Volume 31… Number 5, February 4, 2025
STORIES COVERED
In This Issue:
- Firings of Key Officials at NLRB Block Its Ability to Rule on Any Cases
- Transportation Labor Statement on Mid-Air Collision in Washington, DC
- LONE STAR STATE, the Newest NSMV, Is Launched
- US Army Corps of Engineers Celebrates 250 Years of Service
- Panama Canal: Secretary of State and Panama’s President Discuss Concerns Over China
- The Scourge of Abandonment: A Record Number of Seafarers Were Abandoned in 2024
Mark Your Calendar:
- MM&P Closed for Lincoln’s Birthday, Feb. 12
- MM&P Closed for President’s Day, Feb. 17
- American Merchant Marine Veterans Convention April 2-6 in Norfolk
Job Opportunities:
And:
FIRINGS OF KEY OFFICIALS AT NLRB BLOCK ITS ABILITY TO RULE ON ANY CASES
President Trump’s removal last week of National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo had been expected.
But his firing of a senior board member, Gwynne Wilcox, means the Board—the independent agency tasked with protecting the rights of working people—is unable to rule on any cases because it no longer has a quorum.
Under Supreme Court case law dating back to 1935, NLRB members are appointed for set terms and can only be removed for malfeasance following a proper investigation.
In this case, no such investigation took place.
Wilcox has said she will file for an injunction seeking reinstatement.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said the President’s firing of Wilcox “is illegal and will have immediate consequences for working people.”
“By leaving only two board members in their posts, the President has effectively shut down the National Labor Relations Board’s operations, leaving the workers it defends on their own in the face of union-busting and retaliation,” Shuler said.
“Alongside the firing of NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, these moves will make it easier for bosses to violate the law and trample on workers’ legal rights on the job and fundamental freedom to organize.”
MM&P is one of the 60 AFL-CIO affiliates, which together represent more than 12.5 million working Americans.
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TRANSPORTATION LABOR STATEMENT ON MID-AIR COLLISION IN WASHINGTON, DC
The investigation into the Jan. 29 collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter in the vicinity of Ronald Reagan International Airport is in its early stages.
The AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department, of which MM&P is a member, released a statement which read in part:
“We are devastated by the loss of all 64 souls on board Flight 5342, including 60 passengers and four crew members, as well as the three service members aboard the Black Hawk helicopter.
“Our hearts are with the families, friends, and loved ones of all who perished.
“The days and weeks ahead are unthinkable for the individuals whose lives have been forever altered by this tragedy.
“As we wait for the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration to conclude the investigation, we urge everyone to refrain from speculating and to let the facts guide our path forward.”
TTD noted that union members belonging to several of its 37 affiliates died in the disaster or were involved in the rescue.
Members of the Association of Flight Attendants and the Air Line Pilots Association were crewing the passenger plane.
Many of the emergency responders who searched the icy waters of the Potomac River throughout the night and in the following days are members of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
TTD also recognized the members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association for “the essential work they do every day to keep our flying skies safe.”
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LONE STAR STATE, THE NEWEST NSMV, IS LAUNCHED
The Maritime Administration’s National Security Multi-Mission Vessel program celebrated another milestone on Jan. 25, when LONE STAR STATE was launched at Hanwha Philly Shipyard.
The new training ship, the fourth in the program, is scheduled to be delivered to Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston later this year.
The first NSMV, EMPIRE STATE, was delivered to SUNY Maritime College in 2023.
The second, PATRIOT STATE, was delivered to Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2024.
Interior outfitting work on the third, STATE OF MAINE, is underway, with delivery scheduled for later this year.
The fifth training ship, GOLDEN STATE, is expected to be delivered to California State University Maritime Academy in 2026.
The NSMVs provide a first-rate academic environment: Besides instructional spaces, they have a full training bridge, RoRo capabilities, and the ability to handle containers.
They are also designed to support disaster and humanitarian efforts with a full hospital, helicopter pad, and space for up to 1,000 people.
Normally, they can accommodate up to 600 cadets and instructors during their training missions. They have a total berthing capacity of 760.
Each ship in the series is equipped with diesel electric propulsion with 16,800 kW of total installed power plus a 900-kW emergency generator. Their full speed is 18 knots.
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US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS CELEBRATES 250 YEARS OF SERVICE
To highlight its 250 years of service to the nation, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is celebrating its birthday throughout 2025.
