Sealift remains a vital component in the formula that protects our country’s national security. Just as was the case during colonial times, and during our country’s periods of global crisis since then, a significant chunk of the national security responsibility proudly has been accepted and performed by the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Most recently, merchant mariners answered their country’s call to duty during the just-completed combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. An estimated 5,000 merchant mariners–including more than 2,000 Seafarers who sailed aboard more than 100 SIU–crewed ships—helped transport and supply coalition forces as the U.S. and our allies removed Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq.
Mariners transported a myriad of critical cargo including Apache helicopters, multiple launch rocket systems, wheeled vehicles including HUMVEES and fuel tankers, bulldozers and other combat engineer equipment, and ammunition to our forces.
Without a doubt, the former cargo made a huge difference; ultimately the difference between victory and defeat. Merchant mariners justly deserved the thanks and honors which came their way at the war’s end.
U.S. Department of Transportation Chief of Staff John A. Flaherty, during a May 28 U.S. Maritime Administration-sponsored ceremony in Alameda, Calif. to honor merchant mariners said, “The maritime community has served America with great distinction during every major crisis in our nation’s history, and the mariners who crew the ships are the cornerstone of this effort. From the Revolutionary War, through both World Wars, the Korean War and up to today, our mariners have willingly defended and served this nation with enthusiasm and valor.”
Air Force Gen. John W. Handy, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, during a similar ceremony June 16 in Baltimore praised members of the nation’s fourth arm of defense for “the incredible job you’ve done in support of this nation. You make all the difference in the world, and I salute your dedication, patriotism and excellence. Victory was made possible by America’s dedicated merchant mariners.”
Vice Admiral David L. Brewer, commander U.S. Military Sealift Command, also spoke during the June 16 event in Baltimore. In his praise to mariners Brewer noted, “We have prevailed because you answered your nation’s call. You built a steel bridge of democracy from the USA to the Coast of Kuwait.”
Norman Mineta, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, summed up the valuable sealift role mariners played during the war May 22 during his National Maritime Day 2003 remarks. On that occasion, Secretary Mineta noted, “The role of the U.S. Merchant Marine once again proved critical to victory in 2003. President Bush, Vice President Cheney and the American people are indebted to every merchant mariner.”
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