National Maritime Day

Remarks Delivered by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
National Maritime Day
Propeller Club
Washington, DC
Monday, May 22, 2006

Thank you, Gloria [Tosi, President of American Maritime Congress].

What a pleasure it is to be here this afternoon among friends and familiar faces, including President Ron Davis of MEBA and Executive Vice President Augie Tellez of the SIU.

Chairman Steve Blust and Commissioner Rebecca Dye of the Federal Maritime Commission are also with us.

It is also good to see Admiral Robert Reilly [Commander of the Military Sealift Command] and Admiral Jim Perkins [Emory S. Land Chair of Maritime Affairs, Naval War College]. Thank you for that invocation.

Two former Maritime Administrators: Captain Bill Schubert and Admiral Al Herberger are also with us. Roy Rogers, President of the King's Club of Washington is also with us.

It's good to see Acting Maritime Administrator Julie Nelson with us. I understand that Julie is handling three jobs these days.

Today, we pay special tribute to all merchant mariners. And it is an occasion for us to reflect upon the tremendous contributions that the American merchant marine has made to ensuring that our country is strong, safe and free.

8,000 merchant mariners are currently crewing auxiliary vessels for the United States Navy, which supports our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. As they have in every war in our nation's history, merchant mariners are delivering the troops and supplies needed by our armed forces.

They have delivered 76 million square feet of cargo — 26 million of that was in the last year alone — to our troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The cargo they transport is precious — some of the most expensive and complex equipment in the world. It takes the tremendous skills of our country's merchant mariners to protect and transport this cargo, especially when it is at risk on the high seas.

The U.S. Merchant Marine contributes to ensuring that America sustains the strongest military force the world has ever known. When the history of the war on terror is written, the U.S. Merchant Marine will be remembered — as it has been in every war — as vital to our victory.

The Cabinet was recently briefed, as it is regularly, on the war on terror. Let me share with you some information that we heard that is unclassified. We heard firsthand reports from CENTCOM Commander General Abizaid, Multinational Force Commander General Casey and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Khalilzad about what's happening in Iraq.

The events of 9/11 demonstrated the absolute necessity of discarding the old paradigm that law enforcement actions could defeat terrorism. Before 9/11, if a terrorist attacked, we would send law enforcement officers after them.

Now we know that the terrorists have global ambitions. On al Qaeda's own website, they clearly state their goal is to establish an Islamic empire from Spain to Southeast Asia. They want to reclaim the Caliphate of previous centuries and to establish Islamic law. This is the essence of the battle — and it is a mistake not to take it seriously. They will not succeed. But it will take the combined power of military, political and economic resources to defeat them.

As the President reminded us, two years ago, al Qaeda's leader in Iraq wrote a letter that said, "democracy is coming," and this would mean "suffocation" for al Qaeda and its allies. The terrorists fought this moment with all their hateful power — with suicide attacks, and beheadings, and roadside bombs — and now the day they feared has arrived.

They are already forced to fight in their own backyard instead of on American soil. And now they find themselves fighting a war they cannot win against the government freely chosen by the Iraqi people. I have traveled to Iraq, and can tell you that the Iraqis are grateful for the gift of freedom, and are anxious to defend their new country.

Many of America's merchant mariners are also active participants in combating the war on terror. Recently I met Ron West, a firefighter chief engineer — a MEBA member — on one of New York's fireboats. After the attack of 9-11, Ron and his fellow merchant mariners helped evacuate tens of thousands from Manhattan. Like many mariners, Ron is a reservist and he served almost 18 months with the Air Force in Afghanistan. To all of you who have answered the call to serve on active duty, you have our sincere gratitude.

Recently, America's merchant marine has seen the building of several new cruise ships under American flag. I joined many of you to launch the Pride of America, in New York last June. As you know, this was the first brand-new U.S.-flagged, ocean-going passenger ship in nearly 50 years. Its crew is getting rave reviews.

Two days ago, her sister ship, the Pride of Hawaii, was christened in Los Angeles, making a total of three U.S.-flagged cruise ships that will cruise Hawaii. Together, they will create 20,000 American jobs, of which 3,000-4,000 will be seafarer's jobs.

President Bush has repeatedly stated his strong support for the Jones Act. He has said, emphatically, that the nation's maritime workforce is "an essential element of U.S. policy." The President will be speaking at the commencement ceremony at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. This reflects the important role the Merchant Marine plays in armed conflict. He will be the first sitting President of the United States to address the Kings Point graduating class.

The 21st century holds many challenges for our maritime industry, including an anticipated doubling of cargo and passenger traffic in the next two decades.

Just recently, I announced a grant under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative to the Seafarers union to train workers in the maritime industry. The Paul Hall Training Center in Piney Point, which I have visited, will develop curriculum and learning tools for a variety of seafaring occupations. The Department of Labor and the Seafarers will also create an Apprenticeship Certificate of Training Program for cruise ship hospitality jobs.

Last week, I visited MEBA's training center in St. Michael's. I toured the school, visited several classes, met with students, and sampled the cafeteria. The unions know how important good food is to merchant mariners at sea! I also tried out the simulator, which is used by MEBA to update the skills of their members and other students. Most impressively, I also had the opportunity to visit the Merchant Marine Memorial which pays tribute to the many contributions of the merchant mariners to our nation. This Memorial was brought about by MEBA's vision, determination and tenacity. It is supported entirely by private funds. It will be a lasting Memorial that many will visit.

Both unions have invested heavily in training and in their members. In doing so, they provide a value to the operators. The maritime industry is leading the way in this collaborative effort. Labor and management work well together and realize that there are ups-and-downs in the industry, and they must weather the storms together.

Let me conclude by once again expressing our country's gratitude for the critical role that the U.S. Merchant Marine plays in serving our country during times of war and times of peace. They do so at great personal risk and with great distinction. Their contributions are immeasurable. Even during times of peace the life of a merchant mariner is one of sacrifice — long and lonely days at sea, separated from family and loved ones.

May God bless you. And may God bless America.

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