For an up-to-date list of the activities that are being planned, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page for links to follow the Corps on social media.
The Army Corps was established on June 16, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized the first chief engineer to oversee the construction of fortifications and other military infrastructure.
Since then, the Corps has responded to some of our country’s most complex challenges, including:
— operating and maintaining over 700 dams and reservoirs which provide flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power to millions of Americans;
— maintaining over 12,000 miles of inland waterways;
— managing over 150 million acres of public lands, which provide habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for the public;
— providing emergency response and recovery support to communities affected by natural disasters;
— conducting research and development to help solve challenges in civil and military engineering, geospatial sciences, water resources, and environmental sciences for the Army, Department of Defense, civilian agencies, and the public.
“For 250 years, the Corps of Engineers has been working to safely deliver quality projects on schedule and within budget,” says Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham, 56th Chief of Engineers and commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“I am proud to be a part of this elite organization, and I’m extremely proud of the 40,000 committed USACE teammates who wake up every day to solve some of the nation’s toughest challenges.”
The MM&P Federal Employees Membership Group represents masters, mates, and pilots employed by USACE.
Learn more about USACE’s 250th anniversary activities at www.usace.army.mil/250th.
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SECRETARY OF STATE AND PANAMA’S PRESIDENT DISCUSS US CONCERNS OVER CHINA
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino on Sunday to discuss US concerns that China is playing an outsize role in the Panama Canal’s operation.
According to a summary of the meeting provided by the State Department, Rubio told Mulino that President Trump had made a “preliminary determination” that China’s government exercised control over the canal.
“The current position of influence and control of the Chinese Communist Party over the Panama Canal area is a threat to the canal” and to the US-Panama treaty on the canal’s neutrality, the State Department said.
“Secretary Rubio made clear that this status quo is unacceptable and that absent immediate changes, it would require the United States to take measures necessary to protect its rights under the treaty.”
Rubio did not specify what steps Panama should take or how the US might respond if it failed to act.
One focus of current US concerns is that a Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison Holdings, operates seaports at both ends of the canal; President Trump has said that poses a threat to US national security.
After Sunday’s meeting, Mulino said that before deciding what steps to take, his government would review a pending audit of CK Hutchison.
“We have to wait for that audit to be done to come to our own legal conclusions and act in accordance,” Mulino said.
He also told Rubio that Panama would not renew its participation in China’s infrastructure program, the Belt and Road Initiative.
He called his talks with Rubio “respectful” and “positive” and said he did not “feel like there’s a real threat against the treaty and its validity.”
“I think this visit opens a path toward building a new era in relations,” he added.
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A RECORD NUMBER OF SEAFARERS WERE ABANDONED IN 2024
The number of abandoned seafarers set a new record last year: worldwide, the total was 3,100 aboard 300 vessels, according to the International Transport Workers’ Federation.
That number was more than double the total reported in 2023.
“2024 was the worst year on record,” says ITF Global Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale. “It’s an absolute disgrace.”
Trowsdale says seafarers are often treated as “disposable commodities,” adding, “It’s nothing less than a betrayal of the key workers of global trade.”
The ITF blames the burgeoning number of abandonments on low-quality, flag-of-convenience registries.
The International Maritime Organization also blames the Covid-19 pandemic and the growth of the shadow—or dark—fleet.
The typical case of abandonment involves a decrepit vessel with a “murky” record of ownership.
By walking away from the ship and crew, disreputable or bankrupt owners save on the cost of back wages, crew sustenance and repatriation.
Abandoning a ship also means leaving behind any outstanding debts or fines that the vessel has accumulated.
The ITF helps advocate for the resolution of abandonment cases, but there is only so much it can do.
When the shipowner will not cooperate or respond, enforcement is the responsibility of the flag state.
But since low-quality registries compete for the business of low-quality shipowners, flag states have no incentive to step in to deal with an abandoned vessel and crew.
Another complication: The ITF reported that last year, there were 20 cases in which the vessel had no identifiable flag state at all—a big increase over years past.
“The industry must take robust action,” says ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton.
“Those responsible must be held to account and punished.”
“Anything less gives a green light to these appalling abuses of fundamental labor and human rights.”
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WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES WELCOMES NEW APPRENTICES
A select group of future Washington State Ferry deck officers began their two-year educational journey at MITAGS on Jan. 14.
The 12 participants—chosen from over 300 applicants—have been awarded a full scholarship to the MITAGS Maritime Apprenticeship Program.
