The Propeller Club of the United States May 2 presented its 2006 Salute to Congress Award to Rep. Neil Abercrombie, the fiery Hawaiian Democrat known in part for his outspoken advocacy of the U.S. merchant fleet in all trades.
Pennsylvania residents who served in the U.S. merchant marine during World War II are eligible for a one-time payment of $500 from the state.
The USNS Dahl, shown here in Saipan, is one of eight large, medium speed roll-on/roll-off ships operated by Maersk Line Limited under Military Sealift Command charter and American Maritime Officers contract. The LMSRs--19 in all--are critical to U.S. defense sealift strategy in national security emergencies. All of the LMSRs are manned by AMO officers.
The LTC John U.D. Page is one of two ammunition carriers operated under Military Sealift Command charter and AMO contract by Maersk Line Limited. The second vessel is the Edward A. Carter Jr. The Seafarers International Union represents the crewmembers aboard both ships.
A reduction of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force would be averted under an amendment to a defense authorization bill in the House of Representatives.
A technology transfer agreement announced in April would allow a major U.S. shipyard to build U.S.-flagged merchant ships from South Korean designs--and the deal could result in new jobs for members of American Maritime Officers.
