Testimonials

I am a mariner working for Military Sealift Command. We are the supply system (bombs, fuel, food etc) for the Dept. of the Navy. We are expected to take and pass an English competency test. Unfortunately, after one is hired the English requirement stops there. We are expected to put our lives on the line and communication is a big part of life and death situations. We are working in a close environment. Daily we work with explosive fuel, bombs and firefighting training where communication is of great importance and yet more than 50 percent of the crew does not speak fluent English. 

They are not required to speak English on the ship and I do not understand why. It is a USNS ship and it flies the American flag. Our pay checks come from American tax payers. I understand that the Congress has recently had this bill before them and rejected it. Perhaps they don't know the critical importance of this issue when it comes to communication during life and death situations.

K.H., currently at sea

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