Merchant Marine Memorial - Easton, Maryland
Posted by: 
Mother Wolf
N 38° 46.331 W 076° 08.529
18S E 400781 N 4292115
A Memorial for those that have done so much but are spoken of so little.
Waymark Code: WM4PGD
Location: Maryland, United States
Date Posted: 09/15/2008
Views: 33
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 is an auxiliary to the Navy, and can be called upon to deliver troops and supplies for the military.
The people of the Merchant Marine are called merchant mariners, and officers are commissioned into the United States Maritime Service. The Merchant Marine is a civilian auxiliary of the U.S Navy, but not a uniformed service, except in times of war when, mariners are considered military personnel.
As of 2006, the United States merchant fleet numbered 465 ships 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.
This Memorial pays tribute to fallen seafarers, their friends, families, and the maritime industry as a whole. This Memorial will provide an opportunity to honor the courageous men and women who form the heritage of the United States Merchant Marine.
Dedicated to the brave men and women
who answered the call to serve in the
United States Merchant Marine. They have faithfully
served our country in times of war and peace
hauling cargo to every corner of the world.
"Give us the goods, and we'll deliver."