Merchant Marine

• Ancient Origins: The concept of a merchant marine dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Phoenicians and Greeks, who used merchant fleets for both trade and support of military operations. • Vital Role in World War II: The U.S. Merchant Marine delivered troops, supplies, and equipment to war zones, suffering the highest casualty rate of any U.S. service during WWII—one in 26 mariners died in service. • Civilian Status with Military Duties: Merchant mariners are civilians, but in times of war or national emergency, their ships and crews can be requisitioned to support military logistics. • Convoy System: During both World Wars, merchant ships traveled in convoys with naval escorts to protect them from enemy submarines and aircraft. • Liberty Ships: Over 2,700 Liberty ships were built between 1941 and 1945 in the U.S. to carry war material. They became symbols of American industrial might. • Maritime Academies: The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and several state maritime academies train officers for the Merchant Marine, combining seafaring skills with military discipline. • Operation Neptune: Merchant Marine vessels played a crucial role in Operation Neptune—the naval component of the D-Day landings—delivering troops and supplies to the beaches of Normandy. • Seafarers’ International Union: Formed in 1938, this union represents thousands of merchant mariners, advocating for their rights, safety, and compensation. • Recognition Delayed: U.S. Merchant Mariners who served in WWII were only granted veteran status in 1988, after decades of advocacy for recognition of their sacrifices. • Strategic Sealift: Today, the Merchant Marine is essential for the U.S. military’s strategic sealift capability, ensuring rapid deployment of forces and equipment across the globe.