MARINE ENGINEERS' BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION (AFL-CIO)
         "On Watch in Peace and War Since 1875"

MEBA TELEX TIMES       MAY 15, 2009

The Official Union Newsletter

NUMBER 20

In this issue...
WWII mariners bill passes House...Coast Guard piracy MarSec... M.E.B.A. affiliate on Hill...We take the gloves off, get a grip on the news and point the way towards another nail-biting edition right at your fingertips. Keep your meat hooks off limp-wristed, opposable weeklies that palm off their ham-fisted, strong-arm tactics. We'll keep you clapping with a snappy new issue that takes you on a white knuckle ride - we pinky swear! Follow this rule of thumb: For the newsletter with the magic touch, you're in good hands with the Telex Times!

WWII MARINERS' BILL PASSED IN HOUSE
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009. The bill would establish a Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund and allow merchant mariners who served between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 to receive monthly payments of $1,000 out of that fund.

Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, introduced the bill early in this legislative session. His Committee marked up the bill last week. Congressman Filner stated, "I have been fighting for more than a decade to provide Merchant Mariners of WWII the thanks they deserve for their forgotten service - not just in words, but in deeds. This Congress is once again on the precipice of correcting a grave injustice heaped upon the gallant men of the Merchant Marine of World War II. These heroes were not granted veteran status until 40 years after the War. We are here today to rectify the improper denial of G.I. Bill benefits and to find a way to compensate them, more than 60 years later, for their heroic deeds."

A Senate companion bill has once again been introduced by Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE). S. 663 has been referred to the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. However, Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) who chairs the Committee and sets the schedule has not made movement of the bill a priority.

PIRACY TASK FORCE NABS 17 SUSPECTED PIRATES
Ships from Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 prevented a piracy attack in the Gulf of Aden this week which led to the apprehension of 17 suspected pirates aboard an alleged mothership on Wednesday.

The Korean Destroyer MUNMU THE GREAT and U.S. guided missile cruiser USS GETTYSBURG responded to a distress call from the Egyptian-flagged Motor Vessel AMIRA, which reported being attacked approximately 75 nautical miles south of Al Mukalla, Yemen. Several assault rifle rounds and one rocket propelled grenade round struck the AMIRA resulting in little to no damage to the ship. A rope was thrown from the skiff in an attempt to board but the attempt failed and the suspected pirates abandoned their attack.

GETTYSBURG and MUNMU THE GREAT launched their embarked helicopters which flew immediately to AMIRA's location. During its flight, an SH-60B helicopter located a dhow suspected of serving as a pirate "mothership" with approximately 17 people onboard.

A GETTYSBURG visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team boarded the suspected mothership along with members of U.S. Coast Guard Legal Detachment (LEDET) 409 and apprehended the suspected pirates after finding eight assault rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and one rocket-propelled grenade. All 17 of the passengers were brought on board GETTYSBURG for further questioning.

GETTYSBURG and MUNMU THE GREAT are operating in support of CTF 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the CMF area of responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations.

COAST GUARD ISSUES MARITIME SECURITY DIRECTIVE ON PIRACY
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a maritime security directive Monday in response to the rise in piracy in the waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa and in light of recent pirate attacks on U.S. flagged vessels.

Maritime Security Directive 104-6 (rev. 2) issued by the Coast Guard under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2004 provides the maritime industry with specific, risk-based measures to take to deter, detect or disrupt piracy. Prior to entering high risk waters, U.S. flagged vessels should establish an anti-piracy plan that includes the hardening of rigging and operating vessels in a manner to prevent attacks and subsequent boarding. Ships shall also use established transit lanes, erratic ships maneuvering, increased speed and cooperation with military forces patrolling the area. During transits through high-risk areas, it is the ship's responsibility to maintain a vigilant anti-piracy watch and ensure all shipboard anti-piracy precautions are in force.

