As of the October 15, deadline for submitting applications to the Maritime Administration for participation in the new Maritime Security Program, 25 companies have submitted applications for 142 vessels to be enrolled, although only 60 ships are authorized under the enabling legislation.
In a misguided decision that jeopardizes sealift readiness of the United States, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) on August 31, awarded Large Medium Speed Roll-on/Roll-off (LMSR) vessels to American Overseas Maritime Corporation (AMSEA), a subsidiary of General Dynamics. Two other LMSRs were awarded to a company named 3PSC of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Strong opposition has been developing in recent weeks in the U.S. Congress to a proposal by European Union nations, Canada, and Australia to limit existing United States food aid programs.
On July 17, 2004 at the Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard (KPSI), Matson Navigation Company christened its newest ship, the m/v Maunawili. Meaning ?winding mountain? in Hawaiian, the ship is the second in the CV 2600 Manukai-class, and the third Matson ship to bear the Maunawili name. She will be crewed on deck by members of the Sailors? Union of the Pacific.
The new National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. dedicated on May 29 includes a tribute to the United States Merchant Marine.
A proposal by two government acquisition councils to waive cargo preference laws for contracts and subcontracts involving the ocean transportation of ?Commercially Available Off-The Shelf? (COTS) items would seriously threaten the Nation?s defense, security, and economy, by destroying a major portion of the U.S.-flag merchant marine.
In response to the U.S. Coast Guard?s proposed interim rule that would exacerbate the issuance of merchant mariner document by placing further burdensome regulations on American mariners, the Sailors?
With this special edition of the West Coast Sailors, the Sailors? Union of the Pacific proudly honors the memory of Andrew Furuseth who was born 150 years ago this month.
In brisk weather on March 12, hundreds of Norwegians gathered in Asbygda, Norway at noon, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Sailors? Union of the Pacific?s crusading leader Andrew Furuseth.
The American Union movement endorsed Senator John Kerry (D-MA) for president on February 19, at a meeting of the AFL-CIO General Board.