United States Merchant Marine

Seal of the US Merchant Marine
Ships:	465 (>1000 GRT)
Deck Officers:	29,000
Marine Engineers:	12,000
Unlicensed:	28,000
Source: Water Transportation Occupations. U.S. DOL, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on 2007-03-31.
Statistics for the Shipping Industry of United States
Total: 465 ships (1,000 gross register tons (GRT) or over)
Totalling: 10,590,325 GRT/13,273,133 metric tons of deadweight (DWT)
Cargo ships
Bulk ships	67
Barge carrier	7
Cargo ship	91
Container ships	76
Roll-on/Roll-off ships	27
Refrigerated cargo ships	3
Vehicle carrier	20
Tanker ships
Chemical tanker ships	20
Specialized tanker ships	1
Petroleum tanker ships	76
Passenger ships
General passenger ships	19
Combined passenger/cargo	58
Foreign Ownership and Documentation Note: Of these, 51 are foreign-owned: Australia 2, Canada 4, Denmark 24, Germany 2, Greece 1, Malaysia 4, Netherlands 4, Norway 2, Singapore 2, Sweden 5, Taiwan 1. 700 United States ships are registered in other countries: Antigua and Barbuda 7, Australia 3, Bahamas 121, Belize 5, Bermuda 27, Cambodia 8, Canada 2, Cayman Islands 41, Comoros 2, Cyprus 7, Greece 1, Honduras 1, Hong Kong 21, Ireland 2, Isle of Man 3, Italy 15, North Korea 3, South Korea 7, Liberia 93, Luxembourg 3, Malta 3, Marshall Islands 143, Netherlands 13, Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 13, Panama 94, Peru 1, Philippines 8, Portugal 1, Puerto Rico 3, Qatar 1, Russia 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 21, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 7, Spain 7, Sweden 1, Trinidad and Tobago 1, United Kingdom 6, Vanuatu 1, Wallis and Futuna 1. 2006 estimates.
Source: This article contains material from the CIA World Factbook which, as a US government publication, is in the public domain.

The United States Merchant Marine refers to the fleet of US civilian-owned merchant ships — operated by either the government or the private sector — that are engaged in commerce or transportation of goods and services in and out of the navigable waters of the United States. The merchant marine is responsible for transporting cargo and passengers during peace time. In time of war, the merchant marine^[1] is an auxiliary to the Navy, and can be called upon to deliver troops and supplies for the military. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Cargo ship or freighter is any sort of ship that carries goods and materials from one port to another. ... Officer of the Deck (OOD) is a position in the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard that confers certain authority and responsibility. ... The Engine room of Argonaute, a French supply vessel. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 90th day of the year (91st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Ship Transport is the process of moving people, goods, etc. ... Dead weight tonnage refers to the weight, in long tons, that a ship can safely carry when fully loaded. ... Container ship A cargo ship or freighter is any sort of ship or vessel that carries cargo, goods and materials from one port to another. ... Main article: Merchant ship A bulk carrier, bulk freighter, or bulker is a merchant ship used to transport unpackaged bulk cargo such as cereals, coal, ore, and cement. ... Hapag-Lloyd Container ship Container ship A cargo ship or freighter is any sort of ship or vessel that carries cargo, goods, and materials from one port to another. ... Hapag-Lloyd Container ship Container ship A cargo ship or freighter is any sort of ship or vessel that carries cargo, goods, and materials from one port to another. ... Container ship in Istanbul Container ships are cargo ships that carry all of their load in truck-size containers, in a technique called containerization. ... Loading a ro-ro passenger car ferry Roll-on/roll-off (RORO or ro-ro) ships are designed to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles, trailers or railroad cars. ... Reefer may refer to: Reefer (ship), a refrigerated watercraft Reefer (railroad), a refrigerated railroad wagon Reefing jacket (or reefer), a type of warm jacket designed for use by midshipmen reefing sails Reefer, a midshipman engaged in sail reefing Reefer, a synonym for cannabis or spliff (a cannabis cigarette) Reefer, an... Loading a ro-ro passenger car ferry Roll-on/roll-off (RORO or ro-ro) ships are designed to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles, trailers or railway carriages. ... Commercial crude oil supertanker AbQaiq. ... A chemical tanker is a type of tanker designed to transport chemicals in bulk. ... Commercial crude oil supertanker AbQaiq. ... Knock Nevis, the largest ship in the world. ... A passenger ship is a ship whose primary function is to carry passengers. ... A passenger ship is a ship whose primary function is to carry passengers. ... A passenger ship is a ship whose primary function is to carry passengers. ... [--168. ... World Factbook 2004 cover The World Factbook is an annual publication by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States with basic almanac-style information about the various countries of the world. ... The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ... Motto: (traditional) In God We Trust (official, 1956–present) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City Official language(s) None at the federal level; English de facto Government Federal Republic  - President George W. Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence - Declared - Recognized... Cargo ship or freighter is any sort of ship that carries goods and materials from one port to another. ... The private sector of a nations economy consists of all that is outside the state. ... A body of water, such as a river, canal or lake, is navigable if it is deep and wide enough for a vessel to pass and there are no obstructions, like rocks, trees and low bridges. ... USN redirects here. ...

The people of the merchant marine are called merchant mariners. The merchant marine is not a uniformed service, except in times of war when, in accordance with the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, mariners are considered military personnel. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill into law making veterans of merchant mariners who serve in war. The United States has seven uniformed services as defined by Title 10 of the United States Code. ... The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 is a United States federal law. ... Reagan redirects here. ...

As of 2006, the United States merchant fleet numbered 465 ships^[2] and approximately 69,000 people. Seven hundred ships owned by American interests but registered, or flagged, in other countries are not included in this number.

The federal government maintains fleets of merchant ships via organizations such as Military Sealift Command and the National Defense Reserve Fleet. In 2004, the Federal government employed approximately 5% of all American water transportation workers.^[3] The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is a United States Navy (USN) organization that controls most of the replenishment and military transport ships of the Navy. ... The National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) was established under Section 11 of the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 to serve as a reserve of ships for national defense and national emergency purposes. ...

In the 19th and 20th centuries, a number of laws were enacted that fundamentally changed the course of American merchant shipping. These laws put an end to practices such as flogging and shanghaiing, and increased shipboard safety and the standard of living. The United States Merchant Marine is also governed by several international conventions to promote safety and prevent pollution. Whipping on a post Flagellation is the act of whipping (Latin flagellum, whip) the human body. ... The 19th century clipper ships in the China trade required a great deal of labor to operate. ...

Background

Merchant mariners move cargo and passengers between nations and within the United States. They operate and maintain deep-sea merchant ships, tugboats, towboats, ferries, dredges, excursion vessels, and other waterborne craft on the oceans, the Great Lakes, rivers, canals, harbors, and other waterways. Cargo ship or freighter is any sort of ship that carries goods and materials from one port to another. ... See Tug (disambiguation) for alternative meanings of tug. ... The ferryboat Dongan Hills, filled with commuters, about to dock at a New York City pier, circa 1945. ... ... The Great Lakes from space The Laurentian Great Lakes are a group of five large lakes in North America on or near the Canada-United States border. ... For other uses, see River (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Canal (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Harbor (disambiguation). ...

