The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
March 5, 2025
Surface Force Projection Conference
The National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and Christopher Newport University’s Center for American Studies (CAS) jointly present the NDTA-CAS Surface Force Projection Conference (SFPC): “Challenging the Joint Force Deployment Status Quo – Improving the Large-Scale Deployment Model,” June 10-12, 2025.
The SFPC brings together government and industry logistics and transportation experts, members of the Joint Logistic Enterprise, to examine a wide range of challenges associated with deploying forces and moving sustainment to the point of need. During this time, we will build relationships and trust, examine deployment challenges, look for solutions, educate and collaborate and find ways to improve readiness and transportation capability. […READ MORE…]
Decision makers from government and industry gathered to learn and collaborate on travel issues at the 2025 GovTravels Symposium at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandra, Va., February 24-27. Let’s give a big shout out to everyone who helped make the event a success!
Our co-sponsor, the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), General Services Administration (GSA), NDTA Government Passenger Travel Advisory Council (GPTAC) and its Committees, keynote and general session speakers, panel moderators and panelists, event sponsors and exhibitors, Travel Academy instructors, Young Leaders Committee, volunteers, staff members, and all of the attendees. We appreciate your contributions to GovTravels and the greater government travel community.
A Celebration of Life
Remembering Francis “Frank” Owen McDermott
For those who may not have already heard, NDTA is saddened to report that Mr. Francis “Frank” Owen McDermott, an NDTA member since 1968, passed away Nov.19, 2024. Frank was NDTA’s General Counsel for more than 55 years, providing expert legal opinion on matters of importance to the association and national defense. In 2018, Frank was awarded the Joseph A. Torsani Memorial Award for Lifetime Service and Achievement in recognition of his invaluable guidance and support to NDTA.
Frank loved NDTA deeply and considered his service at NDTA as a service to his country. NDTA is here today, after 80 years, in large part due to Frank’s guidance and encouragement. He was a national treasure whose legacy made an indelible mark on the US warfighter, the transportation industry, and the defense efforts of this nation. As Frank crosses the largest ocean of all, we will carry on with his heritage in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held for Frank at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 3305 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, Va., on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2 p.m. Please find more details related to Frank’s life and the celebration of life service here.
2025 NDTA Foundation Scholarships
NDTA is excited about the education and professional development of our nation’s future logistics and transportation leaders and is offering four scholarship opportunities for members and their children.
- Program A – for currently enrolled college students
- Program B – for soon-to-be high school graduates accepted at an accredited institution
- Program C – for currently enrolled, distance learning college students
- Program D – The Denny Edwards Graduate Scholarship for graduate (master’s degree) students
All scholarship winners will receive a unique opportunity to join our Industry Connect Program (ICP), which links interested students with an industry mentor to help them bridge to the future. More information can be found here.
To learn about the scholarship qualification details and how to apply, go to https://www.ndtahq.com/foundation/, call us at (703) 751-5011 or send us an email at ndtahq@ndtahq.com. Read student testimonials from previous scholarship recipients to learn about the impact it has had on their studies. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
East and Gulf Coast Ports Avoid Chaos as Dockworkers Seal Landmark Labor Deal
By Mike Schuler
(gCaptain.com) The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) members have overwhelmingly ratified a new six-year master contract with United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), securing unprecedented wage increases and automation protections for workers across Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports. The agreement, effective through Sept. 30, 2030, received nearly 99% approval from rank-and-file members. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
Trump Administration Proposes Massive Port Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels
By Mike Schuler
(gCaptain.com) The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced sweeping new measures targeting China’s growing dominance in global maritime sectors, including potential fees of up to $1.5 million per port call for Chinese-built vessels, $1 million per port call for operators of Chinese-built ships, and mandatory US-flag shipping requirements. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
Hawaiian Rum Company Files Lawsuit Challenging the Jones Act, Citing Constitutional Violations
By Mike Schuler
(gCaptain.com) Koloa Rum Company, a renowned distillery based on Hawaii’s island of Kauai, has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the century-old Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act.
The lawsuit, filed on Feb. 25, 2025, in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, asserts that the Jones Act violates the Constitution’s Port Preference Clause by disproportionately disadvantaging businesses in non-contiguous states like Hawaii and Alaska.
The Jones Act mandates that all goods transported between US ports be carried on vessels that are built, owned, and crewed by US citizens. While intended to bolster the domestic shipping industry, critics argue that it has led to inflated shipping costs and limited competition, particularly impacting states separated from the mainland. […READ MORE…]
Who Really Controls the Panama Canal? The Truth Behind Trump’s Claims
By Mike Schuler
With President Trump back in office, political rhetoric around expanding US influence and securing key geopolitical assets has intensified. Recent claims about Chinese control of the Panama Canal and alleged discrimination against American vessels have stirred debate among shipping insiders and the public alike.
In his January 2025 inaugural address, Trump alleged that “American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly” and claimed, “China is operating the canal.”
