United States Merchant Marine Academy - Midships Yearbook (Kings Point, NY)

Page 8 text:

Congress first enunciated its “Decla- ration of Policy” in the Merchant Marine Act of 1920: “That it is necessary for the national defense and for the proper growth of the foreign and domestic commerce that the United States shall have a merchant marine of the best equipped and the 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, ultimately to be owned and operated privately by citizens of the United States . . . The purpose of the act was to reserve coastwise, intercoastal, and non- contiguous trades for U.S. flag ships manned by American crews. Subsequent amendments to the act added strength to the Merchant Marine in the form of sub- sidies, loans, and training programs. The United States is the world’s third largest trading nation. The majority of the raw materials necessary for the oper- ation of our economy must be imported. Most of this cargo should be shipped on U.S. flag vessels in order to provide safety on the seas, remain independent of foreign flag vessels, and provide thousands of jobs in the maritime indus- try for Americans. This may be ac- complished through legislation such as a cargo preference law. The American Merchant Marine is be- neficial to every citizen of the United States, and therefore deserves the sup- port of each and every American in order to carry out its mission successfully. four

Page 7 text:

THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE A NATIONAL ASSET The importance of a strong Merchant Marine has been stressed ever since the birth of our nation. George Washington stated in his second annual address to Congress in 1790: “I recommend it to your serious reflection how far and in what mode, it may be expedient to guard against embarassments from these con- tingencies, by such encouragements to our own Navigation as will render our commerce and agriculture less depen- dent on foreign bottoms . . Along with maintaining independence from foreign flag shipping, our Merchant Marine must perform other vital func- tions. U.S. flag shipping has opened up new and enticing markets for American products. The sale of U.S. goods abroad helps our balance of payments and con- tributes to a strong economy. During wartime, a strong Merchant Marine is a necessity to serve as the logistical lifeline to our armed forces. In most instances, it has meant the differ- ence between victory and defeat. It was true 200 years ago, and it is no less so today, that for the economic and political vitality of our nation, we must maintain an efficient and competitive merchant fleet under our own stars and stripes. three

Page 9 text:

 i I Slii|) nmerioapr it costs no more . “. . . American prosperity — perhaps even American survival — still depends on keeping the sea lanes open . . . And a strong Navy and Merchant Marine are essential to a strong America . . . Let it never be said that we permitted our mer- chant fleet to disappear by attrition.” President Gerald Ford April 23, 1975 Ever since the end of the Second World War, the size of the American merchant fleet has declined. Many ships owned by American interests are regis- tered under flags of convienience. This enables them to compete on an even basis with foreign shipping interests, which are mostly supported by their governments. The U.S. government must act to stop the decline of the Amer- ican merchant fleet by lending more sup- port to U.S. flag shipping. Businesses should be encouraged to export American products on U.S. flag ships. Bulk quantities, such as grain bound for the Soviet Union, should also be carried in American hulls. A certain amount of our oil imports should be re- quired by law to be carried in U.S. flag tankers, not only for economic, but also for defense reasons. American ships are the fastest, safest, and most efficient af- loat. Support must be given in order to place the U.S. Merchant Marine in the place where it belongs: the number one merchant fleet in the world. five