Captains, mates, and pilots supervise ship operations on domestic waterways and the high seas. A captain is in overall command of a vessel, and supervises the work of all other officers and crew. The captain orders the ship's course and speed, maneuvers to avoid hazards, and continuously monitors the ship's position. Captains oversee crew members who steer the vessel, determine its location, operate engines, communicate with other vessels, perform maintenance, handle lines, and operate the ship's equipment. Captains and their department heads^[4] ensure that proper procedures and safety practices are followed, ensure that machinery is in good working order, and oversee the loading and discharging of cargo and passengers. They also maintain logs and other records tracking the ships' movements, efforts at controlling pollution, and cargo and passengers carried. Captain Sir Arthur Henry Rostron receiving a loving cup from Margaret Brown for his rescue of RMS Titanic survivors Main article: Seafarers professions and ranks Captain is the traditional customary title given to the person in charge of a ship at sea. ... Officer of the Deck (OOD) is a position in the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard that confers certain authority and responsibility. ... Signal flag H(Hotel) - Pilot on Board Boarding is tricky, as both vessels are moving and cannot afford to slow down. ... A helmsman is an person who steers a ship. ... This article is about determination of position and direction on or above the surface of the earth. ...

The mates direct a ship's routine operation for the captain during the shifts, which are called watches. Mates stand watch for specified periods, usually 4 hours on and 8 hours off.^[5] When more than one mate is necessary aboard a ship, they typically are designated chief mate or first mate, second mate, third mate, and so forth. Mates also supervise the ship's crew. They monitor cargo loading and unloading to ensure proper stowage, and supervise crew members engaged in maintenance and the vessel's upkeep. Main article: Seafarers professions and ranks A Chief Mate (C/M) or Chief Officer is a licensed member and head of the deck department of a merchant ship. ... Main article: Seafarers professions and ranks A Second Mate (2/M) or Second Officer is a licensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. ... The third officer of a merchant vessel. ...

Pilots guide ships in and out of confined waterways, such as harbors, where a familiarity with local conditions is of prime importance.^[6] Harbor pilots are generally independent contractors who accompany vessels while they enter or leave port, and may pilot many ships in a single day. Signal flag H(Hotel) - Pilot on Board Boarding is tricky, as both vessels are moving and cannot afford to slow down. ...

Ship's engineers operate, maintain, and repair propulsion engines, boilers, generators, pumps, and other machinery. Merchant marine vessels usually have four engineering officers: A chief engineer and a first, second, and third assistant engineer. Assistant engineers stand periodic watches, overseeing the safe operation of engines and machinery. The Engine room of Argonaute, a French supply vessel. ... A Chief Engineer is a licensed mariner in charge of the engineering department on a merchant vessel. ... The First Assistant Engineer or Second Engineer supervises the daily maintenance and operation of the engine department and reports directly to the Chief Engineer. ... The Second Assistant Engineer or Third Engineer is junior to the First Assistant Engineer in the engine department of a merchant vessel and is usually in charge of boilers, fuel, auxiliary engines, condensate and feed systems. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Deck officers and ship's engineers are usually trained at maritime academies.^[7] However, women were barred from entry to U.S. maritime academies until 1974, when the California Maritime Academy admitted women as cadets.^[8] It is becoming increasingly difficult for unlicensed mariners to earn a merchant marine license^[9] due to increased requirements for formal training. To do so, a mariner must have sufficient sea time in a qualified rating and complete specified testing and training, such as that required by STCW. The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, sets qualification standards for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships. ...

Able seamen and ordinary seamen operate the vessel and its deck equipment under the officers' supervision and keep their assigned areas in good condition.^[10] They stand watch, looking out for other vessels and obstructions in the ship's path, as well as for navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses. They also steer the ship, measure water depth in shallow water, and maintain and operate deck equipment such as lifeboats, anchors, and cargo-handling gear. On tankers, mariners designated as pumpmen hook up hoses, operate pumps, and clean tanks. When arriving at or leaving a dock, they handle the mooring lines. Seamen also perform routine maintenance chores, such as repairing lines, chipping rust, and painting and cleaning decks. On larger vessels, a boatswain, or head seaman will supervise the work. This article is about a civilian occupation. ... Main article: Seafarers professions and ranks In the United States Merchant Marine, an Ordinary Seaman or OS is an entry-level position in a ships deck department. ... Buoys redirects here. ... Eddystone Lighthouse, one of the first wavewashed lighthouses For other uses, see Lighthouse (disambiguation). ... A helmsman is an person who steers a ship. ... A sounding line or lead line is a length of thin rope with a weight, generally of lead at its end. ... For alternate meanings see anchor (disambiguation) The purpose of a ships or boats anchor is to attach the vessel to the ground at a specific point. ... A dockworker places a mooring line on a bollard. ... The bosun aboard a modern merchant ship stands cargo watch as freight is lowered into an open hatch. ...

Marine oilers and more experienced qualified members of the engine department, or QMEDs, maintain the vessel in proper running order in the engine spaces below decks, under the direction of the ship's engineering officers. These workers lubricate gears, shafts, bearings, and other moving parts of engines and motors; read pressure and temperature gauges; record data; and sometimes assist with repairs and adjust machinery. Wipers are the entry-level workers in the engine room, holding a position similar to that of ordinary seamen of the deck crew. They clean and paint the engine room and its equipment and assist the others in maintenance and repair work. With more experience they become oilers and firemen. An oiler is one of the most junior crewmember in the engine room of a ship (senior only to a wiper). ... A Qualified Member of the Engineering Department or QMED is a senior unlicensed crewmember in the engine room of a ship. ... A wiper is the most junior crewmember in the engine room of a ship. ...

A typical deep-sea merchant ship has a captain, three mates, a chief engineer and three assistant engineers, plus six or more unlicensed seamen, such as able seamen, oilers, QMEDs, and cooks or food handlers.^[11] Other unlicensed positions on a large ship may include electricians and machinery mechanics.^[12] Main article: Seafarers professions and ranks A Chief Cook (often shortened to Cook) is a senior unlicensed crewmember working in the Stewards department of a merchant ship. ... Main article: Seafarers professions and ranks A Stewards Assistant or SA is an unlicensed, entry-level crewmember in the Stewards Department of a merchant ship. ...

History

For more details on this topic, see Maritime history of the United States.

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo explored the coast of California in 1542. This chart of the "Island of California" dates to 1640.

