An onerous rule promulgated by the U.S. Customs Service in 2001 which severely penalized U.S.-flag shipping, was overturned this month when President Bush signed the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Correction Act of 2004 (H.R. 4047)
West Coast Sailors
On November 5, SUP member Tim Hill, who was bosun aboard the Shughart at the time of the fire, accepted a plaque on behalf of the crew.
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?
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.
Among the Union's objectives is "to support a journal which shall voice the sentiments of the seafaring class, and through its columns seek to maintain the knowledge of and interest in maritime affairs." The first issue of the West Coast Sailors, in June of 1937, noted that "Common sense, fearlessly applied, brings success to a Union."