NEWS AND UPDATES....
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Update: Upcoming Events (Officers Training in Southern and Midwestern Regions)
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New: The winter edition of the Union Register is available for download, click here.
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Update: Upcoming Events (Officers Training in Midwest Region)
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Members of Local 234 in Gulf Coast Take Great Pride in Building USS New York
November 9th was a proud day for members of Local 234 because that was the day the USS New York was commissioned to the Navy in Manhattan, NY.
Members in the Northrop Grumman shipyards in Avondale, LA and Pascagoula, MS put their skills, sweat and their pride into building this special San Antonio LPD21 class amphibious transport ship because it honors the memories of those who died on 9-11 and those heroes who responded to the World Trade Center attack.
The ship contains seven and one-quarter tons of steel from the World Trade Center. At first it was thought that only a few pounds of WTC steel could be used in the New York but in-depth analysis of the steel’s chemistry determined that it was strong enough structurally to use tons of it for construction of the ship. The first twisted and scorched steel girders from the WTC were delivered to the Avondale shipyard in 2002. It was melted and poured into the bow stem mold in 2003 and installed on the main hull August 4, 2005. The bow stem, of course, is the leading edge of the ship as it cuts through the water. The motto adopted for the USS New York is “Strength Forged Through Sacrifice. Never Forget.”
Members of Local 234 who built this modern, high tech ship where also rebuilding their own lives after the destruction brought by hurricane Katrina in August 2005.
The USS New York is the fifth LPD class ship delivered by the Northrop Grumman shipyard. It is designed to transport and land marines, their equipment and supplies in locations throughout the world. The ship can handle up to 700 marines and can also accommodate helicopters and vertical take-off aircraft such as the Osprey. In addition to using the vessel for the global war on terror it can also serve in humanitarian missions for sending aid or for evacuations. The ship has stealth design and it operates with a naval crew of 361.
This is what Local 234 members had to say about working on the USS New York:
“I took great pride working on the USS New York the entire time it was at our yard. I felt like a sad parent the day the ship left Avondale, wishing I could bring it back. But, of course, I realized that the mission of the ship was more important.” Bud Sanderfer, Vice President LU 234 and Chief Steward Scaffolding Department
“I was proud to have been able to re-use steel recovered from the 9-11 tragedy to help build a ship of such importance to our country.” Donnel Tucker, Steward, Scaffolding Department
“I was just tickled pink to be part of the whole process. This was the best ship built so far in the LPD21 class. We built it under budget and ahead of schedule. It was also an honor for me to work on the ship serving meals to the crew during the June and August sea trials. Families and loved ones that were lost in the towers have their legacy to live on in this ship.” Lorre Bolden, Scaffolding Department
“Working on the USS New York was more than just a job. It represents our freedom and how much that freedom means to us.” Michelle Losic, Scaffolding Department
“When I first saw the bow stem made with steel recovered from the twin towers I was so inspired that I had to walk up and touch it. I was reminded of the stories my grandfather told me about World War II. I’m so proud that I was able to play a part in building a ship so important to our national history. It’s a story that I will proudly pass down to my own grandchildren.” Charles Veals, Scaffolding Department
“The opportunity to work closely with so many of our members in the gulf coast region during the building of the USS New York gave me a greater understanding and pride of how important skilled union labor is to our nation. The brothers and sisters here are tough, dedicated and determined. They have built an historic symbol of this country’s resilience when it comes to overcoming adversity, whether it’s 9-11 or Katrina.” Michael Warren, CIC Organizer
The USS New York commemorates the memories of those who died in the 9-11 World Trade Tower attacks and those heroes who responded to the tragedy. Built by members of Local 234 and other union tradesmen in the gulf coast of Louisiana and Mississippi, the stealth high tech amphibious transport ship was christened on March 1, 2008, underwent sea trials in June and August 2009 and was turned over to the Navy November 9, 2009.
The bow stem, shown above being installed on the larger hull, used seven and one –quarter tons of steel recovered from the World Trade Center. The twisted and scorched girders were melted and poured into the bow stem mold. The motto adopted for the ship is “Strength Forged Through Sacrifice. Never Forget”.
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Michael Lee Sunday (Two Dogs), 65, passed away December 3, 2009 at Landmark Care Center in Yakima. Mike was born 6-25-1944 to Yuill Lee Sunday and Lula Hamilton. A baby sister, Alice, preceded him in death. The family resided in the San Gabriel Valley, where Mike graduated from San Gabriel High School. Mike left California in 1966 to make his home in Yakima. He worked for Mt. Adams Furniture Factory, then he started work at Boise Cascade plywood mill as a saw filer. He remained there for 30 years and retired in 2001. Mike served on the executive board of Local Union 2739 Carpenters Industrial Council for 25 years. He was mentored there by Hank and Mike Pieti. Mike was also on the board of directors for Calcoe Federal Credit Union from 1991 - 2008. . . also an American Reflections Car Club member. Mike also enjoyed working in his rose garden and loved flowers in general. Mike enjoyed life to the fullest and was a dear friend to many, especially his union brothers & sisters. Mike touched many lives, and will be missed. Mike enjoyed Harley Davidson motorcycles, street rods, old cars, biscuits & gravy, women, and most of all DOGS (Phyllis). There will be a Celebration of Life and potluck to honor Mike, from his brothers & sisters from Local 2739 at the Carpenters Hall, 507 So. 3rd St., Yakima, Saturday, Dec. 12th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All are welcome.
Obituary from the Yakima Herald Times
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