The history of ships and shipping in North America goes back at least as far as when Leif Erikson established a short-lived settlement called Vinland in present day Newfoundland. An actual shipping industry gradually came into being as colonies grew and trade with Europe increased. As early as the 15th century, Europeans were shipping horses, cattle and hogs to the Americas. // Main article: United States Merchant Marine The history of ships in North America goes back at least as far as the first European contact with the Americas, when Leif Erikson established a short-lived settlement called Vinland in present day Newfoundland. ... Download high resolution version (8831x6301, 4625 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (8831x6301, 4625 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... João Rodrigues Cabrilho Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo (Portuguese: João Rodrigues Cabrilho) (ca. ... Events War resumes between Francis I of France and Emperor Charles V. This time Henry VIII of England is allied to the Emperor, while James V of Scotland and Sultan Suleiman I are allied to the French. ... The Island of California is shown on a 1650 map by Nicolas Sanson The Island of California refers to a long-held European misconception, dating from the 16th century, that California was not part of mainland North America but rather a large island separated from the continent by the Mare... A statue of Leif Ericson in front of the Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik Leif Ericson (old Icelandic: Leifr Eiríksson) was an explorer, the son of Eric the Red (Eiríkr rauði), a Norwegian outlaw, who was the son of another Norwegian outlaw, Þorvaldr Ásvaldsson. ... For the historical novel by George Mackay Brown, which depicts Leif Eiríkssons voyage, see Vinland (novel). ... Newfoundland —   IPA: [nuw fÉ™n lænd] (French: , Irish: ) is a large island off the east coast of North America, and the most populous part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. ...

Spanish colonies began to form as early as 1565 in places like St. Augustine, Florida, and later in Santa Fe, New Mexico, San Antonio, Tucson, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. English colonies like Jamestown began to form as early as 1607. The connection between the American colonies and Europe, with shipping as its only conduit, would continue to grow unhindered for almost two hundred years. Nickname: Location in St. ... Nickname: Location in Santa Fe County, New Mexico Coordinates: , Country State County Santa Fe Founded ca. ... Nickname: Location in the state of Texas Coordinates: Counties Bexar County Government  - Mayor Phil Hardberger Area  - City  412. ... Nickname: The Old Pueblo Location in Pima County and the state of Arizona Coordinates: Country United States State Arizona Counties Pima Mayor Bob Walkup (R) Area    - City 505. ... Flag Seal Nickname: Americas Finest City Location Location of San Diego within San Diego County Coordinates , Government County San Diego Mayor City Attorney         City Council District One District Two District Three District Four District Five District Six District Seven District Eight Jerry Sanders (R) Michael Aguirre Scott Peters Kevin... Flag Seal Nickname: City of Angels Location Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates , Government State County California Los Angeles County Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) Geographical characteristics Area     City 1,290. ... This page is a candidate for speedy deletion. ... // Jamestown may refer to: Jamestown, South Australia Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown, a neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario Jamestown, Ghana, a district of the city of Accra Jamestown, Dublin Jamestown, Laois Jamestown, Offaly Jamestown, County Leitrim I live there! Jamestown, Saint Helena, a harbour and the capital of Saint Helena Jamestown, the... Year 1607 (MDCVII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 10-day slower Julian calendar). ...

The first wartime role of an identifiable United States Merchant Marine first took place on June 12, 1775 in and around Machias, Maine. A group of citizens, hearing the news from Concord and Lexington, captured the British schooner HMS Margaretta. The citizens, in need of critical supplies, were given an ultimatum: either load the ships with lumber to build British barracks in Boston, or go hungry. They chose to fight.^[13] is the 163rd day of the year (164th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1775 (MDCCLXXV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... Machias is a town located in Washington County, Maine. ... Two-masted fishing schooner A schooner (IPA: ) is a type of sailing vessel characterized by the use of fore-and-aft sails on two or more masts. ...

Word of this revolt reached Boston, where the Continental Congress and the various colonies issued Letters of Marque to privateers.^[14] The privateers interrupted the British supply chain all along the eastern seaboard of the United States and across the Atlantic Ocean. These actions by the privateers predates both the United States Coast Guard and the United States Navy, which were formed in 1790 and 1797, respectively. The Continental Congress was the first national government of the United States. ... For the Patrick OBrian novel, see The Letter of Marque. ... This article is about the concept in naval history. ... Categories: US geography stubs ... USCG HH-65 Dolphin USCG HH-60J JayHawk USCG HC-130H departs Mojave USCG HC-130H on International Ice Patrol duties The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is at all times a branch of the U.S. military, a maritime law enforcement agency, and a federal regulatory body. ... USN redirects here. ...

Some civilian mariners have earned the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal in the Iraq War.

The Merchant Marine was active in subsequent wars, from the Confederate commerce raiders of the American Civil War, to the First and Second Battle of the Atlantic in World War I and World War II. 3.1 million tons of merchant ships were lost in World War II, mariners dying at a rate of 1 in 24. All told, 733 American cargo ships were lost^[15] and 8,651 of the 215,000 who served perished on troubled waters and off enemy shores. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... For other uses, see Iraq war (disambiguation). ... Commerce raiding or guerre de course is a naval strategy of attacking an opponents commercial shipping rather than contending for control of the seas with its naval forces. ... Combatants United States of America (Union) Confederate States of America (Confederacy) Commanders Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee Strength 2,200,000 1,064,000 Casualties 110,000 killed in action, 360,000 total dead, 275,200 wounded 93,000 killed in action, 258,000 total... The First Battle of the Atlantic (1914–1918) was a naval campaign of World War I, largely fought in the seas around the British Isles and in the Atlantic Ocean. ... Combatants Royal Navy Royal Canadian Navy United States Navy Kriegsmarine Regia Marina Commanders Sir Percy Noble Sir Max K. Horton Ernest J. King Erich Raeder Karl Dönitz Casualties 30,248 merchant sailors 3,500 merchant vessels 175 warships 28,000 sailors 783 submarines The Second Battle of the Atlantic... “The Great War ” redirects here. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...

Merchant shipping also played its role in the wars in Vietnam and Korea. From just six ships under charter when the Korean war began, this total peaked at 255. In September 1950, when the U.S. Marine Corps went ashore at Inchon, 13 USNS cargo ships, 26 chartered American, and 34 Japanese-manned merchant ships, under the operational control of Military Sea Transportation Service participated in the invasion. Belligerents United Nations: Republic of Korea Australia Belgium Canada Colombia Ethiopia France Greece Luxembourg Netherlands New Zealand Philippines South Africa Thailand Turkey United Kingdom United States Naval Support and Military Servicing/Repairs: Japan Medical staff: Denmark Italy Norway India Sweden DPR Korea PR China Soviet Union Commanders Syngman Rhee Chung... Incheon Metropolitan City is a metropolitan city and major seaport on the west coast of South Korea, near Seoul. ... The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is a United States Navy (USN) organisation that controls most of the replenishment and military transport ships of the Navy. ...

During the Vietnam War, ships crewed by civilian seamen carried 95% of the supplies used by the American Armed Forces. Many of these ships sailed into combat zones under fire. In fact, the SS Mayaguez incident involved the capture of mariners from the American merchant ship SS Mayaguez.^[16] Combatants United States of America Democratic Kampuchea Commanders Lt. ...

During the first Gulf War, the merchant ships of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) delivered more than 11 million metric tons of vehicles, helicopters, ammunition, fuel and other supplies and equipment during the war. At one point during the war, more than 230 government-owned and chartered ships were involved in the sealift. See also: 2003 invasion of Iraq and Gulf War (disambiguation) C Company, 1st Battalion, The Staffordshire Regiment, 1st UK Armoured Division The Persian Gulf War was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition force of 34 nations led by the United States. ... The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is a United States Navy (USN) organization that controls most of the replenishment and military transport ships of the Navy. ... For other uses, see Helicopter (disambiguation). ... Ammunition, often referred to as ammo, is a generic term meaning (the assembly of) a projectile and its propellant. ... For other uses, see Fuel (disambiguation). ... For online phenomenon of shipping, see Shipping (fandom). ...

