Editorial: Editor’s Note
As intrusive, costly and arcane as some rules that regulate our industry may seem, I have an entirely different perspective . I love them. To me, new rules and regulations mean an endless array of interesting articles to pursue and publish in our pages. It is a given that new regulations mean an increased cost of doing business. Trust me in that I do not wish increased cost on our readers and customers. Pick up your favorite business newspaper or magazine, flick on the television or computer, or simply talk with a colleague or friend, and I think that you will agree that intense competition and consolidation have severely challenged companies of all shape and size to build and maintain profitability.
Hearing on FY2007 Budgets for USCG and FMC
The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure conducted a hearing on the US Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission FY2007 Budget Requests. Chairman LoBiondo (R-NJ) noted that the budget request would decrease funds available for USCG operations, as compared with the current year. The funding request for the FMC represents an increase of approximately 5.9% over the current year. VADM Terry Cross, Vice Commandant, USCG testified regarding Coast Guard missions and accomplishments. Master Chief Franklin A. Welch, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, testified regarding personnel matters. Mr. Steven R. Blust, Chairman, FMC, testified regarding FMC missions and accomplishments. Mr. Donald L.
Coast Guard Captain Resumes Post
Vice Admiral Terry Cross, commander of the Eleventh Coast Guard District, reinstated Captain John Holmes to his position as the commanding officer of Coast Guard Marine Safety Office/Group Los Angeles-Long Beach today. Holmes had been temporarily assigned to the district’s marine safety staff while the FBI conducted an investigation into security concerns within the command. The FBI’s investigation has been completed, but the results are not being released due to the security classification of the report. Commander George Cummings, the unit’s executive officer, led the command during Holmes temporary assignment. "This matter has been fully investigated…
Coast Guard Continues to Promote Security
U.S. Coast Guard personnel remain at a heightened state of alert in West Coast ports, and are working closely with other law enforcement agencies, port authorities, and harbor pilots to ensure port safety and security as contract negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association and West Coast dockworkers continue. It is Coast Guard policy to remain neutral in labor disputes and recognize the right of all persons to peaceably demonstrate. As the lead federal maritime homeland security and law enforcement agency, the Coast Guard will continue to ensure that America’s ports remain accessible, safe and secure. "Both management and labor have been excellent partners in our homeland security efforts," said Vice Adm. Terry Cross, commander of the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area.
Cutter Long Island Slated for Valdez
The U.S. Coast Guard is changing the homeport assignment for the Coast Guard cutter Long Island (WPB - 1342) from San Diego to Valdez, Alaska. The 110-foot Island-class patrol boat’s homeport transfer is scheduled to occur in autumn. “The Coast Guard is committed to providing safe and secure waterways along America’s coasts,” said Vice Adm. Terry Cross, commander of the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area. The Coast Guard commissioned the cutter Long Island in 1991 with a crew of 17 Coast Guard members. Originally based in Monterey, Calif., the cutter moved to San Diego in 1999. The cutter’s primary missions include search and rescue, homeland security, counter-drug enforcement, migrant interdiction and fisheries enforcement.
Pacific Northwest Coast Guard Units Contribute Nearly $4B in Narcotic Seizures
The U.S. Coast Guard seized more than 93,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in the fiscal year that ended September 30; an amount equal to 80 percent of the 117,280 pounds of cocaine seized. Combine that with the nearly 40,000 pounds of marijuana seized, equals $3.9 billion in illegal drugs the Coast Guard kept off America’s streets. Pacific Northwest units have played a major role in these seizures, which includes the third largest recorded amount of cocaine seized, while maintaining a demanding homeland defense mission. "The Coast Guard is committed to securing America from all maritime threats, whether they be terrorist or smugglers, and we will continue to deny the seas to those who would harm our citizens," said Vice Adm.
