Posted:
September 14, 2015
The following letter was sent by Maritime Administrator Paul "Chip" Jaenichen to Thomas Crowley, chairman, president and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation. The USNS Impeccable is operated for Military Sealift Command by Crowley and is manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.
I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Crowley Maritime Corporation and the crew of the USNS IMPECCABLE for the extraordinary rescue of all 11 fishermen clinging onto their sinking vessel, which was adrift in the South China Sea. The effort by the USNS IMPECCABLE's master, Capt. Robert Wiechert, the civilian mariners and military personnel who participated in this rescue was truly exemplary. Special recognition is especially warranted for Chief Mate Wayne Robinson and Able Bodied Seaman Clifford Blackmon who manned the rescue boat and made three trips to complete the rescue of all 11 fishermen.
Clearly, the efforts of Crowley and the crew onboard the USNS IMPECCABLE demonstrates, once again, the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine in answering the call in time of crisis. Please communicate my congratulations to all involved in the rescue for their bravery, professionalism and compassion.
Maritime administrator commends officers, crew of USNS Impeccable
The following letter was sent by Maritime Administrator Paul "Chip" Jaenichen to Thomas Crowley, chairman, president and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation. The USNS Impeccable is operated for Military Sealift Command by Crowley and is manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.
I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Crowley Maritime Corporation and the crew of the USNS IMPECCABLE for the extraordinary rescue of all 11 fishermen clinging onto their sinking vessel, which was adrift in the South China Sea. The effort by the USNS IMPECCABLE's master, Capt. Robert Wiechert, the civilian mariners and military personnel who participated in this rescue was truly exemplary. Special recognition is especially warranted for Chief Mate Wayne Robinson and Able Bodied Seaman Clifford Blackmon who manned the rescue boat and made three trips to complete the rescue of all 11 fishermen.
Clearly, the efforts of Crowley and the crew onboard the USNS IMPECCABLE demonstrates, once again, the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine in answering the call in time of crisis. Please communicate my congratulations to all involved in the rescue for their bravery, professionalism and compassion.