documents. No beefs or disputed requested new books for library. tance of drinking lots of water Crew mentioned the difficulty standing job. Educational direc- OT reported. Crew requested Next port: Honolulu. for proper hydration. No beefs of receiving packages during tor advised members to check same internet access that is cur- or disputed OT reported. ship restrictions. online for upgrading courses at rently offered to officers. Next MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, the Paul Hall Center. No beefs port: Port Arthur, Texas. Limited), July 5 – Chairman AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoe- AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoe- or disputed OT reported. Crew Kenneth Greenidge. Chairman nix Crew Management), April 25 nix Crew Management), May discussed room inspections and JEAN ANNE (PASHA), June thanked crew for a good trip. – Chairman Raymond Nowak, 30 – Chairman Charles Hill, requested new linen, new vacu- 20 – Chairman Thomas John- Educational director advised Secretary Johnnie McGill, Edu- Secretary Johnnie McGill, ums and raises in pay. Members son, Secretary Samuel Sinclair. members to attend upgrading cational Director Timothy Hetz, Educational Director Ken- asked that Wi-Fi be accessible Educational director reminded courses at the union-affiliated Deck Delegate Edward Gava- neth Cabrera, Deck Delegate for longer than four hours per crew to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. No beefs or gan, Engine Delegate Brandon Edward Gavagan, Engine day per person. Paul Hall Center for Maritime disputed OT reported. Members Hickman, Steward Delegate Delegate Brandon Hickman. Training and Education, located requested new shower curtains, Luis Mejia. Oven installed but Chairman reminded members MAERSK COLUMBUS in Piney Point, Maryland. Mem- new mattresses and linen, a still lacking a commercial heavy- that all beefs should be handled (Maersk Line, Limited), June bers requested pension increases, smoker and a bigger food bud- duty griddle. Chairman thanked within the union and stressed 13 – Chairman Basil D’Souza, emergency access to Seafarers get.

Know Your Rights

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Consti- requested. The proper address for this is: PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate tution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to fur- Inland Waters makes specific provision for Augustin Tellez, Chairman the SIU unless an official union receipt is given ther its objects and purposes including, but safeguarding the membership’s money and Seafarers Appeals Board for same. Under no circumstances should any not limited to, furthering the political, social union finances. The constitution requires a 5201 Capital Gateway Drive member pay any money for any reason unless and economic interests of maritime workers, 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

September 2021 Seafarers LOG 15

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 15 8/12/21 2:10 AM Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates

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 October 22 October 22 Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the November 15 November 15 Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. December 3 December 3 December 10 December 10 Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation October 25 October 29

Gap Closing Courses Government Vessels September 20 September 24 October 4 October 8 October 25 October 29 MSC Storekeeper Basic September 13 October 1 November 1 November 5 November 15 November 19 MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15 December 13 December 17

MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Tank Ship DL September 20 September 24

Deck Department Upgrading Courses Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 18 October 22

Able Seafarer-Deck September 27 October 15 Tank Ship Familiarization LG September 27 October 1 November 15 December 3 December 13 December 17

Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 8 October 25 November 5 November 22 December 3

RFPNW November 15 December 3

Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10

Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

FOWT September 20 October 15 October 25 November 19

Welding October 25 November 12

Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10

RFPEW November 15 December 10

Steward Department Upgrading Courses

Certified Chief Cook September 27 October 29 November 1 December 3

Advanced Galley Operations September 27 October 22 November 15 December 10

Chief Steward October 18 November 12

Safety/Open Upgrading Courses

Medical Care Provider September 13 September 17

Basic Training Revalidation October 1 October 1

UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION ______Name ______Address ______Telephone (Home)______(Cell)______Date of Birth ______Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o ______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______o o 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? oYes o 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 Train- ing and Education Admissions Office, Email:[email protected] Mail: 45353 St. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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. 9/21

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68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 16 8/12/21 2:10 AM Paul Hall Center Classes

Apprentice Water Survival Class #871 – Graduated July 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Elijah Ha-Saun Crawford, Kain Hingle, Seth James, Kyle Pettis, Dochua Jomar Polanco- Nieves, Kaleb Politte, Jesse Schecher and Alec Stensaa.

RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated July 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Lucas Anderson, Erik Arnold, Charles Broadnax II, Richard Diaz Jr., Joseph Golden II, Neil Johnston, Peter Pataki, Charles Patchin, Tyler Vitulli and Sarah Wilson. Upon Government Vessels (Phase I) – Graduated July 23 the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck department of SIU crewed vessels. Class instructor Tom (above, from left): Quinn Jon Duarte and Carlos Ruben Truitt is at the far left. Gomez Hernandez.

Medical Care Provider – Graduated July 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Mark Canada, Derek Chestnut, Randall Craig, Scott Fuller, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus, Dmitri Petchenyov and Kevin Tyson. September 2021 Seafarers LOG 17

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 17 8/12/21 2:10 AM Paul Hall Center Classes

GMDSS – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa and Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus. Class instructor Patrick Schoenberger, is at the far right.

