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As part of its mission to educate on the importance of the United States merchant marine, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) has authority to loan and transfer government owned heritage asset to qualified organizations for education and public display.
Heritage Asset Loans
...It is the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD’s) preference to retain and preserve its heritage assets, however; there are instances in which certain material is considered excess. In those instances, MARAD will make those items available for transfer or donation to qualified organizations....
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is the steward of a large collection of heritage assets related to the history of merchant shipping, and uses these items to educate on the history and importance of the United States merchant marine.
A large portion of MARAD’s artifact...
For actions on June 6, 1942.
Gallant Ship Award Citation:
When about 500 miles off the coast of Brazil she was attacked by a heavily armed raider which came up close on her in a heavy squall. Though armed with only a 4″ rifle aft and a 3″ antiaircraft gun the ship tried to...
For actions on January 5, 1967
Gallant Ship Award Citation:
During the morning of January 5, 1967, the PRESIDENT McKINLEY received an SOS from the Chinese Ship KWONG SHUN, immediately altered course and raced to aid the distressed vessel. Early the next morning, in heavy...
On May 22, 1819, the SS Savannah left its home port of Savannah, Georgia on its way to Liverpool, England. The ship “put to sea with steam and sails” and reached Liverpool in 29 days and four hours, becoming the first steamship to cross the Atlantic. While...
For actions on March 29, 1963
Gallant Ship Award citation:
During the morning of March 29, 1963, the PHILIPPINE MAIL sighted the Chinese ship HAI ZIANG foundering in mountainous seas with a 45 degree list. Although the winds were of gale strength and the seas six...
For Actions on July 25, 1956
Gallant Ship Award citation:
Responding unhesitatingly to an SOS from the sinking ANDREA DORIA off Nantucket Island in the North Atlantic on the night of July 25, 1956, the PRIVATE WILLIAM H. THOMAS raced to the scene of the...
This listing includes some prominent figures who have played major roles in shaping the United States the maritime industry and African-American History:
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