Government owned merchant vessels from the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) have supported emergency shipping requirements in seven wars and crises. During the Korean War, 540 vessels were activated to support military forces. A worldwide tonnage shortfall from 1951 to 1953 required over 600 ship activations to lift coal to Northern Europe and grain to India. From 1955 through 1964, another 600 ships were used to store grain for the Department of Agriculture. Another tonnage shortfall following the Suez Canal closing in 1956 caused 223 cargo ship and 29 tanker activations from the NDRF. During the Berlin crisis of 1961, 18 vessels were activated, which remained in service until 1970. The Vietnam conflict required the activation of 172 vessels.^[17] The National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) was established under Section 11 of the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 to serve as a reserve of ships for national defense and national emergency purposes. ... The U.S. Department of Agriculture, also called the Agriculture Department, or USDA, is a Cabinet department of the United States Federal Government. ... For other uses, see Suez (disambiguation). ... View in 1986 from the west side of graffiti art on the walls infamous death strip Walls poster in memory of the fall. ...

Since 1977, the Ready Reserve Fleet has taken over the brunt of the work previously handled by the National Defense Reserve Fleet. The RRF made a major contribution to the success of Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm from August 1990 through June 1992, when 79 vessels were activated to meet military sealift requirements by carrying 25% of the unit equipment and 45% of the ammunition needed.^[17] See also: 2003 invasion of Iraq and Gulf War (disambiguation) C Company, 1st Battalion, The Staffordshire Regiment, 1st UK Armoured Division The Persian Gulf War was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition force of 34 nations led by the United States. ... Combatants U.S.-led coalition Iraq Commanders George H. W. Bush, Norman Schwarzkopf, Colin Powell Saddam Hussein, Ali Hassan Al-Majid, Hussein Kamel Strength 660,000 ~545,000 Casualties 345 dead, 1,000 wounded 25,000 - 100,000 dead, 100,000 - 300,000 wounded The 1991 Gulf War (also Persian...

Two RRF tankers, two RO/RO ships and a troop transport ship were needed in Somalia for Operation Restore Hope in 1993 and 1994. During the Haitian crisis in 1994, 15 ships were activated for Operation Uphold Democracy operations. In 1995 and 1996, four RO/RO ships were used to deliver military cargo as part of U.S. and U.K. support to NATO peace-keeping missions.^[17] Combatants United States United Nations Pakistan Malaysia Somalia Commanders Many Mohamed Farrah Aidid The United Nations intervention in Somalia (code-named Operation Restore Hope) was a United Nations–sanctioned United States military operation from 9 December 1992 to 4 May 1993. ... Motto: LUnion Fait La Force(French) Unity makes Strength Anthem: La Dessalinienne Capital (and largest city) Port-au-Prince Official languages French, Haitian Creole Demonym Haitian Government Presidential republic  -  President René Préval  -  Prime Minister Jacques-Edouard Alexis Formation  -  as Saint-Domingue 1697   -  Independence from France January 1, 1804... Operation Uphold Democracy (September 19, 1994 – March 31, 1995) began in September 1994 with the deployment of the U.S. led multinational force. ...

Four RRF ships were activated to provide humanitarian assistance for Central America following Hurricane Mitch in 1998. Three RRF ships currently support the Afloat Prepositioning Force with two specialized tankers and one dry cargo vessel capable of underway replenishment for the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force.^[17] Lowest pressure 905 mbar (hPa; 26. ...

In 2003, 40 RRF ships were used in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. This RRF contribution was significant and included sealifting equipment and supplies into the theatre of combat operations, which included combat support equipment for the Army, Navy Combat Logistics Force, and USMC Aviation Support equipment. By the beginning of May 2005, RRF cumulative support included 85 ship activations that logged almost 12,000 ship operating days, moving almost 25% of the equipment needed to support the U.S. Armed Forces liberation of Iraq.^[17] Combatants United States, Poland, France, Canada, Pakistan, India, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines (in the Philippines theatre only), Northern Alliance, Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ethiopia, Somalia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, Macedonia, Romania, Portugal, Bulgaria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Georgia Taliban, al-Qaeda, Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah... For other uses of the term, see Iraq war (disambiguation) The 2003 invasion of Iraq (also called the 2nd or 3rd Persian Gulf War) began on March 20, 2003, when forces belonging primarily to the United States and the United Kingdom invaded Iraq arguably without the explicit backing of the...

MSC is also involved in the current Iraq War, having delivered 61 million square feet (5.7 km²) of cargo and 1.1 billion US gallons (4,200,000 m³) of fuel by the end of the first year alone. Merchant mariners are being recognized for their contributions in Iraq. For example, in late 2003, Vice Adm. David Brewer III, commander of Military Sealift Command, awarded the officers and crewmembers of the Motor Vessel Bennett the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal.^[18] This article is about the 2003 invasion of Iraq. ... The gallon (abbreviation: gal) is a unit of volume. ... The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is a United States Navy (USN) organization that controls most of the replenishment and military transport ships of the Navy. ... The MV Capt Steven L. Bennett (T-AK-4296) is the lead ship of the Bennett class container ship. ... Medals and Decorations of the United States Merchant Marine Awards and decorations of the United States Merchant Marine are civilian decorations of the United States which are issued to the members of the United States Merchant Marine for a variety of duties both in peace and war. ...

The RRF was called upon to provide humanitarian assistance to gulf coast areas following Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita landfalls in September 2006. The Federal Emergency Management Agency requested a total of eight vessels to support relief efforts. Messing and berthing was provided for refinery workers, oils spill response teams, longshoremen. One of the vessels provided electrical power.^[17] This article is about the Atlantic hurricane of 2005. ... Lowest pressure 895 mbar (hPa)[1] Damages $10 billion (2005 USD)[1] Fatalities 7 direct, 113 indirect Areas affected Bahamas, Florida, Cuba, Yucatán Peninsula, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas Part of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season Hurricane Rita is the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded and the most... FEMA redirects here. ...

Today's merchant fleet

The commercial fleet

As of 2006, the United States merchant fleet had 465 privately-owned ships of 1,000 gross register tons or over. Two hundred ninety-one (291) of these were dry cargo ships, 97 were tankers, and 77 passenger ships. Of those American-flagged ships, 51 were foreign owned. Seven hundred American-owned ships are flagged in other nations.^[19][20]

2005 statistics from the United States Maritime Administration focus on the larger segment of the fleet: ships of 10,000 metric tons of deadweight (DWT) and over. 245 privately owned American-flagged ships are of this size, and 153 of those meet the Jones Act criteria.^[21] Seal of the US Maritime Administration MARAD, or the U.S. Maritime Administration, maintains the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) as a ready source of ships for use during national emergencies and assists in fulfilling its traditional role as the nations fourth arm of defense in logistically supporting the... Dead weight tonnage refers to the weight, in long tons, that a ship can safely carry when fully loaded. ...