Over the course of the next 24 months, these mariners-in-training will divide their time between classroom and simulator courses at MITAGS-West in Seattle and work experience on deck and in the wheelhouses of Washington State Ferries underway.
To mark the first day of training, WSF Director Steve Nevey and members of his senior staff met with the new trainees.
Nevey spoke of the productive relationship that the ferry system has forged with MITAGS as he welcomed the group to the WSF team.
The scholarship program began in 2024. This is the fourth group of WSF apprentices to be trained by MITAGS and the second to receive full training scholarships.
The MITAGS Maritime Apprenticeship Program offers the fastest track in the industry to become a credentialed licensed deck officer for those who want to work on the bridge of a ferry, a tug or a Great Lakes vessel.
Even those without prior maritime experience who graduate from the program can obtain a Coast Guard-issued Mate’s license in just over two years.
In addition to training new personnel during the two-year WSF apprenticeship program, MITAGS has also conducted a series of six-month AB-to-Mate programs for the ferry system.
Mariners with several years of sea time who graduate from the AB-to-Mate program acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to sit for an Unlimited Inland Mate’s license.
To learn more about the Marine Apprenticeship Program, click HERE.
To learn more about the AB-to-Mate Program, click HERE.
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD YOUR EOBs ON YOUR OWN THROUGH THE MM&P PLANS MEMBER PORTAL
The Plan Office recently announced the launch of the new MM&P PlansMember Portal, designed with your needs in mind.
The portal gives you quick and easy access to essential tools and information—all in one place.
With the new portal, you can:
— View your EOBs “Explanation of Benefits” and Eligibility status;
— Access your Vacation Computation Sheets;
— Find and download important documents, whenever you need them.
And this is just the beginning: More features and enhancements are on the way to make your experience even better.
To explore the portal, visit members.mmpplans.com and click the Sign-Up button.
Click here for information on how to access the portal.
If you encounter any issues, send an email to HELP@mmpplans.com, or call 410-850-8638.
MM&P WILL BE CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 IN OBSERVANCE OF LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY
All MM&P union halls, the MM&P Federal Credit Union, MM&P headquarters, and the Plan Office will be closed on Wednesday, February 12, for Lincoln’s birthday.
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MM&P WILL BE CLOSED ON FEBRUARY 17 IN OBSERVANCE OF PRESIDENT’S DAY
All MM&P union halls, the MM&P Federal Credit Union, MM&P headquarters, and the Plan Office will be closed on Monday, February 17, for President’s Day.
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AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINE VETERANS CONVENTION APRIL 2-6 IN NORFOLK
The American Merchant Marine Veterans will hold their 37th National Convention in Norfolk, Va., from April 2-6.
AMMV is a not-for-profit dedicated to educating the public and the government about the importance of maintaining a strong American Merchant Marine and US-flag fleet.
Speakers at the convention will include: former Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby (Rear Adm. US Navy-Ret.); author William Geroux; Tane Casserley, a specialist in 19th-century warships and deep-water archeology; and military historian Sepp Scanlin.
There will be a tour of the Mariners’ Museum and a Victory Rover Boat Tour of Norfolk Naval Base.
Check the AMMV website and Facebook page for information on how to register for the convention.
The convention will be held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
To reserve a room at the AMMV rate of $159/night, call the hotel at 757-627-4200 or click here before March 11.
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OFFSHORE JOBS
CM Red Cloud needed, join February 15th in the US.
CM Haina Patriot needed asap.
CM SLNC Goodwill
CM SLNC Pax
LMSR positions available.
