Is Merchant Marine Military?
The United States Merchant Marine is often mistakenly thought to be solely a commercial fleet, working on cargo and passenger ships that serve the needs of global commerce. However, it plays a vital role in national security, defense, and maritime affairs. In reality, the merchant marine has long been a vital part of the military, equally deserving of respect and recognition as the uniformed military branches. So, is merchant marine military?
Contents
Historical Significance and Responsibilities
Prior to the United States entering World War II, merchant ships carried the lion’s share of cargo across the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, Germany and Italy engaged in U-boat attacks on these unsuspecting vessels, sinking 60% of the global tanker fleet in just over 3 years. Fearing the economic and humanitarian repercussions, President Franklin D. Roosevelt knew that if he could create a capable U.S. merchant fleet, the Allies would receive necessary supplies to defeat the enemy. As a result, on June 6, 1936, President Roosevelt established the United States Maritime Commission (USMC).
The USMC became responsible for providing wartime sealift, utilizing their knowledge and expertise in navigating and managing merchant fleets, ensuring vital supplies reach distant theaters. This involvement of merchant ships in defense played a crucial role in various U.S. military successes.
Government-Awarded Contracts
During periods of conflict, the federal government awards shipbuilding and repair contracts to the private sector through publicly owned or government-built yards, such as Norfolk Shipbuilding & Drydock Corporation and Todd-Pacific Shipbuilding. These privately financed Government-Owned Contracts, operated through the Office of Defense Transportation (ODT), provide state-of-the-art vessels and naval facilities to supplement commercial fleet capacities.
With its impressive maritime infrastructure and resourceful work force, merchant mariners participate actively in the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), supplying troops in key battlegrounds. Without compromising military efficiency, a small contingent of marine instructors, dispatched from ship yards and academies, impart training skills to incoming draft enlistees.
As history continues, the military connections expand and deepen underwater cable laying projects, convoy operations, landing support, and further.
Noteworthy Services Rendered During Recent Conflicts
Since the first world war, the American commercial shipping fleet has:
Supported and aided humanitarian relief efforts
- Disaster response:
• Providing aid: following Hurricanes Andrew (Florida 1992), Lani (Alaska 1997), and Mitch (Honduras-Central America 1998)
- Disaster response:
Secured Oil supplies and Transport Supplies
Deployed Personnel and Vehicles Overseas
Army-Navy-Marine-Herald-Patriots – Support & Supply:
– Support & Service Teams, Maritime Security Details; Vessels equipped/ready.
Logistical Support – Operation Neptune & Operation Able Leader : (E-M, Allied Forces European-Theater): 100+, Maritime Commission, WSP – USA, Resupply Vessels..
- Cruise Missile Fueled from the deck with USA and NATO Alliance Members (Soviet 1992 and 1965), Cruise Missile Missile Attack with American and Alliance ships on deck.
(1965 — First Time with USA–Germany).
All that for these reasons to claim – ‘Is a MILITARY**’ – NO, THIS FACT: In the line duty to assist the fleet from home shores, 2022
US Marines; – "Service-Commitment-Around-WORLDESTRECH!" to stay as is, since long
2024: in the near year’s new, from their old-ship fleet.
Comparisons to Uniformed Branches
While it is argued that merchant mariners are an indispensable component of the war efforts, many still do not see the merchant marine as “military”. How can one compare to this perspective with the rest:
1. ****UNIFORM** **:
2.0 The Maritime War: It goes that Merchant Marine isn’t
1996 “Navy”
• (THERE IS IT).
Maritime War to distinguish (UNIFORM – IN 2019):
3. “The Last
Maritime War!” & Military and Merchant Services together – United States Service
Naval Forces — All Nations! (It 1944-2 ‘)
25
• United States’ Uniform
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War — Service Maritime Commission Established
. Merchant Marine of States Un
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3
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* Military M e C U m E r.
This table intends to visually present comparisons between uniformed military branches and merchant marine service members. Not everyone might find it the ideal approach for comparison.
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