U.S. sealift capability viewed over time shows a steep drop in the number of ships in the merchant marine fleet. Observers point to the World War II era as the peak for the U.S. fleet. During the post-war year of 1950, for example, U.S. carriers represented about 43 percent of the world's shipping trade. By 1995, the American market share had plunged to 4 percent, according to a 1997 report by the U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO).^[22] CBO further notes in the report that "the number of U.S.-flag vessels has dropped precipitously--from more than 2,000 in the 1940s and 850 in 1970 to about 320 in 1996."

A diminishing U.S. fleet comes in the face of surge in international sea trade. For instance, worldwide demand for natural gas and the subsequent spike in related international trade presents a job growth opportunity for today's U.S. mariners aboard liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers. A 2007 agreement signed by the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) sets uniform LNG training standards at U.S. maritime training facilities. Uniform training standards will help U.S. mariners compete for jobs aboard LNG tankers, estimated to number more than 370 worldwide at the close of 2007, according to MARAD.^[23] Seal of the US Maritime Administration MARAD, or the U.S. Maritime Administration, maintains the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) as a ready source of ships for use during national emergencies and assists in fulfilling its traditional role as the nations fourth arm of defense in logistically supporting the...

However, despite projection of an eight-fold increase in U.S. imported LNG by 2025, the worldwide LNG fleet does not include a single U.S. flagged vessel.^[24] Moreover, only five U.S. deepwater LNG ports were operational in 2007, although permits have been issued for four additional ports, according to MARAD.^[24]

Further limiting potential job growth in the U.S. fleet is the fact that ranks of qualified seamen to serve on ships continue to shrink. Recruitment efforts to attract younger mariners to replace retiring crews have failed to stem the shortage.^[25] MARAD describes the gap between sealift crewing needs and available unlicensed personnel as "reaching critical proportions, and the long term outlook for sufficient personnel is also of serious concern."^[26]

Seagoing jobs of the future for U.S. mariners may not necessarily be on U.S.-flagged ships. American-trained mariners are being sought after by international companies to operate foreign-flagged vessels, according to Julie A. Nelson, deputy maritime administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce.^[27]. For example, Shell International and Shipping Company Ltd. has announced that it will be recruiting U.S. seafarers to crew its growing fleet of tankers.^[28] Further signs of the globalization of the mariner profession is evidenced by an agreement signed in 2007 between Overseas Shipholding Group and the Maritime Administration that will allow American maritime academy cadets to train aboard OSG's international flag vessels.^[29]

The federal fleet

Further information: Military Sealift Command and National Defense Reserve Fleet

The USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) is a converted oil tanker now operated as a 1,000-bed hospital ship by the MSC.

Military Sealift Command (MSC) is an arm of the Navy that serves the entire Department of Defense as the ocean carrier of materiel during peacetime and war. It transports equipment, fuel, ammunition, and other goods essential to the smooth function of United States armed forces worldwide. Up to 95% of all supplies needed to sustain the U.S. military can be moved by Military Sealift Command.^[30] MSC operates approximately 120 ships with 100 more in reserve. All ships are manned by civil service or contract merchant mariners, estimated to number more than 8,000.^[31] MSC tankers and freighters have a long history of also serving as re-supply vessels in support of civilian research at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and at other polar operations, including Greenland. The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is a United States Navy (USN) organization that controls most of the replenishment and military transport ships of the Navy. ... The National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) was established under Section 11 of the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 to serve as a reserve of ships for national defense and national emergency purposes. ... USNS Mercy File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... USNS Mercy File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) is the third United States Navy ship to bear the name Comfort, and the second Mercy Class Hospital Ship to join the navy fleet. ... USNS Comfort takes on supplies at Mayport, FL enroute to Gulf Coast. ... USN redirects here. ... The United States Department of Defense (DOD or DoD) is the federal department charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security and the military. ... Material (from the French matérial for equipment or hardware, related to the word material) is a term used in English to refer to the equipment and supplies in military and commercial supply chain management. ... McMurdo Station from Observation Hill. ...

Civilian-crewed MSC ships annually re-supply McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Here the USNS Southern Cross (T-AK-285) is seen during cargo operations alongside a floating ice pier.

The National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF)^[32] acts as a reserve of cargo ships for national emergencies and defense. Consisting of 2,277 ships at its peak in 1950, the NDRF fleet now numbers only 251 ships.^[33] McMurdo Station from Observation Hill. ... Severe cracks in an ice pier in use for four seasons at McMurdo Station slowed cargo operations in 1983 and proved to be a safety hazard. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

NDRF vessels are now staged^[34] at the James River, Beaumont and Suisun Bay fleet sites and other designated locations. A Ready Reserve Force^[35] component of NDRF was established in 1976 to provide rapid deployment of military equipment. This force currently has 58 vessels, down from a peak of 102 in 1994.^[17] Location in the state of Texas Coordinates: , Counties Settled 1835 Incorporation 1838 Gentilic Beaumonter Government  - Type Council-Manager  - Mayor Becky Ames  - City Manager Kyle Hayes  - Mayor Pro - Tem Nancy Beaulieu Area  - City 222. ... San Pablo bay with Suisun Bay at upper right Suisun Bay (pronounced sue-soon) is a shallow tidal estuary located in central California of The United States of America. ... This is a list of Military Sealift Command ships. ...

In 2004, the Federal government employed approximately 5% of all water transportation workers, most of whom worked on Military Sealift Command supply ships.^[3]

Important laws

A few laws have shaped the development of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Chief among them are the "Seamen's Act of 1915," the "Merchant Marine Act of 1920" (commonly referred to as the "Jones Act"), and the "Merchant Marine Act of 1936". Senator La Follette (center), with maritime labor leader Andrew Furuseth (left) and muckracker Lincoln Steffens, circa 1915. ... For the 1916 law the concerned the Philippines, see Jones Act (Philippine Islands) The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (commonly known as the Jones Act) is a United States Federal statute that requires U.S.-flagged vessels to be built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and... The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 is a United States federal law. ...

The Seamen's Act of 1915

For more details on this topic, see Seamen's Act.

Senator La Follette (center), with maritime labor leader Andrew Furuseth (left) and muckraker Lincoln Steffens, circa 1915.

The Seaman's Act^[36] significantly improved working conditions for American seamen.^[37] The brainchild of International Seamen's Union president Andrew Furuseth, the Act was sponsored in the Senate by Robert Marion La Follette and received significant support from Secretary of Labor, William B. Wilson. Senator La Follette (center), with maritime labor leader Andrew Furuseth (left) and muckracker Lincoln Steffens, circa 1915. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Robert Marion La Follette, Sr. ... Andrew Furuseth (March 12, 1854 - January 22, 1938) of Romedal, Norway[1] was a merchant seaman and an American labor leader. ... Eric Parker is the most amazing kid alive and he will go on the win a national title at SYracuse University--71. ... The International Seamens Union (ISU) was an American maritime trade union which operated from 1892 until 1937. ... Andrew Furuseth (March 12, 1854 - January 22, 1938) of Romedal, Norway[1] was a merchant seaman and an American labor leader. ... Type Upper House President of the Senate Richard B. Cheney, R since January 20, 2001 President pro tempore Robert C. Byrd, D since January 4, 2007 Members 100 Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party Last elections November 7, 2006 Meeting place Senate Chamber United States Capitol Washington, DC United States... Robert Marion La Follette, Sr. ... The United States Secretary of Labor is the head of the United States Department of Labor. ... William Bauchop Wilson (1862 - 1934) was a U.S. (Scottish-born) labor leader and political figure. ...

