President Obama’s plans to nominate and appoint Vice Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr. to be the next Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. Upon Senate confirmation, VADM Papp, who currently serves as Commander of the Atlantic Area and Defense Force East (LANTAREA), will relieve Admiral Thad W. Allen during a change of command ceremony on May 25, 2010.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano applauded the choice. "The Coast Guard plays a vital role in protecting our nation—securing America’s borders, protecting our ports, and providing critical aid during disasters," said Secretary Napolitano. "Vice Admiral Papp's extensive knowledge of the Coast Guard’s operations and broad mission will strengthen our efforts to ensure the nation’s maritime security."

As the head of the Coast Guard’s LANTAREA, Papp functions as operational commander for all Coast Guard missions within the eastern half of the world. Prior to assuming command of LANTAREA, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard in Washington. He was the Ninth Coast Guard District Commander from 2004-2006, and was previously promoted to Flag rank in October 2002 and appointed Director of Reserve and Training. His Coast Guard career includes extensive tours on both land and sea including service on six Coast Guard Cutters and posts such as Chief of the Capabilities Branch in the Defense Operations Division; Chief of the Fleet Development Team; and Chief of the Coast Guard’s Office of Congressional Affairs.

Papp graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and holds a master’s in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a master’s in management from Salve Regina College.

The Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School wants to make sure that members are aware of changes in the CMES registration policy. Below are a few highlights:

Questions concerning the registration policy should be directed to Barry Van Vechten at 410-822-9600 ext. 315.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a rule setting tough engine and fuel standards for large U.S.-flagged ships. EPA says the new regs harmonize with international standards and will lead to significant air quality improvements throughout the country.

"There are enormous health and environmental consequences that come from marine diesel emissions, affecting both port cities and communities hundreds of miles inland. Stronger standards will help make large ships cleaner and more efficient, and protect millions of Americans from harmful diesel emissions," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Port communities have identified diesel emissions as one of the greatest health threats facing their people – especially their children. These new rules mark a step forward in cutting dangerous pollution in the air we breathe and reducing the harm to our health, our environment, and our economy."

EPA says that air pollution from large ships is expected to grow rapidly as port traffic increases. By 2030, the domestic and international strategy they expect to reduce annual emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from large marine diesel engines by about 1.2 million tons and particulate matter (PM) emissions by about 143,000 tons. EPA says, when fully implemented, this coordinated effort will reduce NOX emissions from ships by 80 percent, and PM emissions by 85 percent, compared to current emissions.

EPA estimates that in 2030, this effort will prevent between 12,000 and 31,000 premature deaths and 1.4 million work days lost. The estimated annual health benefits in 2030 as a result of reduced air pollution are valued between $110 and $270 billion, which is up to nearly 90 times the projected cost of $3.1 billion to achieve those results.

Virginia Governor-elect Bob McDonnell announced that former Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton, who also previously served as chairman of Virginia’s Prince William County Board of Supervisors, is his pick for the State’s Secretary of Transportation, replacing Pierce Homer.

The 48-year old Connaughton served as Maritime Administrator from 2006 until earlier this year.

Members contributing to M.E.B.A.’s Political Action Fund might want to make sure to get their donations in by the end of the year in order to qualify for the M.E.B.A. rewards program. Special keepsake gifts are available to those who help strengthen the P.A.F. during calendar year 2009. Three different levels of specially-produced challenge coins are given to $100 and above, $250 and above and $500 and above contributors. Those who contribute over $1,000 receive all three coins and have their choice of a his or hers M.E.B.A. watch, a Meat Lover’s steak knife set, or a great M.E.B.A. multi-tool/mag-lite set. There will likely be additional rewards available for 2009 contributors including all-new challenge coins.

Every dollar helps. To help guarantee the future of your Union, please contribute to the M.E.B.A.’s Political Action Fund!

The combat stores ships are being replaced by the newly built Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo/ammunition ships. To date, eight of an expected class of fourteen dry cargo/ammunition ships have been delivered to the Navy.

The M.E.B.A. reserves final right of placement over all ads but will consider placement requests. In addition, we reserve the right to reject any advertisement for any reason whatsoever or no reason at all. Finally, the M.E.B.A. will not accept political advertisements relating to either internal or external politics.

Full page ads cost $1,200 for a one-time placement and $995 (per ad) if you commit to three or more ads. A 1/2 page costs $700 or $580 (per ad) for a three or more commitment. A 1/3 page ad costs $500 with a $415 (per ad) price for three or more.

M.E.B.A. promotional products are now easier for active and retired members to obtain with the addition of our new online shop. You can access it from our webpage www.mebaunion.org and click on the "Union Store" icon at top right.

To start, seven items are being offered for sale, including the "Pirates Beware – M.E.B.A. Onboard" T-shirt, logo hats and a steak knife set. The prices were set not to make a profit, but to help cover the cost of the item and offset online store expenses. The main goal of the store is to allow our members to obtain logo merchandise and display it proudly.

User feedback will help shape the future direction of the online store. Those offering constructive input and suggestions for future items offered can e-mail mebahq@mebaunion.org.  Obviously, higher selling items will become mainstays on the site while poorly selling items will be discontinued.

Apply for Vacation and Port Relief Benefits early to avoid the year-end rush.

Any member who requires that his/her check be dated in 2009 must file before this deadline. Remember, December 25, 2009 and January 1, 2010 are holidays and the outports and the Plan Office will be closed. It is always wise to plan ahead, so you may want to verify your specific outport holiday schedule with the plan office representative.

Please contact the Vacation Plan staff in Baltimore at 800-811-6322 or 410-547-9111 if you have any questions.

Monday, Jan. 4 – Boston; Jacksonville; Seattle;
Tuesday, Jan. 5 – Baltimore/Calhoon School@CMES, Houston, San Francisco (Oakland);
Wednesday, Jan. 6 – Charleston, New Orleans;
Thursday, Jan. 7 – L.A. (Wilmington), New York (New Jersey), Norfolk, Tampa;
Friday, Jan. 8 – Honolulu.