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MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES
For registration contact our Admissions Department: 866.656.5568 or admissions@mitags.org
Classes are 5-day unless otherwise noted
Class dates followed by an * are full
AB – Able Seaman (5-Day): 02/10/25*, 04/28/25, 09/22/25
ARPA-OIC– Automated Radar Plotting Aids (4-Day): 03/24/25
AZIPOD (2-Day): Not currently scheduled
BRM – Bridge Resource Management (5-Day): Not currently scheduled
BRMP-EMR –Bridge Resource Management for Pilots with Emergency Shiphandling – (Now also included in BRMP-Refresher) (3-Day): 04/07/25,
BT – Basic Safety Training (5-Day): 04/14/25, 09/08/25
BT-Revalidation (2-day) (Must have 1 year of sea service in last 5 years): 03/24/25, 05/05/25, 06/09/25, 09/22/25, 10/20/25, 11/12/25
BT-Refresher (3-day): 05/05/25, 06/09/25, 09/22/25
CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling Basic (5-Day): 02/17/25
[CMM – Chief Mate and Master Courses]
ADVSTB – Advanced Stability (5-Day): 03/24/25, 04/28/25, 08/04/25
ADVWX – Advanced Meteorology (5-Day): 03/17/25, 04/21/25, 06/02/25, 07/28/25
CHS-CMM – Advanced Cargo Operations (10 Days): Not Currently Scheduled
CM-OPS 1 – Chief Mate Operations (5-Day): 02/10/25, 05/12/25, 08/18/25
CM-OPS 2 Maersk – Chief Mate Operations II Maersk Specific (5-Day): 02/17/25, 05/19/25, 8/25/25
ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (5-Day): 03/31/25
LMS – Leadership and Managerial Skills (5-Day): 03/10/25
MPP-CMM – Marine Propulsion Plants (5-Day): 03/03/25, 09/15/25
(DCS-1 available on request – contact Admissions)
SHMGT-CMM- Ship Management (5-Day): 02/17/25, 09/22/25
SHS-ADV-I-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (week 1) (5-Day): 03/10/25, 04/07/25*, 05/05/25, 06/09/25, 07/14/25, 08/11/25, 09/15/25
SHS-ADV-II-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (week 2) (5-Day): 02/10/25*, 03/17/25*, 04/14/25, 05/12/25, 06/16/25, 07/21/25, 08/18/25, 09/22/25
VPEN-CMM – Voyage Planning & Electronic Navigation (5-Day): 04/28/25
WKP-CMM – Advanced Watchkeeping (5-Day): 02/24/25
WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-day): 03/01/25, 04/26/25, 08/02/25
CIW-DPA/IA – Continual Improvement Workshop: Designated Person Ashore & Internal Auditor (3-Day) ** This course is NOT covered by the MATES Program **Online: 02/19/25
CNAV-OIC– Celestial Navigation (15-Day): 05/05/25, 12/01/25
DDE – Great Lakes (20-Day): Not currently scheduled
ECDIS for Pilots (2-Day): Not currently scheduled
ERM – Engine Resource Management (5-Day): Not currently scheduled
FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting (4-day): 03/03/25
FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced (5-Day): 02/03/25, 09/08/25
FF-ADV-Rev (1-day) (Must have 1 year of sea service in last 5 years) – Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation: 03/26/25, 05/07/25, 06/11/25, 09/24/25, 11/22/25, 11/14/25
FF-ADV-REF (2-day) – Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher: 05/08/25, 06/12/25, 09/18/25, 11/10/25
FSM – Fatigue, Sleep, & Medications (1-Day): Not currently scheduled
GL-Pilot – Great Lakes Pilotage Familiarization (2-Day): Not currently scheduled
GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (10-Day): Not currently scheduled
HAZ – Hazardous Materials (5 day): 02/24/25
LAP – License Advancement Program for Mate to Master (20-Day): 03/10/25, 07/21/25
LAP-Great Lakes – License Advancement Program – Great Lakes (15-Day): 02/10/25
LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Program for Original 3rd Mate, Oceans, Any Gross Ton License (15-Day): 06/03/25
LEG – Legal Aspects of Pilotage (1-Day): Not Currently Scheduled
LNG-BADV – Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations (3 Day): 03/12/25*, 04/21/25, 06/04/25, 08/11/25
LTS –Leadership and Teamworking Skills (Formerly MCL-OIC) (1-Day): 02/24/25
MEECE – Management of Electrical and Electronic Control Equipment (Assessments /not included): Not Currently Scheduled
MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 04/07/25*, 05/12/25, 07/07/25
MED-PIC-REF– Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 03/03/25, 04/28/25, 08/04/25
MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: (5-Day): Not Currently Scheduled
MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day): 03/08/25, 04/12/25, 05/03/25, 05/17/25, 07/12/25, 08/09/25
[MSC – Military Sealift Command Courses]
MSC-ATO-II – Military Sealift Command Anti-Terrorism Officer II(MSC-ATO-III included) (5-Day): 03/24/25
MSC-CBRD-OFF – Military Sealift Command Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Officer (5-Day): Not currently scheduled
