The mariners who worked aboard five Military Sealift Command vessels--the USNS Algol, USNS Altair, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Pollux and USNS Pililaau-- during the relief and recovery efforts on the U.S. Gulf Coast following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita received the U.S. Merchant Marine Medal June 14 for their service.
A large oil drilling company's temporary Jones Act exemption will not be made permanent, despite the company's best lobbying effort.
President Bush June 19 became the first Chief Executive to address the graduating class at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.
President Bush June 27 nominated Sean Connaughton to serve as Maritime Administrator.
Despite its sustained success in defense of domestic shipping laws -- especially the Jones Act of 1920 -- in the last 10 years, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force endures one vexing truth: there is little public understanding of the laws, the fleets they promote and why the laws matter.
Norman Mineta, a former Democratic Congressman with a history of support of the U.S.-flagged merchant fleet, resigned his Cabinet post as Secretary of Transportation on July 7.
Representatives of the Maritime Administration June 20 briefed American Maritime Officers on the agency's new Mariner Outreach System, a voluntary program allowing MARAD easy access to qualified U.S. merchant mariners who can help crew government-owned sealift ships in national security emergencies.
American Maritime Officers joined other unions, organizations and individuals involved with the U.S. maritime transportation system in commenting upon and providing criticism of two proposed rulemakings from the Homeland Security Department.
