Michael Sacco News

Seafarers International Union President Emeritus Michael Sacco died December 28, 2023, in St. Louis, surrounded by family members. He was 86 years old and passed away from natural causes.Mike was the longest-serving president in SIU history, having led the organization from 1988 until his retirement in February 2023, a period spanning nearly 35 years.The Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO, represents professional United States merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels in the deep sea…

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday approved $1 billion for U.S. Coast Guard shore side infrastructure nationwide and $350 million for a heavy Great Lakes icebreaker as part of its budget reconciliation bill, an action that the Great Lake Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) called “great news for the Great Lakes.”The GLMTF described the heavy Great Lakes icebreaker as desperately needed and expects that a portion of the infrastructure funds will go to good…

President Joe Biden on Monday signed an executive order aiming to use government spending to strengthen domestic manufacturing and create markets for new technologies, in a move widely praised by America's maritime industry.The executive order, titled Strengthening "Buy American" Provisions, Ensuring Future of America is Made in America by All of America’s Workers", calls for increasing the amount of U.S. content that must be in a product for it to be considered made in America under existing "Buy American" requirements.

American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier (ARC) will christen the ARC Resolve, ARC Integrity and the ARC Independence, welcoming three of the most versatile and militarily-useful ships to the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, on Friday in the Port of Baltimore.ARC’s three, new vessels will be enrolled in the Maritime Security Program (MSP), the bedrock Congressional maritime readiness program, and the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA).Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby will deliver the keynote address at the ship naming ceremony. He will be joined by several other distinguished speakers: Major General Michael C. Wehr, director of Strategic Plans, Policy, and Logistics (J5/J4) at U.S.

Arthur E. Imperatore, Founder and President of New York Waterways; Captain Donald Marcus, International President of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Christopher Wiernicki, Chairman, President and CEO of the American Bureau of Shipping, were recipients of the maritime industry's most prestigious Admiral of the Ocean Sea awards presented at the 47th annual United Seamen's Service gala industry dinner and dance October 28, 2016. The event was held at the at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City. Recognition was also given to American seafarers for specific acts of bravery and heroism while at sea. (See separate news release).

The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2016 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to Arthur E. Imperatore, Founder and President of New York Waterways; Donald Marcus, President of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Christopher Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO of American Bureau of Shipping. The maritime industry's most prestigious awards will be presented at the 47th annual gala industry dinner and dance at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City, on October 28, 2016. Recognition will also be given to American seafarers for specific acts of bravery and heroism while at sea. General Kenneth Wykle…

The United Seamen's Service (USS) honored Anthony Chiarello, President and CEO of TOTE Inc.; Matthew J. Cox, President and CEO of Matson; and James C. McKenna, President and CEO of Pacific Maritime Association with the 2015 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award. The maritime industry's most prestigious award was presented at the 46th annual gala held at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City, on November 13, 2015. At this gala, the recipients shared the evening with a group of American seafarers who were recognized by the USS for specific acts of bravery at sea. All three recipients shared a history of early family ties to the maritime industry. Mr. McKenna spoke of his father-in-law introducing him to the waterfront nearly 45 years ago. Mr.

Anthony Chiarello, Matthew J. Cox and James C. The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2015 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to Anthony Chiarello, President and CEO of TOTE; Matthew J. Cox, President/CEO of Matson Inc.; and James C. McKenna, President and CEO of Pacific Maritime Association. The maritime industry awards are to be presented at the 46th annual gala industry dinner and dance in New York on November 13, 2015. Recognition will also be given to American seafarers for specific acts of bravery and heroism while at sea.

SIU Piney Point building dedicated in honor of the late Thomas B. Crowley Sr. The Seafarers International Union (SIU) recently honored the late Thomas Crowley Sr. during a dedication ceremony that named a new administration building in his memory. The new Thomas Crowley Sr. Center for Maritime Services, located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., commemorates the legacy of Crowley, who owned and operated Crowley Maritime Corp. until his death in 1994.

General Dynamics NASSCO launched the 3,100 teu Isla Bella, the world’s first LNG-powered containership. More than 3,400 shipbuilders, their families, and others attended the special event at the San Diego-based shipyard. After christening by Sophie Sacco — wife of Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union — the 754-foot-long Isla Bella slid into San Diego Bay on the high tide at 9:10 p.m. Fireworks erupted as the ship floated. The containership, part of a two-ship contract, was built for TOTE at what is the last major yard still in existence on the US west coast. The Isla Bella was also NASSCO’s 100th launch. The 233 m long ships, equipped with MAN engines, are scheduled to operate between Jacksonville, (Jaxport) Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico, NASSCO said.

The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2014 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) were presented to Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF); Joseph J. Cox, President/CEO, Chamber of Shipping of America; and Frederick J. Harris, President of General Dynamics NASSCO and Bath Iron Works, an American shipbuilder. The maritime industry's most prestigious awards were presented at a gala industry dinner and dance held at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City, on November 7, 2014.