MSC-CBRD-1 – Military Sealift Command Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Orientation (Basic) (1-Day): 03/13/25, 05/08/25, 06/12/25, 08/07/25, 09/11/25
MSC-DC – Military Sealift Command Damage Control (2-day): 03/14/25, 05/09/25, 06/13/25, 08/08/25, 09/12/25
MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 03/16/25, 05/11/25, 08/10/25, 09/14/25
MSC-SMA – Military Sealift Command Small Arms Qualifications (4-Day): 02/10/25, 03/17/25, 04/15/25, 05/12/25, 06/16/25, 08/11/25, 09/15/25
MSC-Security Watch Basic (1-Day/ 8-hour): 03/15/25, 05/10/25, 06/14/25, 08/09/25, 09/13/25
MSC-Security Watch Advanced (1-Day): 02/09/25, 03/16/25, 04/14/24, 05/11/25, 06/15/25, 08/10/25, 09/14/25
MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 02/14/25, 03/31/25, 05/13/25, 06/20/25, 08/15/25, 09/19/25
NSAP-MMP – Navigational Skills Assessment Program-MM&P (2-Day): 03/25/25*, 03/27/25*, 04/29/25*, 05/01/25*, 07/08/25, 07/10/25, 08/26/25, 08/28/25, 09/30/25, 10/05/25
PSC – Personal Survival Craft (Lifeboatman) (5-Day): 02/17/25, 04/21/25, 09/15/25
PSC-REF – Personal Survival Craft Refresher (2-Day): 05/01/25, 06/16/25, 09/25/25
Qualified Assessor (Online): Contact Admissions
RFPNW – Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (3-day): Not Currently Scheduled
ROR-1N – Radar Observer Renewal Evening Classes (1-Night): 05/07/25, 06/11/25, 09/24/25, 11/11/25
ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 03/17/25
SAR – Search & Rescue – (Now with OIC and CMM assessments) (3-Day): Not Currently Scheduled
SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 03/07/25
SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling (5 Day): 04/21/25, 06/23/25, 07/28/25, 09/08/25
STB-OIC – Ship Construction and Basic Stability: 02/10/25
TCNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 07/28/25
TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: 03/03/25, 05/05/25, 07/07/25
TTT – ** NOT covered by the MATES Program: Not currently scheduled
VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): 02/26/25, 05/14/25, 08/18/25
WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (Operational Level) (10-Day): 09/15/25
WX-OIC –Meteorology (Operational Level): 03/10/25
MITAGS–WEST ACADEMIC NOTES
2024 Fall/Winter
SCHEDULE OF COURSES – (Please also see our schedule and enroll online at www.mitags.org)
FOR REGISTRATION CONTACT OUR ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT 866.656.5568 OR admissions@mitags.org
February 2025
10-14 Basic Training
10-14 Advanced Shiphandling II
17-21 Able Seaman
19-20 Basic Training Revalidation
21st Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
24-27 Advanced Firefighting (Original)
24-28 Meteorology (Operational Level)
March 2025
3-4 Basic Training Revalidation
3-7 Leadership & Managerial Skills
3-7 Basic Shiphandling
5th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
10-14 ECDIS
10-14 Basic Training
10-28 Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation
17-20 Advanced Firefighting (Original)
17-21 Lifeboatman/Proficiency in Survival Craft
24-28 Able Seaman
17-28 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)
31-4 Radar Observer Unlimited
31-4 Basic Training
April 2025
7-8 Basic Training Revalidation
7-9 Basic Training Refresher
7-9 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility
7-11 ECDIS
9th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
10-11 Advanced Firefighting Refresher
14-17 Advanced Firefighting (Original)
14-25 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)
21-24 ARPA
21-25 Medical Care Provider
21-2 Medical Person-In-Charge
2-2 ECDIS
28-9 GMDSS
May 2025
5-9 Basic Training
5-16 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)
12-15 Advanced Firefighting
12-30 Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation
19-20 Basic Training Revalidation
21st Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
June 2025
2-6 Radar Observer Unlimited
2-6 Leadership & Managerial Skills
2-6 Basic Training
9-13 Med PIC Refresher
9-13 Advanced Shiphandling I
16-17 Basic Training Revalidation
16-20 Advanced Shiphandling II
18th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
23-26 Advanced Firefighting
23-27 Advanced Stability
The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly is the official electronic newsletter of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, 700 Maritime Blvd., Suite B, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1953. Phone: 410-850-8700; Fax: 410-850-0973. All rights reserved. The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly©2023. Articles can be reprinted without prior permission if credit is given to The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly.
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