VALLEJO, Calif. — U.S. Congressman John Garamendi hosted a Bay Area Maritime Summit at Cal Poly Maritime Academy, bringing together leaders from the military, labor, education, government and the maritime industry to discuss efforts to revitalize the region’s maritime sector.Garamendi said rebuilding the maritime industry is both an economic and national security requirement, arguing that the San Francisco Bay Area has an important role in the future of American maritime capabilities. The summit was held September 10 at the Cal Poly Maritime Academy campus in Vallejo.
The gathering included maritime executives, union leaders, port officials, educators, maritime academy cadets, and representatives of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, also participated in the summit and discussed challenges and opportunities facing the nation’s maritime sector.Garamendi has made strengthening the American maritime industry a continuing legislative priority. He has supported the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, legislation aimed at expanding U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime capacity, strengthening the merchant-mariner workforce and increasing the number of American-built and U.S.-flagged commercial vessels.
The summit also provided an opportunity to recognize Zion Jerge, a senior cadet at Cal Poly Maritime Academy, for an act of courage.According to Garamendi’s office, Jerge saw two people struggling in the water and in danger of drowning and intervened to help rescue them. Garamendi honored the cadet at the summit for putting the safety of others ahead of his own.The U.S. Military Sealift Command also confirmed that Jerge was recognized during the event. Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson presented him with a command coin in recognition of his actions.Garamendi described Jerge’s actions as an example of courage and quick thinking during a crisis, saying the cadet has a promising future ahead of him.
The summit builds on Garamendi’s longer-running effort to strengthen Northern California’s maritime infrastructure and workforce. His office has previously worked with maritime stakeholders in the region on priorities involving shipbuilding, workforce development, ports and maritime education.Garamendi’s office has also highlighted investments connected to Mare Island Dry Dock and maritime workforce training, including federal support for maritime-related job training in the Bay Area.
The congressman thanked the summit’s panelists and President Jeff Armstrong of Cal Poly Maritime Academy for hosting the event, emphasizing that the discussions should translate into concrete efforts to rebuild America’s maritime capabilities.“Now, let’s get this done,” Garamendi said in calling for continued action on revitalizing the maritime industry.