Mike Murphy, a powerful AMO member advocate, dies at 73

In this file photo, Mike Murphy meets with AMO members Scott Williams, Chris Baril and Morris Mickelson onboard the Cape Island.

In this file photo, Mike Murphy and Christian Spain greet Congressman John Garamendi (center) at the Salute to Congress Award ceremony in 2017.

Mike Murphy, our union's first National Vice President, Government Relations, died at his home in Camarillo, California, November 29, after a long and valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer. He was 73.

"This is a sad time for everyone in American Maritime Officers," said AMO National President Paul Doell. "Mike was an authoritative, influential force in Washington, where he served the professional interests of the seagoing AMO membership on all regulatory matters before the Maritime Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, the Defense Logistics Agency, the U.S. Agency for International Development and all other appropriate federal agencies.

"Mike was also a familiar, welcome presence on Capitol Hill, where he discussed the impact of regulation on American merchant mariners and the U.S. merchant fleet in meticulous detail with key members of the House of Representatives and the Senate and with Congressional staff," Doell added. "His good heart was with the AMO membership in every meeting."

Christian Spain, who worked with Murphy at sea, and who succeeded him as AMO National Vice President, Government Relations, said: "The industry and AMO have lost a leader and an advocate. The AMO family offers our condolences to his family and, most especially, Mike's wife of 51 years, Randi.

"Mike retired as a Navy Captain in 1992 and began his career with AMO sailing as Master on five vessels with Maersk Line Ltd.," Spain continued. "Mike quickly became known as an industry authority representing AMO in Washington, as well as for seafarers worldwide at the International Maritime Organization, the International Labor Organization and International Transport Workers' Federation for more than a decade. Mike retired from AMO in December 2019, but, even then, continued to advocate for mariners."

During retirement, Murphy was in frequent contact with Spain and other AMO officials, weighing in on such matters as the Jones Act in developing offshore alternative energy projects and persistent U.S.-flag cargo preference disputes.

With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-March 2020, Murphy commented often on such matters as "gangway up," restricted to ship, officer relief logistics and the emotional and social consequences of the coronavirus crisis on U.S. merchant mariners coast-to-coast and worldwide.

Murphy's passing was acknowledged by the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association and the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots.

"Sad to hear," said MEBA President Marshall Ainley. "I like Mike, enjoyed the conversations - serious and knowledgeable. Please pass along M.E.B.A.'s condolences."

MM&P President Don Marcus said: "Please accept condolences from all of us at MM&P on the sad loss of Mike Murphy. Over the years, many of us worked with or were acquainted with Mike. We recognized and appreciated his many talents. His dedication was not only to the members of AMO, but also to advocating for improvements in the many regulatory issues that impact the working lives of all mariners. He stood out and was a credit to the U.S. merchant marine. Mike's contributions, attention to detail and ability to get things done made a big difference and will be missed."