Government Vessels – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Upgraders Harlan Alonzo, Lonnell Bell, Jacob Breschi, Luke Branko Coffelt, Richard Cole, Christopher Hunnings, FOWT – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Nicholas Banks, Shabrielle Knight, Betty Myers, Jayne Peterson, Hayden Sattler, Jeremy Smoot, Caroline Thomas Thomas Batemen, Darnel Edly Bruno, D’mitri Hill and Tyler Maddox. John Wieg- and George Ekow Turkson. mann III, their instructor, is at the far left.

Advanced Refer Container Maintenance – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabeti- Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): cal order): Rudy Villacarlos Cesar, Sterling Cox, Hector Jose Ginel, Andrew Gronotte, Cale Irons, Trevor Johnson, Sherman Kennon Jr., Michael Lane, Mark Nover Miranda Lata, Jing Hui Huang, Jean Paul Merino Lozada, Nicholas Panagakos, Carlos Alberto Parrilla, Mackenzie Latta, Tommy McGahe, Juan Narvaez, Marcelino Jose Santos Bermeo and Rodney Passapera-Barbosa, Marvin Sacaza and Kareem Walters. Instructors Mike Fay Brandon Tanton. Class instructor William Dodd is at the far left. and Christopher Morgan are pictured fourth from the left and at the far right, respectively.

Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated July 11 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Upgraders Bradley Albert, Arlando Espin, Steven Hoskins, Andrea President, Joel Williams and Jo- sephus Willis.

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68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 18 8/12/21 2:10 AM Paul Hall Center Classes

Basic Training (Advanced Firefight- ing Revalidation) – Graduated June 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Roy Gra- ham, James Sieger and David Watkins. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated July 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Mark Adams, Anthony Diamond II, Andrea Sharpe, Jeremy Smoot, Souleymane Tamla and Michael Wittenberg.

Certified Chief Cook – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Salahi Saleh Abdullah Al Salahi, Shamir Jameil Ford, Alexus Guillory, Ashley Hudson, Yohanes Grant Pribadi, Abdul Ali Qwfan, Tyson Mariano Ramirez, Yacoub Lamar Shack, Stevon Anthony Taylor and Derek Wilson.

REC Miami – [email protected] or (305) 536-4331 and will need to reschedule their appointment. National Maritime Center REC New Orleans – [email protected] Mariners are required to wear a face covering at all REC Oakland – [email protected] times. Those who refuse to wear a face covering, or who Posts Notices Addressing REC Portland – [email protected] remove face coverings during exams or counter appoint- REC Seattle – [email protected] ments, will be dismissed and could be subject to exami- Exams, Appointments REC St. Louis – [email protected] nation module failure. Persons with documented health REC Toledo – [email protected] issues that prevent them from wearing face coverings Continued from Page 9 MU Ketchikan – (907) 225-4496 (extension #3) must notify the REC/MU when scheduling an appoint- MU San Juan – (787) 729-2368 ment. Restoration of REC Counter Service Appointments *REC New York – has been temporarily closed and all All fees must be satisfied prior to arriving at the REC The National Maritime Center (NMC) will resume service suspended while the REC is relocated to a new lo- for your counter service or examination appointment. counter service appointments for the Regional Exami- cation. gov is the preferred method of payment. A receipt or nation Centers (RECs) listed below, beginning Monday, Counter and exam services will be by appointment other proof of payment will be required in order to take July 19, 2021. Limited examination services will con- only. No walk-in appointments are available. Late arrivals an examination and should be e-mailed to the REC prior tinue. Mariners seeking to schedule counter service or for appointments will not be permitted, and will require to your arrival. examination appointments may do so by contacting the rescheduling to another appointment date. For an examination appointment, mariners should bring appropriate e-mail address or phone number below: Only the mariner conducting business may enter the a Pay.gov receipt, their own #2 pencils, photo ID, a non- REC. Additional members in your party must remain out- programmable calculator, and plotting equipment. No other REC Anchorage – [email protected] side the REC during the appointment. personal belongings are allowed in the facility. REC Baltimore – [email protected] Mariners will be subject to COVID-19 screening ques- Please review the REC FAQs, located on the REC page REC Boston – [email protected] tions and temperature checks. of the NMC website, for additional information regard- REC Charleston – [email protected] Mariners experiencing COVID-19 symptoms ing available services and entry requirements during the REC Honolulu – [email protected] (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or dif- COVID-19 pandemic. REC Houston – [email protected] ficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, Should you have any questions or concerns, contact the REC Juneau – [email protected] headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@ REC Long Beach – [email protected] congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or di- uscg.mil, by using the NMC online chat system, or by call- REC Memphis – [email protected] arrhea), will not be permitted to enter the REC/MU ing 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

September 2021 Seafarers LOG 19

68802_SEPTEMBER_2021_LOG.indd 19 8/12/21 2:10 AM SEPTEMBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 9 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

