100 Yrs and Ticking - USCG Salutes
They were dubbed the greatest generation, and after spending an hour or so with Linwood Thumm, known more affectionately as "Tick," it's easy to understand why. Two weeks shy of his 100th birthday, his recollection of his service in the Coast Guard during WWII are as vivid as if he just left the battle. Humble about his service yet excited to share his memories, this is just a brief glimpse into the story of Tick Thumm. Thumm’s military service began in 1942 with the U.S. Navy, when he answered America's call after WWII broke out. His service in the Navy, however, didn't extend any further than the entrance process when, according to Thumm, he was turned down because he didn't have three matching molars. Not willing to take no for an answer, Thumm turned to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Devil's Blanket Responsible for Increasing Ice Rescues
Rescues in Saginaw Bay, Michigan, Sunday evening and Lake Erie Monday morning are the latest in an alarmingly high number of Great Lakes ice rescues since Saturday, prompting a Coast Guard reminder of the risk of venturing out onto the ice and of the importance of taking appropriate safety precautions. The names and hometowns of the rescued and assisted are not being released. At about 7:30 p.m. Sunday, a 911 operator contacted search-and-rescue controllers at the Coast Guard Sector Detroit Command Center to report a disoriented man on Saginaw Bay in blizzard conditions. The man called 911 from his cell phone, allowing the dispatchers to determine his coordinates before losing communication with him.
IADC Presents Sea Safety Awards
The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), North Sea Chapter once again recognized the very best in safety performance at its annual Safety Awards Ceremony held in Aberdeen. Julian Hall of Ensco, North Sea Chapter Chairman, said that it was important to recognize the contributions of individuals, teams and companies to the continuing safety of the industry. “It has not been an easy year, with safety dominated by understandable concerns regarding helicpter reliability.
IES Maritime Fire-Fighting Services Now Serves US East Coast
Industrial Emergency Services LLC (IES) says that as part of its ongoing nationwide expansion of land-based and maritime emergency response and related safety services, it has added capabilities on the East Coast to supplement its existing Gulf Coast and West Coast infrastructure. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, LA, IES informs that the East Coast locations include Linwood, PA and Fort Lauderdale, FL. The bases add to IES’s capability to respond not only for marine firefighting incidents as part of the alliance with SVITZER Salvage…
Riva to Serve as ABS Chief Surveyor
ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki announced the appointment of Joseph "Joe" Riva to the position of ABS Vice President and Chief Surveyor. This role is responsible for guiding and overseeing all ABS survey activities, applying a strong knowledge of ABS Rules and Guides and international regulations to create consistency and quality in service delivery. Riva will succeed Linwood "Lenny" Pendexter, who has held the position for ten years. Riva brings tremendous experience to this role, having previously served as Assistant Chief Surveyor for the ABS Americas and ABS Europe Divisions.
Ballard ABS Asst. Chief Surveyor, Naval Programs
ABS veteran surveyor Robert (Bob) Ballard has been named to the position of Assistant Chief Surveyor (ACS) for Naval Programs, a position created last year by the class society to better coordinate the provisions of the specialty survey services demanded by increased naval activity. Since the introduction of its Rules for Building and Classing Naval Vessels (NVRs) ABS has seen a growing volume of newbuilding activity to ABS class standards by the US Navy. Ballard will oversee the training of ABS survey staff in naval procedures and survey techniques. Ballard has nearly 20 years of survey experience having worked in various port offices in the US and Canada.
ABS Elects Pendexter Senior VP
ABS announced the election of Linwood (Lenny) Pendexter to the position of Corporate Senior Vice President and Chief Surveyor by the ABS Board of Directors at a recent meeting in New York. Pendexter has been an active advocate for maritime safety throughout his career. He currently serves as the classification society’s Chief Surveyor, overseeing a global network of more than 1,400 surveyors. He plans to continue stressing the importance of safety within and outside the organization. “Safety is the heart and soul of ABS and the role ABS plays in the maritime industry,” he says.
MMA Alumna Praised for Lifesaving Effort
Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) alumna, Sandra Bendixen (MMA, ’05) of Linwood, Wash., was the honored guest at the regular morning formation of the college’s Regiment of Midshipmen on Weds., Dec. 13, 2006. Bendixen received a surprise commendation and plaque from her employer, Interocean American Shipping (IAS),Voorhees, N.J., for her outstanding efforts to render medical assistance to two critically injured longshoremen. Bendixen was cited for her immediate action, skill, and calm and assured manner during the recent shipboard crisis. Mitchell Walker, MMA Class of 1971, vice president and general manager of IAS, traveled to Castine to make the special presentation in the presence of Maine Maritime Academy students.
