Posted:
June 12, 2008
On June 12, 1775, civilian mariners commanded by Jeremiah O'Brien aboard the Unity captured the armed vessel Margaretta — more than one year before the Declaration of Independence. This battle near the town of Machias marked the beginning of the U.S. merchant marine's service to our nation in times of war, and in times of peace, and the vital and ongoing roles of American merchant mariners in U.S. economic and national security.
In a speech made on National Maritime Day this year at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial and Walls of Honor in San Pedro, Calif., U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Daniel Kane pointed out: "While a lot has changed in the past 233 years, one thing has not: Our ultimate security is dependent on our nation’s ability to operate and crew merchant vessels."
U.S. merchant marine turns 233
On June 12, 1775, civilian mariners commanded by Jeremiah O'Brien aboard the Unity captured the armed vessel Margaretta — more than one year before the Declaration of Independence. This battle near the town of Machias marked the beginning of the U.S. merchant marine's service to our nation in times of war, and in times of peace, and the vital and ongoing roles of American merchant mariners in U.S. economic and national security.
In a speech made on National Maritime Day this year at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial and Walls of Honor in San Pedro, Calif., U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Daniel Kane pointed out: "While a lot has changed in the past 233 years, one thing has not: Our ultimate security is dependent on our nation’s ability to operate and crew merchant vessels."