QE3 Raibonne Charles was a standout defensive lineman during his college days at the University of Maine (photo at far left). He parlayed those skills into a three-year Arena Foot- ball League career with the Richmond (Virginia) Raiders where he starred as a linebacker and defensive lineman (photo at center). He is pictured above with his wife, their six-month- old son and two-year-old daughter. Former Gridiron Standout Grateful For Opportunities Found with SIU aying attention to detail and following directions to the into action. Shortly after completing his requirements for gradu- letter more often than not proves to be a winning formula. ation from the apprentice program in late 2016 and going on his PPerhaps no one knows this better than QE3 Raibonne first voyage as a credentialed mariner, he returned to the PHC Charles, who some five and one-half years ago was provided a to begin upgrading his skills. This would become a recurring set of instructions which, if followed, could change his life while action on his part as he returned to the school time and again as cementing his future with a rewarding career. often as he could to continue the enhancement of his abilities. Charles in January 2016 was a member of Paul Hall Center After completing literally every course available to him in (PHC) Apprentice Class 809, when then Director of Manpower his specialty at the PHC, Charles in 2019 applied for and was and current PHC Asst. Vice President Bart Rogers uttered sev- selected to receive a scholarship for active Seafarers through eral phrases that would profoundly impact him and his class- the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). According to mates. Rogers during an orientation briefing advised Charles his scholarship package, he planned to use the grant to pursue and his classmates “to use the school’s unlicensed apprentice courses which would help pave his way toward obtaining his program to its fullest potential; to upgrade often, and to leave the third assistant engineer’s license. He applied for admission to maritime industry as a chief/captain, or at the very least in a bet- the Maritime Professional Training school in Ft. Lauderdale, ter place than it was when they walked through the door.” Florida and the Mid Atlantic Maritime Academy in Norfolk, Charles not only took Rogers’ words seriously, he put them Virginia. A 2007 graduate of Windham High School in Windham, Maine, Charles was a well-rounded student who served as presi- dent of his class and held membership on Windham’s student council. In the athletic arena, he demonstrated versatility by par- QE3 Raibonne Charles (photo at lower left)) takes a break ticipating in football, basketball and track and field. Charles was from his normal duties in the engine room of the American a church youth leader and volunteered numerous hours working Liberty to grab some fresh air on the vessel’s deck. In the in an area soup kitchen. He also assisted residents of a Maine photo above, Charles is busy fabricating a tool rack aboard veterans’ home where he was involved in impact mentoring. the Pennsylvania. Both vessels are operated by Intrepid Following high school, Charles accepted an athletic scholar- Personnel and Provisioning. ship to the University of Maine. He earned his degree in forestry while again making his mark on the gridiron as a standout defen- sive lineman. His accomplishments on the field did not go un- to do to get the proper documentation to become a seaman. Once noticed, and not long after graduation, he was offered a contract I figured that out, I did what most people do when they are look- to play professional football in the Arena Football League. He ing for a job: fill out resumes and send out applications. played three seasons as a linebacker with the Richmond (Vir- “I sent resumes and applications out to any and every ship- ginia) Raiders. ping company in the world that I could find an application to,” “In April 2015, I walked away from the game of football he said. “What ended up happening was that a crewing coordina- forever,” he said in his SHBP scholarship application package. tor from TOTE Maritime called and said she had received my “I knew I needed a career that provided stability and would give resume several times since her company recruited mariners from me the ability to provide.” other shipping companies. She explained to me what the SIU At that juncture, Charles began revisiting interests from was, told me about the unlicensed apprentice program, explained childhood. “As a young boy, the maritime industry was my first what it was all about and recommended that I apply for it. I did, interest,” he said. “I have many fond memories of sitting on my got accepted and in January of 2016 boarded a plane to Balti- veranda in Grenada and standing in the Portland harbor watch- more (en route to Piney Point) and my life has never been the ing ships come in and out. Often, I was left wondering where did same since,” he said. these ships come from and where will they go….” This past February, Charles passed the examination which Charles said his interest in shipping probably was the result landed him credentials as a 3rd Assistant and Designated Duty of his childhood environment. “Both of my childhood homes Engineer. Justifiably proud of his achievement, he reached out were heavily reliant on the maritime industry,” he shared in his to many of those who had figured prominently in his success to application package. “The most influential person in my life was date. Among them was Rogers, whom he contacted via email in a seafarer…. The first seafarer I knew was my father.” May to offer his thanks. It should be no surprise then, that Charles chose maritime In part, that correspondence read: “I came through the pro- as his career going forward following his days in the Arena gram in class 809. From the day I joined the program my life Football League. “After really thinking about it and putting ev- has moved in a positive direction, and I am very grateful…. The erything into perspective, I realized that this (maritime industry) opportunity that was provided to me by the SIU has transformed is what I wanted to do,” he said. “So initially I talked to some my family’s and my life. Thank you and everyone on the admis- people, did some research and tried to figure out what I needed sions/manpower team that helped make this possible.”

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