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'Freedom' under the U.S.-flag
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| Naming ceremony for car carrier highlights value of merchant fleet | |||||
The Freedom, formerly the Takamine, was re-flagged under U.S. registry Oct. 29 and re-named Oct. 30 in a grand ceremony at the docks of the Port of Baltimore. The ship is owned by American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC), and is one of five car carriers operated by Pacific Gulf Marine (PGM). American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers working aboard the Freedom and the other four ARC car carriers operated by PGM, the Independence, Liberty, Resolve and Patriot. "The U.S. merchant marine has a significant role to play in our country's defense of freedom, and the addition of a vessel like Freedom can make a difference," said Raymond Ebeling, chairman and chief executive officer of ARC. "The importance of our U.S. maritime industry to our national strength was strongly and succinctly stated by General John Handy, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, in Congressional testimony last spring: 'we simply cannot as a nation fight the fight without the participation of the maritime industry'." Lt. Gen. Gary H. Hughey, deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, spoke along the same lines, expounding upon the crucial service provided to U.S. military operations by the U.S.-flag merchant fleet and American contract civilian mariners. "This ship renaming, and I would submit, more importantly, it's re-flagging, is a significant event for ARC, our merchant mariners and this great nation," Lt. Gen. Hughey said. "We celebrate many things today, chiefly the renaming of this ship," he said. "But most especially, what ARC and America's dedicated merchant mariners on U.S.-flag ships are doing to ensure victory in the global war on terrorism. "This ship, the Freedom, and her sister ships--the Independence, Liberty, Resolve and Patriot--will go in harm's way to project and sustain our war fighters wherever they are fighting those who would destroy our way of life." Maritime Administrator William Schubert during the ceremony also discussed the service U.S.-flagged vessels, like the Freedom, provide to the nation's military and economic interests. He also addressed federal programs, like the Maritime Security Program (MSP), that promote the participation of U.S.-flagged vessels in international shipping. "We're very hopeful in the near future that we'll have a new MSP program with a 60-ship program," Schubert said. "What a great day that'll be when we can welcome 13 more ships to the U.S.-flag merchant marine. "Out of the 47 ships that we have (enrolled in MSP), 36 were used for Operation Iraqi Freedom," Schubert said. "At the same time, the other ships that weren't carrying in-theater cargoes were carrying other peacetime cargoes to meet our military and our commerce needs. "In this day of heightened security, we also are keenly aware of the importance of having American crews manning our strategic sealift," he said. During his keynote address, Mike Sacco, president of the Seafarers' International Union of North America, emphasized the importance of growing the U.S.-flag fleet and expanding the job base for American mariners. "As others have stated, our security is enhanced by building a qualified pool of seafarers," Sacco said. "Many of these same crew members who are crewing the Freedom as it enters the U.S. fleet may someday use these skills to deliver vital cargo to U.S. troops overseas. "In order to best serve the national and economic security interests of the U.S., our country deserves nothing less than a strong viable U.S. fleet," he said. "That goes for all segments of the industry, from the deep sea and coastwise trades to the inland and Great Lakes fleets, to passenger ships and, of course, our shipyards. "All of these components are vital, especially in these uncertain times," Sacco said. "That's why a ceremony like this isn't taken for granted. When I look at this beautiful re-flagged ship, I see new jobs for American citizens. And I see a boost for America's national and economic security." Helen Bentley, a former U.S. Congresswoman and an advocate of the U.S. maritime industry, was named godmother of the ship and completed the re-naming ceremony with ARC President Ebeling. "Freedom in all of its various manifestations--economic freedom, political freedom, social freedom, religious freedom--is the concept that's launched countless ships," Bentley said. "And when America must raise its sword against those who would threaten the American ideals and our way of life, we know that our military can rely upon U.S.-flagged ships like the Freedom and her sister ships--the Independence, the Patriot, the Liberty and the Resolve," Bentley said. "What great names to provide as the foundation for the renaissance of the American merchant marine." |
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