Mike Jewell News

The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.) calls for continued funding of the Food for Peace (PL 480) & Food for Progress programs. MEBA stands with 21 U.S. Senators and its United States maritime industry partners in protecting thousands of U.S. maritime and agricultural jobs by calling for continued funding of the Food for Peace (PL 480) and Food for Progress programs. These programs, administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development, create necessary cargo for the U.S.-Flag shipping industry through the delivery of vital overseas food assistance. Recently, M.E.B.A. learned that the Obama Administration is considering major budgetary changes to these programs…

The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association calls for the protection of U.S. maritime and agricultural jobs. The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.) stands with 21 U.S. Senators and its United States maritime industry partners in protecting thousands of U.S. maritime and agricultural jobs by calling for continued funding of the Food for Peace (PL 480) and Food for Progress programs. These programs, administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development, create necessary cargo for the U.S.-Flag shipping industry through the delivery of vital overseas food assistance. Recently, M.E.B.A. learned that the Obama Administration is considering major budgetary changes to these programs…

Rep. Cedric Richmond and Rep. Michael Grimm Announce the Formation of the Congressional Maritime Caucus; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association applauds the announcement and looks forward to working with the co-chairmen. In an effort to give the maritime industry an ongoing and consistent voice in the House of Representatives, Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) and Congressman Michael Grimm (R-NY) announced the formation of the first ever Congressional Maritime Caucus. “From Alaska to Puerto Rico, Louisiana to New York, every day this industry facilitates trade and delivers energy resources that support millions of jobs and pays billions in state and federal taxes every year” said Congressman Richmond.

Former Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School Instructor passes away at the age of 81. It is with great sadness that the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.) announces the death of long-time friend and colleague, Thomas “Tom” Francis Cannon. Cannon passed away peacefully on January 7, 2012 in Salerno, Italy. He was 81 years old. “Tom was an engineer’s engineer. He excelled at everything he put his mind to, and inspired those around him to achieve their best,” said M.E.B.A. President Mike Jewell. “He was an excellent engineer, a motivating teacher, and a personal friend.

MEBA accuses operator of creating labor dispute and delaying important cargoes. AMO enters into new collective bargaining agreement with Liberty. On Monday, Liberty Maritime Corporation announced that it had entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with the American Maritime Officers (AMO) union under which the AMO will provide U.S. citizen licensed deck officers and engineers to Liberty Maritime for the operation of five U.S.-flag dry bulk carriers effective October 1, 2011. Previously subject to a collective bargaining agreement with Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, District No. 1-PCD (MEBA), that contract expired on September 30, 2011. According to a prepared Liberty statement, MEBA will continue to provide deck officers and engineers on the three U.S.

M.E.B.A. Announces Appointment of Captain Lee A. Kincaid as President and James E. Caponiti as Executive Director of the AMC. Together they bring over 60 years of Maritime and Political Experience to the American Maritime Congress. The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.) and the American Maritime Congress (AMC) are pleased to announce the permaent appointment of Captain Lee A. Kincaid as President of the AMC, and James E. Caponiti as Executive Director. “I am very excited to permanently welcome Captain Kincaid as AMC President…