National Maritime Day: A Historical Tribute
Every year on May 22, the United States commemorates National Maritime Day. This day was designated in 1933 to pay tribute to the SS Savannah, which embarked from Georgia to England in 1819, becoming the first steam-powered ship to traverse any ocean successfully.
The US Merchant Marine: Pillar of Prosperity and Security
The US Merchant Marine plays a crucial role in the nation’s wealth and security, powering the world’s largest economy and fortifying relationships with global trading partners. They support US military forces by shipping troops and supplies to locations worldwide.
Their dedication during World War II was immense, with over 250,000 American Merchant Marine members serving and sacrificing for their country. More than 6,700 lost their lives, hundreds were held as prisoners of war, and over 800 US merchant ships were damaged or sunk.
President Biden’s Proclamation: Honoring Merchant Mariners
In a proclamation, President Biden underscored the importance of National Maritime Day as an opportunity to honor the thousands of merchant mariners serving on US vessels worldwide. Merchant mariners contribute significantly to the strength and security of the United States during times of peace and war.
Their professionalism and passion have shaped the country into the maritime nation it is today. Merchant mariners have contributed to US history from the Revolutionary War through World War II and continue to provide vital transportation and economic services today. They contribute significantly to the United States economy and national security by navigating around 25,000 miles of waterways and over 360 commercial ports.
Support for the Merchant Marine and Jones Act
The Biden administration remains committed to supporting the Merchant Marine and the Jones Act, ensuring American workers benefit from domestic maritime industry growth. The administration is investing in enhancing maritime supply chains, making port access more efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.
Additionally, the 2024 Budget requests $196 million for the United States Merchant Marine Academy, aiming to upgrade the campus, expand training opportunities, prevent sexual assault, and support survivors. The administration also advocates for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within Merchant Marine ranks.
American Maritime Partnership on National Maritime Day
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) acknowledged the essential economic and national security contributions made by the 650,000-strong American Maritime workforce. AMP President Ku’uhaku Park highlighted the significance of a robust domestic maritime industry amid economic challenges and increasing national security threats.
Park praised mariners and maritime workers for their sacrifices during wars, the pandemic, and other national emergencies. He emphasized the importance of maintaining American reliance on domestic resources and not depending on China or Russia to build, own, and crew ships. The Jones Act fleet has always been a valuable asset to the US in terms of national security and resilience.
The Impact of the American Maritime Industry
A recent study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of the Transportation Institute (TI) revealed the remarkable contributions of the American Maritime industry:
– Generates over $154 billion in annual economic output
– Provides $41 billion in labor income for American workers each year
– Contributes $72 billion to the US annual economic output
– Maintains nearly 650,000 American jobs, with one shipyard job creating four additional jobs in the economy
By celebrating National Maritime Day, the United States pays tribute to the unwavering dedication of merchant mariners who have played a crucial role in the nation’s prosperity, security, and resilience throughout history.
