August 2008 - Louisiana River Pilots` Association

August 2008
Contents
Crescent Pilots 100th
Anniversary
A Message From Your
Chairman
Pilot’s Corner Governor Jindal to
Address LRPA Seminar
Captain Lorino Named
Person of the Year
NOBRA News
Here She is! God Bless
America!
Quote of the Month
VADM Joseph Stewart
Announces Retirement
from USMMA
LRPA Supports
Equestrian Therapy
Program - New Heights
Birds Attack Lost and
Injured Couple
Coast Guard Special
Unit
To submit articles for the
LRPA monthly newsletter,
please email
edpeterson@bellsouth.net
colebama@charter.net
Louisiana River Pilots
Association
104 Abadie Lane
Covington, LA 70433
Phone 985 249.5226
Fax 985 249.5228
edpeterson@bellsouth.net
www.lrpa.com
Crescent Pilots Association Celebrates 100 Years of
Service to Louisiana
On August 6, 2008, the Crescent River Port Pilots Association
celebrated their 100-year anniversary of navigating vessels from Pilot
Town to the Port of New Orleans.
Since 1908, the Crescent River Port Pilots have been safely and
efficiently guiding ships up and down the 106 miles of the Mississippi River between
Pilottown and New Orleans, using their extensive knowledge of local waters, port
conditions, and their experience as professional pilots.
The CRPPA has been an essential part of keeping the Mississippi River commerce
safely flowing for the past 100 years. The Crescent Pilots are on the leading edge of
safe and efficient navigation - undergoing extensive training and hands on experience.
Not only do the Crescent River Pilots support and utilize innovative technology used in
the Vessel Traffic System (VTS), they played an active role in its development. Despite
navigating on one of the most treacherous rivers in the world, the Crecent Pilots have an
impressive safety rating of 99.95 percent. They are often the only American presence on
foreign ships and are Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security licensed.
They are trained to protect America’s civilian, ecological, and economic interests.
Accoriding to Capt. A.J. Gibbs, President of the CRPPA, “The Crescent Pilots have
worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security and shipping
agencies to safely navigate 5,296 vessels last year. They logged over 15,500 turns and
transported nearly 560 million tons of cargo. We view our job as a serious part of protecting
Louisiana’s economy and ecology.”
The CRPPA has engaged in many efforts to enhance the economic development of
the port system in South Louisiana, such as being instrumental in maximizing the usable
draft to maximize business profits, developing the cruise ship industry, and partnering
with the Port of New Orleans to promote the Mississippi River. They were also instrumental
in the reopening of port operations after Hurricane Katrina by moving ships, re-anchoring
vessels, and piloting emergency and support vessels.
To commemorate their century of service, the Crescent Port Pilots’ Foundation has
organized an exbition that focused on the association’s past 100 years: New Orleans to
Pilot Town, Steady Hands at the Helm for 100 Years. The exhibit was displayed in the
lobby of the World Trade Center from August 4-16. A party celebrating the actual charter
date was held at the Plimsoll Club August 6 and featured music by Joe Simons and
Charmaine Neville.
Attending the Centennial Celebration are Capt.
Eric Short, Capt. A.J. Gibbs, Capt. Douglas
Grubbs, and State Rep Cedric Richmond.
August 2008
A Message From Your Chairman
Fellow Members of the LRPA –
It is always a pleasure to have our River Pilots appreciated by the other
members of the maritime profession and our river family for providing services
that are considered vital to safe commerce. It is even more gratifying to see
the professional river family working in close harmony in response to an
emergency. Not since Katrina have we all been tested for our ability to rapidly
respond to a major emergency. It is clear to me that today we are working together.
Our Coast Guard, under the authority of Admiral Whitehead, our District Commander, and
Captain Lincoln Stroh, the Captain of the Port of New Orleans, has skillfully performed its
leadership and coordination functions in response to the collision between the ship and oil
barge early on the morning of July 23. The Coast Guard’s management of the mishap has
been practically flawless with LCDR Robert Keister and LCDR Steven Keel coordinating the
wreckage recovery and decontamination operations and Mr. Keith Fawcett’s Vessel Traffic
Control team’s involvement at the time of the accident and for days afterward.
