The FReeper Foxhole Revisits The U.S. Merchant Marine in Vietnam - May 22nd, 2004

http://www.usmm.org/index.html ^

[Samwise]

downsizing

I didn't like it with Bush or Clinton.

Mister, we could use a man like Ronald Reagan again.

..in my best Archie Bunker voice.

[snippy_about_it]

Good morning and thank you kilowhskey. Wonderful explanation, clear and to the point. One of the beauties of the Foxhole is how we all jump in and help each other out. I learn something here everyday.

I love this place. :-)

[snippy_about_it]

kilowhskey gave an excellent explanation and I also have a couple more pieces for you. So how do you like your new DSL?

FAQ's from USMM

What is the Merchant Marine?
The Merchant Marine is the fleet of ships which carries imports and exports during peacetime and becomes a naval auxiliary during wartime to deliver troops and war materiel. According to the Merchant Marine Act of 1936: "It is necessary for the national defense... that the United States shall have a merchant marine of the best equipped and most suitable types of vessels sufficient to carry the greater portion of its commerce and serve as a naval or military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency..." During World War II the fleet was in effect nationalized, that is, the U.S. Government controlled the cargo and the destinations, contracted with private companies to operate the ships, put guns and Navy personnel (Armed Guard) on board. The Government trained the men to operate the ships and assist in manning the guns through the U.S. Maritime Service.

What do you call people who are in the Merchant Marine?
Mariners. Seamen. Seafarers. Sailors. Never marines! Mariners is the preferred designation, just like the Seattle professional baseball team. The term Merchant Marines is incorrect, but sometimes used by some old time mariners.

---

Excerpt from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Moreover, in time of war or national emergency, the U.S. merchant marine becomes vital to national security as a "fourth arm of defense." Our merchant ships bear the brunt of delivering military supplies overseas to our forces and allies. The stark lessons of twentieth century conflict prove that a strong merchant marine is an essential part of American seapower.

The nation's economic and security needs met by the U.S. merchant marine are compelling. Today, the United States imports approximately 85 percent of some 77 strategic commodities critical to America's industry and defense. Although we, as a nation, account for only six percent of the world population, we purchase nearly a third of the world's output of raw materials. Ninetynine percent of these materials are transported by merchant vessels.

A ship at sea does not operate in a vacuum. It depends on a framework of shoreside activities for its operations. This industry includes companies which own and manage the vessels; ports and terminals where cargo is handled; yards for ship repair; services like marine insurance underwriters, ship chartering firms, admiralty lawyers, engineering and research companies; and increasingly today, intermodal systems of trucks and railroads to distribute goods around the country.

But the most important element in a productive merchant fleet and a strong transportation industry is people - men and women who are intelligent, dedicated, well-educated and competent.

The purpose of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is to ensure that such people are available to the nation as shipboard officers and as leaders in the transportation field who will meet the challenges of the present and the future.

[snippy_about_it]

Good morning EGC.

[Samwise]

Good summary. Thanks. They can be nationalized.... I think I've got it now.

[snippy_about_it]

Thanks hardhead. Could you try again on your sub links to G.I.Memories? I can't get your 'Merchant Marine.com' and 'Welcome Aboard' links to work from your post.

[snippy_about_it]

Good morning feather.

[Samwise]

So far, so good with the dsl. We'll try to hook up the kid this afternoon. The Internet filter we had set up for her went of business or something. Poof...they no longer support the product. We've got to find something to put on her PC so I don't have to watch every keystroke.

[snippy_about_it]

Will you be working today or out hunting for breakfast?

[snippy_about_it]

Good morning PE. Hmmm. This story could be a little tricky. I suppose I'd have to live in the area to understand it better.

He just had to take down the advertising signs he put up because of code and then just replaces them with Support our Troops and other patriotic signs and flags. I'm all for the show of patriotism and while I am against "rules" and restrictions imposed by communities and committees one should know these when renting space for a business or buying a home. This news article does slant toward making it look like he is toying with the rules to gain attention for his store albeit a patriotic gesture.

Great photo though, too bad for the controversy.

[snippy_about_it]

Basically it comes down to the downsizing of the regular forces.

That's right. As far as homeland defense I worry that it's not enough.

[SAMWolf]

Morning E.G.C. Drizzling here this morning

[snippy_about_it]

Good morning Mayor. Chance of rain and low 60's on tap for the weekend.

[SAMWolf]

Morning Hardhead.

Connally AFB is a new one to me. Thanks for the Merchant Marine link, I get a "page cannot be displayed", would you check it out?

[SAMWolf]

Morning Samwise.

I see KiloWhiskey has answered your questions. That's one of the things I like about the Foxhole, there's always someone who knows the answers or where to find then here.

[SAMWolf]

Good Morning Feather. I overslept this morning. :-(

[snippy_about_it]

The Foxhole's resident braintrust has awoken and calls it "federalized". Isn't it great to have a place with readers who have so much talent and smarts here! I've always said we have the most intellegent and nicest people on FR here in the Foxhole. Did I mention I love this place?

[SAMWolf]

1856 Violence in Senate, South Carolina Representative Brooks used a cane on Massachusetts Senator Sumner

I would pay good money to see a South Carolina Representative take a cane to the side of Kerry's head. :-)

[The Mayor]

same here but temps in the low 70's

[SAMWolf]

Morning PE.

Screw the city Council of Amherst! As a matter of fact screw most local city councils, I say it's about time to bring back tarring and feathering of these local politicians who think they have all kinds of powers over the people they were never given.