National Maritime Day aboard the M/V Freedom

The officers and crew of the M/V Freedom, which is operated for American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier in the Maritime Security Program fleet by TOTE Services, Inc., celebrated National Maritime Day on May 22 while underway at sea from Southampton, UK to Baltimore, USA. All officers and crew members mustered on the bridge at 1600 UTC hours. The commemoration began with an alto saxophone musical arrangement of the 'Star Spangled Banner' by Third Mate Kirby Stross. We then listened as ABG Charles Hosea read this year's National Maritime Day presidential proclamation. This was followed by an essay prepared by ABG Frederick Wood titled 'What National Maritime Day Means to Me.' Captain Shawn Hagerty then addressed the crew regarding the history and significance of National Maritime Day. To close the ceremony, we struck eight bells followed by a moment of silence to honor all those past mariners who have served and sacrificed before us and to reflect on how we can continue to honor their memory. AMO officers sailing aboard the Freedom on National Maritime Day included Captain Hagerty, Chief Mate Riccardo Giannone, Second Mate Kyle Hines, Third Mate Stross, Chief Engineer Mark Booth, First Assistant Engineer Scott Kern, Second A.E. Daniel Doherty and Third A.E. Lino Remorin. Photo courtesy of Captain Shawn Hagerty