Among other things, the Act:

1. abolished the practice of imprisonment for seamen who deserted their ship
2. reduced the penalties for disobedience
3. regulated a seaman's working hours both at sea and in port
4. established a minimum quality for ship's food
5. regulated the payment of seamen's wages
6. required specific levels of safety, particularly the provision of lifeboats
7. required a minimum percentage of the seamen aboard a vessel to be qualified Able Seamen
8. required a minimum of 75% of the seamen aboard a vessel to understand the language spoken by the officers

The Act's passage was attributed to union lobbying, increased tensions immediately before World War I, and raised public consciousness of safety at sea due to the sinking of the RMS Titanic three years prior.^[38] This article is about a civilian occupation. ... “The Great War ” redirects here. ... For other uses, see Titanic (disambiguation). ...

The Jones Act

For more details on this topic, see Merchant Marine Act of 1920.

The Jones Act was sponsored by Senator Wesley Livsey Jones of Washington.

The "Merchant Marine Act of 1920," often called The "Jones Act," requires U.S.-flagged vessels be built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and documented under the laws of the United States.^[39] It also requires that all officers and 75% of the crew must be U.S. citizens. Vessels satisfying these requirements comprise the "Jones Act Fleet," and only these vessels may engage in "cabotage," or carrying passengers or cargo between two U.S. ports.^[40] For the 1916 law the concerned the Philippines, see Jones Act (Philippine Islands) The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (commonly known as the Jones Act) is a United States Federal statute that requires U.S.-flagged vessels to be built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Wesley Livsey Jones (October 9,1863 - November 19,1932) was an American politician. ... This article deals with the U.S. state. ...

Another important aspect of the Act is that it allows injured sailors to obtain damages from their employers for the negligence of the shipowner, the captain, or fellow members of the crew. For other uses, see Ship (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Captain (disambiguation). ...

The Merchant Marine Act

For more details on this topic, see Merchant Marine Act of 1936.

The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 was enacted "to further the development and maintenance of an adequate and well-balanced American merchant marine, to promote the commerce of the United States, to aid in the national defense, to repeal certain former legislation, and for other purposes." The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 is a United States federal law. ...

Specifically, the Act established the United States Maritime Commission and required a United States Merchant Marine that consists of U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed and U.S.-owned vessels capable of carrying all domestic and a substantial portion of foreign water-borne commerce which can serve as a naval auxiliary in time of war or national emergency. Categories: Stub ...

The act also established federal subsidies for the construction and operation of merchant ships. Two years after the Act was passed, the U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet Corps, the forerunner to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, was established. The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of the five United States service academies. ...

International regulations

Federal law requires the merchant marine to adhere to a number of international conventions. The International Maritime Organization has been either the source or a conduit for a number of these regulations. Headquarters of the International Maritime Organisation in Lambeth, adjacent to the east end of Lambeth Bridge Headquarters building taken from the west side of the Thames Headquartered in London, U.K., the International Maritime Organization (IMO) promotes cooperation among governments and the shipping industry to improve maritime safety and to...

The principal International Conventions are:

• SOLAS 74: International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
• MARPOL 73/78: International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978.
• ICLL 66: International Convention on Load Lines, as revised in 1966
• 72 COLREGS: International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
• STCW 95: International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
• SAR 79: International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue.^[41]

A list of IMO conventions adopted in the United States is available at the U.S. Coast Guard's Maritime Safety Center website. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is the most important treaty protecting the safety of merchant ships. ... Ship Pollution is an abbreviated form of the Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973. ... The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGS) are published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and set out the rules of the road to be followed by ships and other vessels at sea. ... The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, sets qualification standards for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships. ...

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007

The "Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007" would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a tax-exempt monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946 (or to their survivors). This would include service in the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service.

The Act passed in the House of Representatives on July 30, 2007 as H.R. 23 and was referred to the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on March 22, 2007 as S. 961.[2]

Noted U.S. Merchant Mariners

Further information: List of notable American mariners and List of notable mariners

Merchant seamen have gone on to make their mark on the world in a number of interesting ways, for example, Douglass North went from seaman to navigator to winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Economics. Famous members of the U.S. Merchant Marine have included: Raymond Bailey, actor Alex Bonner, Emmy Award winning radio and television producer Nathaniel Bowditch, author Alfonso J. Cervantes, forty-third Mayor of Saint Louis, Missouri Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) - inland waters - author Jim Bagby, Jr. ... This list of sailors includes any seagoing person who does not qualify for the list of naval commanders and/or list of sea captains. ... Douglass Cecil North (born November 5, 1920) is co-recipient of the 1993 Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. ...

American merchant seamen have won the Medal of Honor in the Korean War and Vietnam War, and one went on to become the "Father of the American Navy." The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. ... George H. O’Brien, Jr. ... Sp6c. ... John Paul Jones (July 11, 1747–July 18, 1792) was Americas first well-known naval hero in the American Revolutionary War. ...

Since World War II, a number of merchant seamen have become notorious criminals. William Colepaugh was convicted as a Nazi spy in World War II. George Hennard was a mass murderer who claimed twenty-four victims on a rampage at Luby's Cafeteria in Killeen, Texas. Perry Smith's own murderous rampage was made famous in Truman Capote's non-fiction novel In Cold Blood. William Curtis Colepaugh was an American traitor of World War II who, following his 1943 discharge from the US Naval Reserve (for the good of the service, according to official reports), defected to Nazi Germany in 1944. ... Image:Http://www. ... Killeen is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. ... Perry Edward Smith (October 27, 1928 – April 14, 1965) was one of two ex-convicts who murdered four members of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas on November 15, 1959, a crime made infamous by Truman Capote in his 1966 non-fiction novel In Cold Blood. ... Truman Capote (pronounced ; 30 September 1924 – 25 August 1984) was an American writer whose stories, novels, plays, and non-fiction are recognized literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffanys (1958) and In Cold Blood (1965), which he labeled a non-fiction novel. ... In Cold Blood: A True Account of a Multiple Murder and Its Consequences, by Truman Capote, details the 1959 murders of Herb Clutter, a wealthy farmer from Holcomb, Kansas; his wife, Bonnie; his sixteen-year-old daughter, Nancy; and his fifteen-year-old son, Kenyon, and the aftermath (ISBN 0679745580). ...

