Honoring Oceanside Merchant Marines On National Maritime Day

OCEANSIDE, CA — America has always been a seafaring nation. The first ship we received from France was the Bonhomme Richard (named after Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard Almanac articles), which was commanded by John Paul Jones. Since then we have made our Navy and Merchant Marines THE top ocean going defense/attack fleet.

“The United States has always been and will always be a great maritime nation. From our origins as 13 British colonies, through every period of peace and conflict since, the Merchant Marine has been a pillar in this country’s foundation of prosperity and security. They power the world’s largest economy and strengthen our ties with trading partners around the world, all while supporting our military forces by shipping troops and supplies wherever they need to go.”

“In 1933, Congress declared National Maritime Day to commemorate the American steamship Savannah’s voyage from the United States to England, marking the first successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean with steam propulsion. During World War II more than 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marine served their country, with more than 6,700 giving their lives, hundreds being detained as prisoners of war and more than 800 U.S. merchant ships being sunk or damaged.

“Maritime Day is a time-honored tradition that recognizes one of our country’s most important industries. Each year, ceremonies and celebrations throughout the country recognize Maritime Day and the people our maritime nation depends on.” Said the Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation.

Military and Maritime vessels include:

• Cargo vessels
• Commercial fishing vessels
• Military Sealift Command vessels
• U.S. Navy ships
• U.S. Coast Guard ships
• Maritime and Military Vessel Enumeration

This year was a census count year. Those that live onboard ship, still count as regular people who deserve official Congressional representation. People aboard a maritime or military vessel fill out two questionnaires: a vessel questionnaire and a 2020 Census questionnaire at their usual residence. This is because the Census Bureau does not want to miss counting any maritime or military vessel personnel, including those who do not have a usual residence other than the vessel, those who usually stay in barracks when not on a vessel but will be on a vessel on April 1, 2020, and those who have a usual residence but will be on a vessel on April 1, 2020.

They also collect the following information:

· Mailing lists for Maritime and Military Vessel Enumeration are obtained from the major maritime agencies, the Military Sealift Command, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

· Kits with procedures, training information, and census questionnaires are distributed by mail to operators of U.S. flag vessels and U.S. military vessels.

· Operators who oversee multiple vessels will be instructed to forward the additional kits they receive to the other vessels under their domain.

· A designated person aboard each vessel will conduct the maritime enumeration for their vessel, following the instructions provided in the kit.

· Each person staying or living aboard the vessel will be asked to complete a paper census form, which should take approximately 10 minutes. They should return their completed form to the designated person for their vessel.

· Question 3 on the questionnaire asks for a person’s usual home elsewhere. Respondents who provide an address in response to that question will be counted at that address. Respondents who do not have a usual home elsewhere will be counted on the vessel.

While the census count is over, it’s good to know that we recognize the need to commemorate the job, sacrifice and plain old hard work that our Shipmates show on a daily basis. They leave family and friends for months at a time. No matter how big your ship is, it is still confining when you’ve been at sea for what seems like eons. So, today we salute every Swab, Jack Tar and Mate. Thank you for all the time, effort and peace that you give to all Americans. We all know we are safer with you people out there.

Sources:
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/maritime-day.html
https://2020census.gov/en/conducting-the-count/gq/mve.html

Read the Presidential Proclamation on National Maritime Day, 2021

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