This statement is submitted by the American Maritime Officers, the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, the Marine Firemen’s Union, the Maritime Trades Department, AFLCIO, the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, the Seafarers International Union, and the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. Collectively, our unions represent the ships’ masters, licensed deck officers, licensed engineers, and unlicensed merchant mariners working aboard all types of U.S.-flag commercial vessels, including all those enrolled in the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program.
The development, implementation and funding of programs and policies that promote, support and grow the U.S.-flag fleet, enhance its economic viability, and increase its ability to compete for and secure a larger share of America’s commercial commerce are extremely important to the jobs of the men and women our organizations represent. The jobs that American merchant mariners perform, and the ships that they crew, are a vital component of America’s economic and military security. They provide the commercial sealift readiness capability needed by the Department of Defense and, as history has demonstrated, are always ready, willing and able to put themselves in harms’ way to support American troops deployed throughout the world. Consequently, we are grateful that this hearing is being held and we appreciate the opportunity to submit our statement.
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