But do these claims hold water? […READ MORE…]
Survey: Freight Industry Prepares for Supply Chain Shocks in 2025
(SupplyChainBrain) The majority of shippers and ocean carriers say they are prepared to handle whatever is thrown their way in 2025. According to a survey of 500 transportation leaders from sustainable freight data company Breakthrough, 44% of shippers and carriers believe that product shortages brought on by tariffs or extreme climate events are most likely to impact supply chains this year, followed by major regulatory changes at 34%, labor stoppages at 33%, and economic downturn at 27%. That said, 37% believe that they are “very prepared” for any disruptions, while 55% say that they are at least “somewhat prepared.” […READ MORE…]
NDTA’S US Virtual Chapter Meeting
Topic: Disaster Response and Preparedness
with Greg J. Ramoni, Team Rubicon Operations Manager
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Time: 2 PM to 3 PM EST
Location: MS Teams Webinar (link below)
Click here to join the webinar
Guest speaker Greg J. Ramoni has a wealth of experience in disaster response and preparedness and will share his insights on engaging and supporting disaster efforts. Greg’s background includes overseeing Team Rubicon’s operations for seven states, from the Tennessee River Valley to the US northern border, and from the Mississippi River east to the Appalachian Mountains. He also serves as Team Rubicon’s Exercise Director and EOC Manager, supporting preparedness exercises and EOC activations for large-scale disasters.
We encourage all NDTA members and interested parties to attend this informative session to learn from a leader in the field of disaster response and preparedness.
Editor’s Picks
Rune Technologies Raises $6.2M in Seed Funding to Modernize Military Logistics
(Business Wire) Rune Technologies, a defense technology company building software to enable military logistics in contested environments at the tactical and operational levels, announced $6.2M in seed funding. The Rune seed round was funded by investors with deep defense tech experience.
“We can have the most capable fighting force in the world, but if we can’t get ammunition and supplies to the right place at the right time to enable the warfighter, the ability of our military to execute fires and maneuver is irrelevant.” Rune CTO Peter Goldsborough said.
Military Sealift Command Is Wrapping Up 2025 Supply Mission to Antarctica
(The Maritime Executive) The chartered general cargo ship Ocean Gladiator (17,700 dwt) arrived last week at the US’s McMurdo Station, Antarctica in support of the annual resupply mission Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) 2025. The Military Sealift Command highlights the critical nature of the mission which has been conducted annually for the past 70 years since 1955 when the resupply mission was established.
Destroyer Has Become First US Navy Ship to Deploy Artificial Intelligence
(The War Zone) The Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) became the first warship to deploy with a program-of-record artificial intelligence (AI) platform. Its creators say the system will help the fleet predict and tackle maintenance needs in a far less disruptive fashion. The system aims to reduce surprise equipment casualties, while ensuring that more of the fleet is available should an all-out war break out, requiring a surge of forces.
New Propeller Allows US Navy KC-130T to Refuel F-35s, F/A-18s
(TheDefensePost) The US Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules aircraft has been cleared to aerial refuel a wider range of aircraft following envelope expansion testing with the new NP200 propeller. The aircraft was earlier cleared to refuel only the V-22 Osprey transport aircraft as it added refueling beyond its primary role of logistics and cargo transport. Its refueling envelope now includes the F-35B/C, F/A-18, EA-18, CH-53K, CH-47, H-60s, and AV-8B.
Poland to Adapt All Civilian Airports for Dual-military Use
(KYIV Independent) All civilian airports in Poland must be modernized and adapted for potential use by the country’s military, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Polish Radio on Feb. 25. Such adaptations would allow them to be used as transport hubs, evacuation points, cargo hubs, or aid points in the event of an emergency.
“Every airport must be adapted and, in some way, adapted to the possibility of cooperating and working with the military,” he said.
We’re glad you’re here! Please join NDTA to welcome our newest members:
Chairman’s Circle: Gartner, Inc.
Sustaining Members:
Just 29% of supply chain organizations have developed at least three of the five key competitive characteristics needed for future readiness, according to a Gartner survey of 579 supply chain practitioners across industry and geography, conducted July 31 through Oct. 1, 2024. The characteristics needed for chief supply chain officers to manage the future drivers of influence on the function, including proving their achievement capability of AI and navigating new trade policies, are Agility, Resilience, Regionalization, Integrated Ecosystems, and Integrated Enterprise Strategy.
Green Motion Expands in Hungary, Offering Convenient and Reliable Car Rentals at Budapest Airport
Green Motion is excited to announce its expansion into Hungary. In March, it will bring its trusted car rental services to Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport. This expansion is made possible through a partnership with the well-established Petrányi Group, known for its 50 years of expertise in the industry. Mobility expert Gábor Dévai, with 22 years of experience, has joined Green Motion Hungary as a co-owner, ensuring that visitors will receive top-notch service.
Synergy Global Housing announces the 2025 Synergies Global Partner Awards to celebrate excellence and the outstanding service delivered by Synergy’s supplier partners across the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions. Shortlisted award nominees for the Americas are available now, followed by the EMEA and APAC regions in the coming months. Learn more about the awards here.
The Source is a free educational publication for NDTA members, conference attendees, and associates.