Posted:
June 6, 2014
American Maritime Officers participated in the Military to Maritime event hosted by the Port of Jacksonville June 4 to assist former members of the military in making the transition to a career in the U.S. maritime industry. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued a statement prior to the event highlighting the state's robust maritime sector and urging veterans to capitalize on the opportunities it provides.
Participating in the event in Jacksonville as part of AMO's ongoing recruiting efforts were AMO National Secretary-Treasurer José Leonard and AMO National Assistant Vice President David Weathers. Targeted recruiting of U.S. military veterans is one aspect of the union's preparations for the growth of the AMO-contracted tanker and dry cargo fleets.
"Veterans bring an extensive skill set from their military experience and training, and with the coming expansion in our commercial job base, they will be a welcome addition to our membership," Weathers said. "This is good for the U.S. merchant marine and good for our nation's veterans."
Crowley Maritime was a co-sponsor and one of several commercial and public sector exhibitors at the Military to Maritime career event in Jacksonville.
"There are many aspects of the maritime industry that relate to the functions fulfilled inside the military and many of our colleagues are veterans, giving the entire experience both familiarity and exciting possibility," said Crowley Pricing Specialist Rose Mueller, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
In his statement, Sen. Rubio noted: "Florida's maritime industry is a national leader in economic opportunity and job creation, and it plays a critical part in our nation's infrastructure. Not only does this vibrant industry provide good-paying jobs across various sectors in Florida, it also represents a natural fit for our veterans looking for a second career after they have dutifully served our country. I am thankful that the industry is working to support our veterans, and I encourage our heroes who have returned home to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
"It's also important that policy makers work to identify and eliminate unnecessary job obstacles that veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life," Sen. Rubio said. "This is particularly important as it relates to encouraging employers and higher education entities to recognize how the skills and experience veterans developed in the service of our country can be applied in civilian careers."
The state of Florida ranks second among all states with 52,140 American jobs tied to the domestic maritime industry, second only to Louisiana. Labor income related to the domestic maritime industry in Florida exceeds $2.97 billion annually. Total gross economic output related to Florida's domestic maritime industry is $9.69 billion annually, again second only to Louisiana.
Florida includes significant elements of all three major parts of the American domestic maritime industry: vessel operating companies, ship construction and repair yards, and maritime industry workers and retirees. Also, the American commercial maritime industry works closely with the U.S. Navy throughout the state of Florida.
AMO participates in Military to Maritime career event in Florida
American Maritime Officers participated in the Military to Maritime event hosted by the Port of Jacksonville June 4 to assist former members of the military in making the transition to a career in the U.S. maritime industry. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued a statement prior to the event highlighting the state's robust maritime sector and urging veterans to capitalize on the opportunities it provides.
Participating in the event in Jacksonville as part of AMO's ongoing recruiting efforts were AMO National Secretary-Treasurer José Leonard and AMO National Assistant Vice President David Weathers. Targeted recruiting of U.S. military veterans is one aspect of the union's preparations for the growth of the AMO-contracted tanker and dry cargo fleets.
"Veterans bring an extensive skill set from their military experience and training, and with the coming expansion in our commercial job base, they will be a welcome addition to our membership," Weathers said. "This is good for the U.S. merchant marine and good for our nation's veterans."
Crowley Maritime was a co-sponsor and one of several commercial and public sector exhibitors at the Military to Maritime career event in Jacksonville.
"There are many aspects of the maritime industry that relate to the functions fulfilled inside the military and many of our colleagues are veterans, giving the entire experience both familiarity and exciting possibility," said Crowley Pricing Specialist Rose Mueller, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
In his statement, Sen. Rubio noted: "Florida's maritime industry is a national leader in economic opportunity and job creation, and it plays a critical part in our nation's infrastructure. Not only does this vibrant industry provide good-paying jobs across various sectors in Florida, it also represents a natural fit for our veterans looking for a second career after they have dutifully served our country. I am thankful that the industry is working to support our veterans, and I encourage our heroes who have returned home to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
"It's also important that policy makers work to identify and eliminate unnecessary job obstacles that veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life," Sen. Rubio said. "This is particularly important as it relates to encouraging employers and higher education entities to recognize how the skills and experience veterans developed in the service of our country can be applied in civilian careers."
The state of Florida ranks second among all states with 52,140 American jobs tied to the domestic maritime industry, second only to Louisiana. Labor income related to the domestic maritime industry in Florida exceeds $2.97 billion annually. Total gross economic output related to Florida's domestic maritime industry is $9.69 billion annually, again second only to Louisiana.
Florida includes significant elements of all three major parts of the American domestic maritime industry: vessel operating companies, ship construction and repair yards, and maritime industry workers and retirees. Also, the American commercial maritime industry works closely with the U.S. Navy throughout the state of Florida.