The United Seamen's Service (USS) informs that 2014 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF); Joseph J. Cox, President/CEO, Chamber of Shipping of America; and Frederick J. Harris, President of  American shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO. The awards will be presented at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City, on November 7, 2014. Recognition will also be given to American Seafarers for specific acts of bravery and heroism while at sea. In announcing the recipients…

Representatives from U.S.-flag maritime labor and industry work the halls of Capitol Hill together to promote their cause. The delegation came to promote various issues affecting those who work, sail, build and operate American vessels as well as nation’s harbors, ports and waterways. National MTD officers – including President Michael Sacco and Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan – and officers and members from nearly 10 port councils from around the country joined 150 others during the fourth annual “Sail-In” to meet with members of Congress and their staffs.

James Henry, General Duncan McNabb and Robert Somerville Receive 2011 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards. United Seamen's Service 42nd award dinner held in N.Y. on October 28, 2011. The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2011 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) were presented to James L. Henry, Chairman and President of the Transportation Institute; General Duncan J. McNabb, USAF, former Commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and Robert D. Somerville, Chairman of ABS (formerly the American Bureau of Shipping). The maritime industry's most prestigious awards since 1969 were presented at a gala industry dinner and dance for more than 700 people at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City.

Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) and its guests celebrated the naming of its fourth U.S. flag tanker, the MAERSK PEARY, last Friday at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk. The freshly painted, 591-foot ship sat pier-side in downtown Norfolk and was adorned with red, white and blue bunting as distinguished guests, customers, partners, and colleagues welcomed the vessel into MLL’s U.S. flag fleet. The vessel is ice-classed and is aptly named after Rear Admiral Robert E. Peary, famous for his excursions to the North Pole.

The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2011 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to James L. Henry, Chairman and President of the Transportation Institute; General Duncan J. McNabb, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and Robert D. Somerville, Chairman of ABS (formerly the American Bureau of Shipping). The maritime industry's most prestigious awards will be presented at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City, on October 28, 2011. A special AOTOS recognition plaque will be presented to Captain George Quick, former President of the Association of Maryland Pilots. "We are so proud to be able to honor labor, military and service providers who represent strong leadership in the maritime industry.

Offshore Mariners United, (OMU), a federation of five U.S. maritime unions organizing workers in the Gulf of Mexico oil patch offshore service industry, will hold a rally in front of the Ernest N. Memorial Convention Center in New Orleans at 12 p.m. today to coincide with the International WorkBoat Show. The event is to protest the denial of worker's right to organize by the boat companies doing business in the Gulf of Mexico. Union leaders from around the world, including David Cockroft of the International Transport Workers Federation, Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union and Rene Lioeanjie, president of the National Maritime Union and the head of maritime unions in Australia, Norway and Great Britain are expected to address the rally.

The Ocean Sea Award will be presented to Raymond P. President of American Roll-on Roll-off Carriers (ARC), and Robert P. Chairman and CEO of The American Shipping Group. Towers, New York City, on November 5, 2004. Association, AFL-CIO, made the announcements. represent the finest in American spirit," said Mr. Bowers. "Mr. Mr. government officials. services abroad for the U.S. countries. seafarers who will be honored for specific acts of bravery at sea. Mr. Ebeling has been President and Chairman of ARC, a U.S. service ocean carrier, since 1990. ro-ro ships between the United States and Northern Europe, and two U.S. ro-ro ships between the U.S. most of the U.S. military vehicles in those trades. Department of Defense. He also has been President of Wallenius Lines Holding Inc. 1990.

The United Seamen’s Service (USS) 2006 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards will be presented to container shipping pioneer Paul F. Richardson, President of Paul F. Richardson Associates Inc., and Colin Veitch, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, which has commenced new American-flag passenger ship activity. The maritime industry honor will be awarded at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City, on November 3, 2006. John Bowers, Chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and President of the International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO, made the announcement on Maritime Day May 22, 2006. Richardson and Veitch led the field of nominees for the award, sought by USS from over 150 maritime management, labor and government officials.

The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2009 40th Annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to Donald Kurz, President and CEO of Keystone Shipping Co., headquartered in Philadelphia, and to Ronald Widdows, Group President and CEO of NOL (Neptune Orient Lines) of Singapore, parent company of American President Lines (APL). A Special AOTOS Award will also be presented to the United States Coast Guard. The maritime industry's most prestigious honors will be awarded at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City, on November 13, 2009. Richard Hughes, Chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and President of the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO, made the announcement on the occasion of the USS Annual meeting.

(L to R): Arntzen,Reinhart and Andrasick. United Seamen's Service (USS) to James S. Shipholding Group, Inc. and John F. Line, Limited. Towers. Vice Admiral Vivien S. Crea, USCG, Vice Commandant of the U.S. presented James Andrasick his award. The Honorable Sean Connaughton, U.S. Maritime Administrator, presented the award to Morten Arntzen. Atlantic, Gulf Lakes and Inland Water/NMU, AFL-CIO, presented John Reinhart his award. 200 maritime management, labor, and government officials. the event benefit USS community services for the U.S. seafarers of the world. in a ceremony narrated by Mr. Connaughton. represent the very best of the U.S.-flag industry. Mr. Navigation Company, Inc. on July 18, 2003. chief financial officer and treasurer. an interim basis. He is a graduate of the U.S.