Additionally, the challenge of coordinating the prioritization of which ships should move in
what order as determined by the Maritime Transportation System Recovery Unit and the safe
and orderly movement of those ships by us was daunting when you add the concerns of our
business clients from the Gulf States Maritime Association, the Mississippi River Maritime
Association, and others to the oversight of the recovery efforts by LCDRs Keister and Keel
and the dredging issues managed by Michelle Ulm of the Corps of Engineers. Three conference
calls a day with all concerned parties participating went far to keep the many diverse efforts
moving in harmony.
The handling of the entire incident by everyone involved is testimony to the close and
considerate working relationship we see on the river today. Each river pilot association played
a crucial role in reestablishing smooth and safe commerce on our river and assisting the
other river family members in the completion of their responsibilities.
Likewise, this same cooperation was mirrored on the Calcasieu Ship Channel when Tropical
Storm Edouard caused the channel to be shut down for twenty-four hours. Captain Michael
Miller, President of the Lake Charles Pilots, reported that the system of conference calls put
into effect and the participation of all parties involved provided a rapid emergency response
that enabled the channel to be reopened as soon as possible.
Well Done Fellow Pilots!
– Bud Watson
Pilot’s Corner - Gov. Jindal to Address LRPA Seminar
The Louisiana River Pilots Association will meet for a brainstorming session at the
Port of New Orleans auditorium on October 2nd from 1300 hours until about 1730. This
“pilots only” conference will feature presentations by representatives of each of the four
associations to be followed by an open forum discussion by all LRPA members.
Governor Bobby Jindal will address the group at 1700 hours, after which we will all
adjourn to a reception to be held at the Plimsoll Club from 1800 to 2000 hours. Spouses
and guests are most certainly invited to the reception.
There will be follow-up to this announcement from your individual headquarter offices.
We will enclose an agenda for your perusal. The LRPA is open to any suggestions from
any member as to topics which they might deem pertinent to this session. Please forward
any comments to your association presidents or to Ed Peterson of LRPA.
We are looking for a big turnout for this event. If you are not on watch, please make
every effort to attend.
Page 2
Captain Lorino
Named Maritime
Person of the
Year
In celebration with
National Maritime Day,
the Propeller Club of the
United States, Port of
New Orleans recognizes
and honors one of the
leaders of the local
maritime industry for his
or her leadership in
promoting and furthering
the industry at their
annual Maritime Day
Gala. In this upcoming
event, the Propeller Club
will honor its 49th
recipient, Associated
Branch Pilots President
Captain Michael R.
Lorino, Jr. as their 2008
Maritime Person of the
Year.
The 2008 Maritime
Day Gala, scheduled
October 9th, will be held
at the Plimsoll Club in the
World Trade Center.
Advanced reservations
are required for the gala.
Contact the Propeller
Club at 504 779.5671 or
propclubnola@bellsouth.net
for more information.
August 2008
Page 3
NOBRA News
None of us ever wants to be faced with a bad situation where you are definitely going to hit
or get hit by another vessel. If you are, then all you can do is make the best out of a situation
gone bad. That is exactly what happened early on the morning of July 23. In this case, making
the best of the situation included minimizing the damage, avoiding loss of life, and ensuring
the safety of the vessel throughout and subsequent to the mishap. Quick thinking, nimble
action, and familiarity with the Pilot’s duties in the event of an emergency resulted in a super
job. A lot went into being prepared for the unexpected – training, experience, practice, and skill
were all part of generating a successful outcome. I hope that the rest of us are as well
prepared.
Quote of the
Month
Elsewhere on the NOBRA front –
Construction on the Huey P. Long Bridge continues to be a challenge as the air draft over
different portions is affected by constantly moving machinery and scaffolding. Scheduled
river closures are continuously being scrutinized and revised.
We are quite proud of our efforts to support Children’s Hospital. This year, thanks to our
Captain John Brown and others, we raised over $18,000.
Our traditional support of the Magnolia School, St. Michael Special School, and Angels’
Place by sponsoring their attendance and participation in a Zephyrs game continued under
the able guidance of Captain Don Rieder.
Our participation in MNSA and close association with other river
organizations has made the coordination required in response to the recent
oil spill recovery efforts much easier. We have to work hard to make sure
our communications remain open and frequent but the benefit is clear.
– Capt. Chris Rieder NOBRA 37
Here She Is! God Bless America!
Here SHE is, the USS New York, made from the World Trade Center!
It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.