Vessel security plans for U.S. flagged vessels that operate in high risk waters must have security protocols for terrorism, piracy, and armed robbery against ships that meet the performance standards in this directive by May 25. An annex to the directive provides further specific measures required for vessels transiting in the Horn of Africa and Gulf of Aden high risk waters. All vessel security plans must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

"Piracy presents a multi-faceted threat to the United States, our international partners and the maritime industry and the seafarers who make their living on the global maritime transportation system," said Rear Adm. Brian Salerno, assistant commandant for marine safety, security and stewardship. "The Coast Guard has a unique role to play in response to this threat and we remain committed to working with our governmental, defense and industry partners to bring pirates to justice and to help provide for the safety of mariners upon the high seas."

In addition to working with the maritime industry to help vessel owners and operators develop plans to deter, detect and respond to acts of piracy, the Coast Guard is actively engaged in counter piracy operations under Combined Task Force 151, in which Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments and cutters are working with the U.S. Navy to deter piracy and apprehend criminals. Coast Guard units, working with U.S. Navy Visit Board search and Seizure teams, have made four interdictions, resulting in the apprehension of 30 suspected pirates.

MERPAC SEEKS APPLICANTS
The Coast Guard is actively seeking applications for appointment to the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). MERPAC gives advice and makes recommendations to the Coast Guard on matters pertinent to all personnel in the maritime industry, such as training, licensing, and certification and the on-going reorganization at the National Maritime Center. Travel costs for attending the committee meetings are covered by the Coast Guard.

Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. EDT on July 15, 2009. A copy of the application form, as well as this notice, is available www.regulations.gov  by entering docket, USCG-2009-0325. For further information contact Mark Gould, Assistant to DFO of MERPAC; telephone 202-372-1409 or email mark.c.gould@uscg.mil

NEW GRANTS HELP UNION MEMBER FAMILIES SAVE FOR COLLEGE
With the economy in a seemingly endless free fall, the rising cost of a college education is putting working families in a bind. However, if you open a new college savings account, your union may be able to help. The new Union Plus College Savings Grant offers $500 to qualified union members who open a new tax-free "529" college savings or prepaid tuition plan by June 30, 2009. You are eligible for the $500 grant if you have had a Union Plus Credit Card, Mortgage or UnionSecure Insurance policy for one year and contribute at least $1,000 dollars in the account by Nov. 30, 2009.

Members with a previously opened education savings accounts are not eligible to apply for a grant. The 529 savings plan is one of several savings programs that can help you afford a college education, which is becoming more and more important in our information-fueled economy. The 529 plans, operated by each individual state, encourage people to save for future college costs. The Union Plus College Savings Grant underscores the importance that unions place in higher education.

The college grant is part of a $3 million initiative introduced this year by Union Plus to assist union members facing financial hardship during the current recession. The program - called Union SAFE, for Security, Assistance and Financial Education - provides a wide array of benefits for qualifying members - from financial counseling to help with hospital payments to job loss protection to help avoiding foreclosure. For more information or an application, please visit UnionPlus.org/CollegeSavings .

MSC SEALIFT LOGISTICS COMMAND CHANGES LEADERSHIP
Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic, the Norfolk, VA.-based U.S. Navy command responsible for operational control over Military Sealift Command vessels providing ocean transportation of equipment, fuel, supplies and ammunition in the Atlantic, changed command during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk last week.

Capt. Michael G. Graham assumed command of SEALOGLANT from outgoing commander, Capt. George G. Galyo, on the flight deck of fast combat support ship USNS ARCTIC. The M.E.B.A.-crewed ARCTIC, one of MSC's four fast combat support ships, transports fuel and other vital supplies to Navy warships, which allow the combatants to remain deployed for long periods of time. Graham last served as the U.S. Northern Command liaison officer to U.S. Fleet Forces Command. "I am honored and excited to take the helm of a command as vibrant and vital as SEALOGLANT," Graham said. "It will be a rewarding challenge to carry on such a vital Department of Defense mission."

In addition, Sealift Logistics Command Pacific underwent a change of command during a ceremony onboard the fleet replenishment oiler (and M.E.B.A.-crewed) USNS GUADALUPE at Naval Station San Diego. SEALOGPAC outgoing commander, Capt. David L. Kiehl, was relieved by Capt. Jerome Hamel during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Hamel comes to SEALOGPAC after a tour of duty in Washington, D.C., where he served on the Chief of Naval Operations' staff as the operations augmentation branch head.

