ARC Names NEW US FLAG SHIP
Middle East Services
O
n Thursday, 8 May 2008, in the Port of Baltimore, American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier, LLC (ARC) welcomed the latest addition to its fleet of US Flag vessels operating in international trade, the Independence II. The ceremony was a festive occasion with guests of honor from USTRANSCOM, MARAD, Capitol Hill, the Governor of Maryland’s office, the Port of Baltimore, and a host of maritime industry and labor dignitaries. The lady sponsor for the ceremony was Mrs. Susan Tellez, wife of Mr. Auggie Tellez, Executive Vice President of the Seafarers International Union (SIU). The Independence II adds important militarily-useful tonnage crewed by US citizen merchant mariners to the US Flag international commercial fleet and the Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet. ARC Chairman & CEO Raymond Ebeling welcomed guests to the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, including the Honorable Ms. Bentley herself as well as head of the Port, Mr. Jim White, and ably summed up the sentiment of the day by offering, “we are very pleased to be able to continue to expand our US Flag international fleet.” General Norton A. Schwartz, Commander USTRANSCOM, and Mr. Michael Sacco, President SIU, were the featured speakers. General Schwartz commented, “This is a great day for ARC, and for our merchant mariners. And, ladies and gentlemen, if one of our Maritime Security Program partners and the merchant marine are having a good day, we know that it’s also a great day for America.” The General also pointed to the historical significance of the day as both the birth date of President Harry S. Truman and the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, 1945. Of that generation, he offered, “were they here today, perhaps many of them would appreciate the real significance” and “effect on global transportation of what this ceremony signifies.”
“This is a great day for American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier, and for our merchant mariners. And, ladies and gentlemen, if one of our Maritime Security Program partners and the merchant marine are having a good day, we know that it’s also a great day for America.” – General Norton A. Schwartz