Mariners are well represented in the visual arts. Seaman Haskell Wexler would later win two Academy Awards, the latter for a biography of his shipmate Woody Guthrie. Merchant seaman Johnny Craig was already a working comic book artist before he joined up, but Ernie Schroeder would not start drawing comics until after returning home from World War II. Haskell Wexler (born February 6, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois) is an Academy Award-winning American cinematographer, and a film producer and director. ... Although he never won an Oscar for any of his movie performances, the comedian Bob Hope received two honorary Oscars for his contributions to cinema. ... Woodrow Wilson Guthrie (July 14, 1912–October 3, 1967) was a prolific American songwriter and folk musician. ... Johnny Craig is an American illustrator who was born in Pleasantville, New York, in 1926. ... The Heap on the cover of Airboy Comics vol. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...

Merchant sailors have also made a splash in the world of sport. In football, with the likes of Dan Devine and Heisman Trophy winner Frank Sinkwich. In track and field, seamen Cornelius Cooper Johnson and Jim Thorpe both won Olympic medals, though Thorpe did not get his until thirty years after his death. Seamen Jim Bagby, Jr. and Charlie Keller went on to Major League Baseball. Drew Bundini Brown was Muhammad Ali's assistant trainer and cornerman, and Joe Gold went on to make his fortune as the bodybuilding and fitness guru of Gold's Gym. Dan Devine (December 22, 1924 - May 9, 2002) was a football coach who served as head coach at three colleges and also served for four years as head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1971 to 1974. ... Francis Frank Sinkwich (October 10, 1920 - October 22, 1990) won the Heisman Trophy in 1942, while playing at the University of Georgia, the first recipient from the Southeastern Conference. ... Cornelius Cooper Johnson (August 28, 1913 - February 15, 1946) was an African-American athlete in the high jump. ... For other uses, see Jim Thorpe (disambiguation). ... James Charles Jacob Bagby, Jr. ... Charles Ernest (Charlie) Keller (September 12, 1916 - May 23, 1990) was a left fielder in Major League Baseball. ... Drew Bundini Brown, born on March 21, 1928, in Florida, was an assistant trainer and cornerman of Muhammad Alis throughout the former heavyweight champions career. ... Joe Gold (March 10, 1922 in East Los Angeles, California - July 12, 2004 in Marina del Rey, California) founder of Golds Gym and World Gym. ... Golds Gym International, Inc. ...

Writer Ralph Ellison was a merchant mariner as were prominent members of the Beat movement Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, Bob Kaufman,Dave Van Ronk and Herbert Huncke. Perhaps it is not surprising that the writers of Moby Dick, The American Practical Navigator, and Two Years Before the Mast were merchant mariners. It might be surprising that the writer of Cool Hand Luke and co-writer of Borat were. Ralph Ellison (March 1, 1913[1] – April 16, 1994) was a scholar and writer. ... The term beat generation was introduced by Jack Kerouac in approximately 1948 to describe his social circle to the novelist John Clellon Holmes (who published an early novel about the beat generation, titled Go, in 1952, along with a manifesto of sorts in the New York Times Magazine: This is... Irwin Allen Ginsberg (IPA: ) (June 3, 1926 – April 5, 1997) was an American poet. ... Jack Kerouac (pronounced ) (March 12, 1922 – October 21, 1969) was an American novelist, writer, poet, and artist. ... Bob Kaufman (April 18, 1925 – January 12, 1986), born Robert Garnell Kaufman in New Orleans, Louisiana, was an American Beat poet and surrealist inspired by jazz music. ... Dave Van Ronk (June 30, 1936 – February 10, 2002) was a folk singer born in Brooklyn, New York, who settled in Greenwich Village, New York City, and was nicknamed the Mayor of MacDougal Street. ... Huncke on the cover of his anthology. ... Herman Melville (August 1, 1819 – September 28, 1891) was an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and poet. ... Nathaniel Bowditch (March 26, 1773 – March 16, 1838) was an early American mathematician remembered for his work on ocean navigation. ... Richard Henry Dana Jr. ... Donn Pearce (b. ... Peter Baynham is a British comedy writer and perfomer born in Cardiff, Wales. ...

A number of merchant mariners from World War II ended up playing well-known television characters. The list includes Raymond Bailey, who played Milburn Drysdale on The Beverly Hillbillies, Archie Bunker on All in the Family, Columbo on Columbo, Jim Rockford on The Rockford Files, Steve McGarret on Hawaii Five-O, Uncle Jesse Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard, and Cheyenne Bodie on Cheyenne. Raymond Bailey (May 6, 1904 – April 15, 1980) was an American actor. ... Milburn Drysdale was a fictional character in the sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies as well as the 1993 movie of the same name. ... John Carroll OConnor (August 2, 1924 – June 21, 2001) was an Emmy Award-winning American actor, producer and director whose television career spanned four decades. ... Peter Michael Falk (born September 16, 1927) is an American actor. ... For other uses, see James Garner (disambiguation). ... John Joseph Patrick Ryan (December 30, 1920 â€“ January 21, 1998), best known by his stage name Jack Lord, was an American television, film, and Broadway actor. ... Denver Dell Pyle (May 11, 1920 – December 25, 1997) was an American film and television actor. ... Norman Eugene Clint Walker (born May 30, 1927) is an American actor best known for his cowboy role as Cheyenne Bodie in the TV Western series, Cheyenne. ...

Songwriter and lyricist Jack Lawrence was a mariner during World War II, and wrote the official United States Merchant Marine song "Heave Ho! My Lads, Heave Ho!" while a young lieutenant stationed at Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, in 1943. Jack Lawrence (born April 7, 1912) was a songwriter. ...

Robert Kiyosaki lays claim of being a mariner. Paul Teutul, Sr., the founder of Orange County Ironworks and Orange County Choppers is a Vietnam War veteran of the United States Merchant Marine. Robert Toru Kiyosaki (born April 8, 1947) is an investor, businessman, self-help author and motivational speaker. ... Paul John Teutul, Sr. ... Orange County Choppers store near Montgomery, New York. ...

Fictional accounts

The United States Merchant Marine has been featured in a number of movies. Action in the North Atlantic is a 1943 film featuring Humphrey Bogart, Raymond Massey, and Alan Hale as merchant mariners fighting the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II. Other WWII fare includes The Long Voyage Home starring John Wayne, and the television documentary The Men Who Sailed the Liberty Ships. Action in the North Atlantic is a 1943 war drama, featuring Humphrey Bogart as a merchant marine first officer. ... Battle of the Atlantic can refer to either of two naval campaigns, depending on context: World War I - First Battle of the Atlantic World War II - Second Battle of the Atlantic A Third Battle of the Atlantic was envisioned to be be part of any Third World War that arose... The Long Voyage Home is a 1940 film which tells the story of the crew and passengers aboard a doomed freighter. ...

Other movies set in the United States Merchant Marine include Lifeboat, Wake of the Red Witch, The Sea Chase, The Last Voyage, Morituri, and The Wreck of the Mary Deare. Lifeboat is a 1944 World War II war film, directed by Alfred Hitchcock from a story written by John Steinbeck. ... Wake of the Red Witch is a 1948 film starring John Wayne and Gail Russell. ... The Sea Chase is a 1955 World War II film starring John Wayne and Lana Turner. ... The Last Voyage (1960) tells the story of an aged ocean liner, SS Claridon that meets destruction in the Pacific Ocean. ... A 1965 movie about a German pacifist living in India during the Second World War. ... The Wreck of the Mary Deare is a novel written by British author Hammond Innes and later a movie starring Gary Cooper. ...