It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that
include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of
360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by
helicopters and assault craft. Steel from the World Trade Center was
melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship’s bow section.
When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9 , 2003, “those big rough steelworkers
treated it with total reverence,” recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. “It
was a spiritual moment for everybody there.” Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager
said, “When the Trade Center steel first arrived, I touched it with my hand and the hair on
my neck stood up. It had a big meaning for all of us. They knocked us down. They can’t
keep us down. We’re going to be back.”
The ship’s motto?
All of the Mississippi
River Pilot Associations
did a wonderful job
quickly and efficiently
clearing the deep draft
backlog following the
DM932 Spill.
The
pilots
orchestrated
a
masterful procession of
upbound
and
downbound
ship
movements
while
simultaneously
watching out for oil spill
responders working the
riverbanks and miles of
boom protruding into the
waterway. I commend
the Pilots for their
diligence
and
professionalism during
this trying time.
- Captain Lincoln
Stroh, Commander,
Sector New Orleans
Centennial
Celebration
Never Forget
Charmaine Neville,
Captain A.J. Gibbs and
Shirley Gibbs
August 2008
Page 4
VADM Joseph Stewart Announces Retirement from
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Vice Admiral Joseph D. Stewart, Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine
Academy at Kings Point, has announced his retirement from government service. VADM
Stewart’s career spanned over 44 years of public service to the United States as a
Marine Corps officer and member of the civilian Senior Executive
Service.
”After 10 years at Kings Point and over 44 years in service to
our nation, Kathy and I are looking forward to retiring from public
service,” said VADM Stewart. “I am thankful for the opportunity
the Kings Point community afforded both of us during our time
here. My memories of the Regiment, faculty, staff, alumni, parents
and all the friends of Kings Point will have a lasting impact on
my life. This truly was my most memorable assignment.”
”Joe Stewart’s impact on Kings Point will far outlast his tenure on campus,” said
Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton, a 1983 graduate of the Academy. “Vice
Admiral Stewart and his wife Kathy have devoted their lives to the principles of liberty
and freedom, and we are grateful for their years of dedication to our nation.”
Prior to his tenure as Superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, VADM
Stewart served in the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Major General. VADM
Stewart held command billets beginning at the platoon level and culminating as Deputy
Chief of Staff for Installations and Logistics.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, is operated by the
Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. It trains men and women as
merchant mariners, and all graduates are required to serve either in the U.S. maritime
industry or in the U.S. Armed Forces.
LRPA Supports Therapeutic Equestrian Program
The LRPA support New Heights Therapy Center through participation in their annual
summer golf classic and fall garden party.
New Heights Therapy Center is a progressive
equestrian program that teams student riders with
instructors, horses and volunteers in therapeutic riding
sessions designed to challenge and inspire the rider.
Horseback riding helps people who are physically,
cognitively or emotionally challenged achieve an
improved quality of life. Based on input from doctors,
therapists, instructors and parents, the riders individual goals are designed to complement
ongoing therapy and education. It works and its fun!
New Heights Therapy Center is located at Folsom Equestrian Center. This beautiful
and expansive facility is located in Folsom, Louisiana - in the heart of St. Tammany Parish
“Horse Country”. Folsom Equestrian Center is an ideal facility for therapeutic riding. New
Heights Therapy Center is able to provide riding sessions in the large covered arena...ideal
for Louisiana weather. The riders may also enjoy a supervised “trail ride” on the large
acreage.
For more information on the good works New Heights does or to make a donation,
please visit newheightstherapy.org.
Birds Attack
Lost and
Injured Couple
Coast Guardsmen in other
countries are also involved in
dramatic rescue efforts...
Great Skua
Shetland Coastguard
received a call from a local
Coastguard Rescue Officer
in Orkney informing them
that he had received a report
of a couple who had
become lost in the hills at
Hoy. The couple had
previously been in contact
with the local RSPB warden
as they had been lost for a
large portion of the day and,
wearing only very light
clothing, they had become
disoriented and frightened.
Further to this, the female
had suffered an injury to her
ankle, and they were being
attacked by birds nesting in
the area.
As the local warden was
unable to locate the
casualties, he contacted the
local Coastguard volunteer
for help, who informed
Shetland Coastguard.
Shetland Coastguard made
contact with the couple,
however communications
were extremely difficult due
to poor mobile phone
coverage in the area, and
signal was repeatedly lost.
