Posted:
April 14, 2009
American Maritime Officers joins the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, the Seafarers International Union and the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association in celebrating the remarkable rescue of a remarkable man - Captain Richard Phillips, master of the U.S.-flagged container vessel Maersk Alabama.
Throughout his ordeal at sea, Captain Phillips distinguished himself with courage, honor and humility, keeping faith with the finest traditions of the civilian American seafarer - traditions that date to merchant mariner John Paul Jones and the founding days of our great Republic.
Meanwhile, the remaining officers and crew of the Maersk Alabama delivered their humanitarian cargoes to their intended port. They did their jobs and brought untold credit not only to themselves and to their respective unions, but to every man and woman who lives and works at sea in the American merchant marine, in peacetime and in war.
On behalf of the national executive board and membership of our union, I thank President Obama for his command during the crisis, and I commend the U.S. Navy Seals for their discipline, their dedication and their precision.
I wish Captain Phillips and the officers and crew of the Maersk Alabama joyful reunions with their families and friends.
Tom Bethel
National President
American Maritime Officers
April 14, 2009
'Maersk Alabama' - a remarkable rescue, a remarkable man
American Maritime Officers joins the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, the Seafarers International Union and the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association in celebrating the remarkable rescue of a remarkable man - Captain Richard Phillips, master of the U.S.-flagged container vessel Maersk Alabama.
Throughout his ordeal at sea, Captain Phillips distinguished himself with courage, honor and humility, keeping faith with the finest traditions of the civilian American seafarer - traditions that date to merchant mariner John Paul Jones and the founding days of our great Republic.
Meanwhile, the remaining officers and crew of the Maersk Alabama delivered their humanitarian cargoes to their intended port. They did their jobs and brought untold credit not only to themselves and to their respective unions, but to every man and woman who lives and works at sea in the American merchant marine, in peacetime and in war.
On behalf of the national executive board and membership of our union, I thank President Obama for his command during the crisis, and I commend the U.S. Navy Seals for their discipline, their dedication and their precision.
I wish Captain Phillips and the officers and crew of the Maersk Alabama joyful reunions with their families and friends.
Tom Bethel
National President
American Maritime Officers
April 14, 2009