The characters Bo Brady and Steve "Patch" Johnson were merchant mariners on the soap opera [[Days of our Lives]. Beauregard Aurelius Brady (born November 9, 1963) is a fictional character on the television soap opera Days of our Lives. ...

The character Tom Wingfield leaves his family to join the merchant marine in the play The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. The Glass Menagerie is a play by Tennessee Williams. ... Thomas Lanier Williams III (March 26, 1911 – February 25, 1983), better known by the nickname Tennessee Williams, was a major American playwright of the twentieth century who received many of the top theatrical awards for his work. ...

Popeye was a merchant mariner before joining first the U.S. Coast Guard, and then the U.S.Navy. For other uses, see Popeye (disambiguation). ... Coast Guard shield The United States Coast Guard is the coast guard of the United States. ...

Notes

World Factbook 2004 cover The World Factbook is an annual publication by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States with basic almanac-style information about the various countries of the world. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 90th day of the year (91st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The deck department is responsible for safely receiving, discharging, and caring for cargo during a voyage. ... The Engine room of Argonaute, a French supply vessel. ... Main article: Ship transport Seafarers hold a variety of professions and ranks, and each of these roles carries unique responsibilities which are integral to the successful operation of a seafaring vessel. ... The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of the five United States service academies. ... Kings Point is a village in Nassau County, New York on the North Shore of Long Island. ... This page is a candidate for speedy deletion, because: external link only If you disagree with its speedy deletion, please explain why on its talk page or at Wikipedia:Speedy deletions. ... Castine, Maine Castine is a town located in Hancock County, Maine. ... Massachusetts Maritime Academy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Buzzards Bay is a census-designated place and village in the town of Bourne in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. ... SUNY Maritime College SUNY Maritime College Seal SUNY Maritime College is located in the Bronx, New York City in historic Fort Schuyler on the Throggs Neck peninsula where the East River meets Long Island Sound. ... For other uses, see The Bronx (disambiguation). ... Texas A&M University at Galveston, also known as TAMUG, is a public university located in Galveston, Texas, USA. It serves as an ocean-oriented branch campus of Texas A&M University. ... Galveston redirects here. ... The California Maritime Academy (also known as CMA, Cal Maritime and CSU, Maritime) is one of 23 campuses in the California State University system and is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States. ... Vallejo (pronounced in English; in the original Spanish) is a city in Solano County, California, United States. ... Northwestern Michigan College, also known as NMC to local residents, is a community college in Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Michigan. ... Traverse City is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. ... A Hawsepiper is someone who has worked his way up the ranks to become a Captain or officer of a Merchant Ship of Unlimited Tonnage. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 89th day of the year (90th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 95th day of the year (96th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... The chemical tanker Sichem Princess Marie-Chantal had Panama City as its port of registry when this 2005 picture was taken but as of 2007 it is registered in Valetta with Maltese flag. ... World Factbook 2004 cover The World Factbook is an annual publication by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States with basic almanac-style information about the various countries of the world. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 243rd day of the year (244th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the state. ... Fort Eustis is a military base facility of the United States military located in Newport News, Virginia. ... The James River at Cartersville The James River in the U.S. state of Virginia is 660 km (410 miles) long including its Jackson River source and drains a watershed comprising 27,019 km² (10,432 square miles). ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Wilmington is a city in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. ... Nickname: Coordinates: , Country State County Mobile Founded 1702 Incorporated 1814 Government  - Mayor Sam Jones Area  - City 412. ... Location in the state of Texas Coordinates: , Counties Settled 1835 Incorporation 1838 Gentilic Beaumonter Government  - Type Council-Manager  - Mayor Becky Ames  - City Manager Kyle Hayes  - Mayor Pro - Tem Nancy Beaulieu Area  - City 222. ... Benicia is a waterside city in Solano County, California, United States. ... San Pablo bay with Suisun Bay at upper right Suisun Bay (pronounced sue-soon) is a shallow tidal estuary located in central California of The United States of America. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... , Location in Oregon Coordinates: , Country State County Clatsop Incorporated 1876 Government  - Mayor Willis L. Van Dusen Area  - Total 10. ... Coordinates: , Country State County Thurston Incorporated January 28, 1859 Government  - Mayor Mark Foutch Area  - Total 18. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 95th day of the year (96th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... World Factbook 2004 cover The World Factbook is an annual publication by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States with basic almanac-style information about the various countries of the world. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

See also

Nautical Portal

• Awards and decorations of the United States Merchant Marine
• Category:American sailors
• Category:Shipping companies of the United States
• Category:Ships of the United States
• Category:Transportation in the United States
• Merchant ship
• The Marine Society
• National Maritime Day
• Navy Reserve Merchant Marine Badge
• Ship transport
• Transportation in the United States
• United States Maritime Service
• United States Merchant Marine Academy

Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Medals and Decorations of the United States Merchant Marine Awards and decorations of the United States Merchant Marine are civilian decorations of the United States which are issued to the members of the United States Merchant Marine for a variety of duties both in peace and war. ... Cargo ship or freighter is any sort of ship that carries goods and materials from one port to another. ... THE MARINE SOCIETY[1] - the world’s oldest seafarers’ charity In 1756, at the beginning of the Seven Years War against France, Austria, Russia, Sweden and Saxony (and subsequently Spain and Portugal) Britain urgently needed to recruit men for the navy. ... NATIONAL MARITIME DAY MAY 22 ((YEARLY)) A joint resolution of Congress designated May 22 as National Maritime Day beginning in 1933. ... Merchant Marine Reserve Insignia Merchant Marine Reserve Insignia Naval Reserve Merchant Marine Insignia Created in 1938 is based on the original eagle carved into the stern of the USS Constitution. ... A container ship // Water transport redirects here. ... It has been suggested that Transportation in Alaska be merged into this article or section. ... The United States Maritime Service was established in 1938 under the provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. ... The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of the five United States service academies. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

United States Merchant Marine

• Fairplay The International Shipping Weekly
• Heave Ho — The United States Merchant Marine Anthem (lyrics only)
• Sea History at the National Maritime Historical Society
• The Marine Society (the world's oldest seafarers' not-for-profit organisation)
• The Nautical Institute
• Women and the Sea: The Mariner's Museum.
• Women in Maritime History
• Lyrics to the official Merchant Marine song, "Heave Ho! My Lads, Heave Ho!", music and lyrics by Jack Lawrence
• Compilation of Maritime Law (U.S. 2006)
• American Merchant Marine at War - Revolution to World War II to today
• Maritime Trade & Transportation 2002 from the Bureau of Trade Statistics

Laws relating to the United States Merchant Marine
1870s	Shipping Commissioners Act of 1872
1880s	Dingley Act
1890s	Maguire Act of 1895 • White Act of 1898
1910s	Seamen's Act
1920s	Jones Act
1930s	Merchant Marine Act of 1936
Current	Title 33 CFR • Title 46 CFR