MOLLER-MAERSK GROUP REDUCES CO2 EMISSIONS BY 9%
A.P. Moller-Maersk Group reduced its impact on the climate with a drop of 9% in CO2 emissions in 2008 compared to the previous year. This represents a fall of 5 million tons of CO2 and was achieved through lower fuel consumption on ships and reduced flaring from platforms. The trend is continuing in 2009 in line with the Group's new environmental strategy which is being implemented throughout its various business units.

The Group's transport segment, dominated by the container business in Maersk Line, is responsible for more than 90% of the Group's fuel consumption. Still, ocean shipping is by far the most environmentally friendly way of transporting goods. Because of optimized usage of energy, the transport segment had a drop of 8% in fuel consumption despite increased business activity.

NANTUCKET SHIPWRECK & LIFESAVING MUSEUM
The new Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum opens its doors today for its first full season. This year, the museum will debut a historical retrospective exhibit on "Madaket Millie," a colorful local character, who personally took over Coast Guard patrols of Madaket Harbor. In addition, the museum will host three Family Fun Days throughout the summer, including a book signing with Whitney Stewart, author of Coffin's Ghost, a new treasure hunt book for children. Stewart also authored Marshall, A Nantucket Sea Rescue, inspired by the real-life tale of a Newfoundland dog that was rescued by life-savers at the island's Surfside Life-Saving Station in 1877, and this fall will release a new edition of Marshall for older children. In collaboration with The Trustees of Reservations, the museum will add guided Sunday tours to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and Great Point Lighthouse.

The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum is located at 158 Polpis Road, just 3.5 miles from Nantucket Town. The museum and gift shop will open Friday, May 15 and close on Columbus Day, Monday, October 12, 2009. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 5 - 18, and free to children under 5, and also includes admission to Egan Maritime Institute exhibits at the historic Coffin School, located at 4 Winter Street in Nantucket Town. For more information call (508) 228-1885, or visit online at www.nantucketshipwreck.org.

M.E.B.A. AFFILIATE ON THE HILL
Aviation unions, including one of M.E.B.A.'s affiliates were on Capitol Hill this week to testify about the Federal Aviation Administration's funding request. Several of the unions including the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), told Senators in the Commerce Committee's Aviation Operations Subcommittee that the FAA needs to repair labor management relations following eight contentious years under the Bush Administration PASS President Tom Brantley stated, "Over the past several years, labor-management relations. within the FAA have been largely dysfunctional. This has resulted in low employee morale, stressful working conditions and overwhelming tension between labor and management-all of which impact the productivity of FAA employees and the efficiency of the aviation system." In addition, witnesses pointed out that advances must be made by the agency to address flight crew fatigue; improve aviation maintenance safety; and modernize the air traffic control system.

GET IN ON THE CAA MYRTLE BEACH GOLF OUTING
If you're eyes weren't glued to the Telex Times last week and you didn't hear the fabulous news about the upcoming golf outing set for Myrtle Beach this summer, get ready for a treat. The Calhoon Alumni Association has announced a three-day golf event scheduled for July 10-12 at Litchfield Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC. This incredible package includes three rounds of golf on three championship courses, a three-night stay and a fantastic breakfast buffet each day. CAA President Mike Fanning has secured an amazing price for those fortunate people who take advantage of this deal. It will range from $310 to $350 per golfer depending on the turnout!! All active and retired M.E.B.A. members and their guests are welcome. You don't need to be a Calhoon School graduate to attend. For the love of God, sign up today! Further details can be found on the School's website (www.mebaschool.org). Click on "What's New" to learn more. Also, e-mail Mike Fanning with any questions at caa2010@mebaschool.org.

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS
Monday, June 8 - Boston, Jacksonville, Seattle;
Tuesday, June 9 - Baltimore/Calhoon School (at CMES), Houston, San Francisco (Oakland);
Wednesday, June 10 - Charleston, New Orleans;
Thursday, June 11- L.A. (Wilmington), New York (New Jersey), Norfolk, Tampa;
Friday, June 12 - Honolulu.

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