National Maritime Day

[Bilgerat]

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9969&stc=1


On May 20, 1933, Congress declared May 22 as National Maritime Day.

During World War II more than 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marine served their country, with more than 6700 giving their lives, hundreds being detained as prisoners of war and more than 800 ships being sunk or damaged.

[Elessar]

I had an Uncle who served in the Merchant Marine during WW II. He was on ships
that ferried supplies to Great Britain.

[aboutime]

I have great respect for anyone who spends their life on the sea's. The Merchant Marine were also treated as a Para-Military connection to the navy at one time (I believe) Today, civilian, merchant marine serve with Navy, and Coast guard members to REFUEL, and PROVIDE PROVISIONS to Navy ships at sea, and abroad.

The federal government maintains fleets of merchant ships via organizations such as Military Sealift Command (part of the US Navy) and the National Defense Reserve Fleet,[2] which is managed by the United States Maritime Administration. In 2004, the federal government employed approximately 5% of all American water transportation workers.[11]

[aboutime]

I have great respect for anyone who spends their life on the sea's. The Merchant Marine were also treated as a Para-Military connection to the navy at one time (I believe) Today, civilian, merchant marine serve with Navy, and Coast guard members to REFUEL, and PROVIDE PROVISIONS to Navy ships at sea, and abroad.

The federal government maintains fleets of merchant ships via organizations such as Military Sealift Command (part of the US Navy) and the National Defense Reserve Fleet,[2] which is managed by the United States Maritime Administration. In 2004, the federal government employed approximately 5% of all American water transportation workers.
P.S. If I could do it all again. I'd love it all over again.
Once a sailor....always a sailor...http://icansayit.com/images/tincansailor.jpg

[CSM]

It takes brass balls to go to sea. All you swabbies get my respect.

[aboutime]

It takes brass balls to go to sea. All you swabbies get my respect.


:salute::saluting2: Thank You CSM. Wish I was young enough to go again.

[Bilgerat]

:salute::saluting2: Thank You CSM. Wish I was young enough to go again.



https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18582250_10156170903728989_1348861239617103721_n.j pg?oh=d4cd013bbcc95523a35d0072065a51f1&oe=59BE037B

[aboutime]

https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18582250_10156170903728989_1348861239617103721_n.j pg?oh=d4cd013bbcc95523a35d0072065a51f1&oe=59BE037B


Oh, I remember. Before I became a Petty Officer in 1966. I stood many dark watches on the bridge as Messenger of the Watch. Hated all the MID-WATCHES, and the FOUR-to-Eights. Then working all day, the next day.
But even that...IN THE RED LIGHTS of DARKEN SHIP was easier than working the 12 hour shifts in Radio....then being up all day for GQ.
Why I liked it that way is still a mystery. But...I ACTUALLY LOVED IT, and still miss it.

[Bilgerat]

On this day (May 24th) The British battleship Hood is sunk by the German battleship Bismarck.

Hood sank with 1418 men aboard. Only three survived: Ordinary Signalman Ted Briggs, Able Seaman Robert Tilburn, and Midshipman William John Dundas. The three were rescued about two hours after the sinking by the destroyer Electra, which spotted substantial debris but no bodies.