Coastguard Rescue
Helicopter 102 was
scrambled to the scene and
(continued page 5)
Page 5
August 2008
Coast Guard Special Unit
The Coast Guard’s missions and roles are increasing all
the time. Waterway security is one of many missions the Coast
Guard performs, which includes keeping barges, vessels and
infrastructure flowing.
When the motor vessel Tintomara and the tugboat Mel Oliver collided in the Mississippi River
near New Orleans July 23 it halted traffic. With large economic effects on the line, the Coast Guard
called in a special unit - the Maritime Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTSRU) to speed up
the re-opening of the river’s waterway. If the response was prolonged and recovery wasn’t
immediately addressed, the economic impact could have been greater, and it was their job to
ensure this didn’t happen in New Orleans.
“It’s not just about re-opening the river - it’s about the entire infrastructure of the central, northern
and southern parts of the United States staying alive,” said Matthew Hahne. “If we can’t continue to
move those barges, we shut down the entire transportation infrastructure of the United States.
That’s why the Marine Transportation System Recovery Unit is so critical.”
MTSRU is a unit of the planning section of the Incident Command System and is established for
every incident that significantly disrupts the maritime transportation system. MTSRU was created
in 2006, after the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 required the National Maritime
Transportation Security Plan to include a system to restore cargo flow following a national
transportation security incident. Lessons learned on recovery issues following significant disruption
of maritime transportation during Hurricane Katrina played a role in the formation of the unit. The
mission of the MTSRU is not new for the Coast Guard, just the formal creation of a specialized unit.
“We’ve done it for years,” said Cmdr. Wayne Clayborne.
After Hurricane Katrina, the Coast Guard established the MTSRU to counter significant economic
loss due to prolonged port closure. “The MTSRU is brought in when there is more than three days
of port closure,” said Clayborne. This is the second time the MTSRU was implemented to its full
capacity since its establishment. It is made up of members of the Coast Guard, local government
and industry leaders. The government and industry leaders are instrumental in providing barge,
ship and facility information to the Coast Guard. “It’s a partnership with industry,” said Clayborne.
The MTSRU has the job of informing Coast Guard decision makers and other stakeholders at all
levels on the status of potential impacts on maritime transportation following disruption. They work
to define new organizational elements to support recovery efforts and ensure recovery is a critical
element of planning at all Coast Guard levels. MTSRU members also identify communication
mechanisms and informational requirements to facilitate the recovery of waterway traffic flow.
Birds Attack
(continued from page 4)
used the clock face
method to locate them.
This involved the crew
positioning the helicopter in
the area and asking the
couple to describe the
direction the aircraft was
facing in until they were
found.
Once the couple were
located they were taken
into the helicopter where
they were transported to
Kirkwall to meet with Police
to discuss what happened.
Shetland Coastguard
Watch Manager Kathy
Grant said: The couple
were obviously quite
distressed when they were
located as, not only were
they cold and scared, the
female was unable to walk
due to an ankle injury.
Further to this, they were
suffering attacks from
Great Skuas, which are
aggressive birds which will
dive bomb you if you
approach their nests.
- Duty Press Notice,
Monday, August 11, 2008
Oil Spill
Hahne said one of the biggest problems they encountered was finding what the national impact
items were. Once they knew what those critical components were, they were able to shuffle the
vessels and barges to meet those impacts. “No one wants the lights to shut off in Florida, and
because they get their coal from the Mississippi River, it’s very important for us to bring the coal
ships in so they can load the coal and get it down to Florida to keep the lights on,” said Hahne.
If the future of the waterway is jeopardized, prices for commercial and consumer products could
increase to potentially prohibitive points, negatively impacting both businesses and individuals. The
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is vital to the nation’s economy. It spans the five Gulf-coast states and
is the third-busiest waterway in the U.S. It also guarantees the future of many businesses and
individuals depending on its efficiency and economy.
“Everything is rolling pretty good,” said Lt. Willie Pittman, of the New Orleans MTSRU. “It’s a
balancing act, but we get it done. We make the best decision based on the needs of each facility.
It has been working out well, and we’re making it happen.”
Story and photo to right by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher D. McLaughlin.
Deep-draft vessels wait
to transit the Mississippi
River Friday, July 25, after an oil spill shut down
vessel traffic July 23 near
New Orleans.