Dozens of members and retirees of American Maritime Officers, along with union representatives and staff of the union and STAR Center, joined together for a barbecue dinner May 1 to celebrate AMO’s 75th anniversary. On May 12, 1949, the union was chartered as the Brotherhood of Marine Engineers (BME), an affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA). Over time, the BME expanded its shipboard and regional jurisdictions, and under specific circumstances, changed its name and affiliation – Great Lakes District Local 101 of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, District 2 MEBA, District 2 MEBA-AMO, and finally, American Maritime Officers. AMO reaffiliated with the SIUNA in 2003.
AMO National President Captain Willie Barrere welcomed union members and guests to the AMO birthday celebration, which was held on STAR Center’s campus in Dania Beach, Fla.
