U.S. merchant mariners have always been ready where it matters, when it matters. Today they continue that proud tradition by operating forward in support of our Navy’s warfighters. National Maritime Day is May 22 and this week, we’re celebrating the thousands of civilian mariners who support our freedom as part of YOUR Navy’s Military Sealift Command. These men and women are vital to our readiness, truly making our Navy ready wherever and whenever called upon. The following photo album of historic photographs from the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command highlights the U.S. Merchant Marine’s distinguished past.
Mariners stand aboard tanker SS Malay after it was attacked off North Carolina during World War II.
A painting of SS Savannah, which became the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean in mid-1819.
U.S. merchant mariners practice hoisting the sails aboard a training ship in June 1918.
SS Dixie Arrow burns off Cape Hatteras, N.C., in 1942.
The draft of U.S. Merchant Marine apprentices in Boston in May 1919.
