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MARAD

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The Gallant Ship Award

The Gallant Ship Award is presented by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to any U.S.-flag or foreign ship “participating in outstanding or gallant action in a marine disaster or other emergency to save life or property at sea”.

The award originates from an executive order issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II, which recognizes excellence and bravery in merchant mariners. Between 1942 and 1994 just 41 ships have received the Gallant Ship Award.

Learn...

Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet

The Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet (SBRF) is an anchorage of the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) located in Suisun Bay, a tidal estuary northeast of San Francisco Bay. Of the original eight fleet sites, it is one of three that is still in operation and the only site serving the U.S. west coast.The U.S. Maritime Commission (MARAD’s predecessor) established an anchorage at Suisun Bay in 1946; the site had previously...

Beaumont Reserve Fleet

The Beaumont Reserve Fleet (BRF) is an anchorage of the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) located on the Neches River in Beaumont, Texas. Originally one of eight NDRF fleet sites scattered across the country, BRF is currently one of three and the only the anchorage on the Gulf Coast.The original course of the Neches River, which flows in a generally southeasterly direction toward Lake Sabine and the Gulf of...

James River Reserve Fleet

The James River Reserve Fleet (JRRF) is an anchorage of the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) located on the James River at Fort Eustis, Virginia. It is the oldest of the original eight NDRF fleet sites and is currently one of three that is still in operation.A reserve fleet of wood- and steel-hulled ships was established at Fort Eustis, then Camp Eustis, as far back as World War I; the fleet was also used for...

Historic American Engineering Record Surveys

The Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS) established the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) program in 1969 to document historic sites and structures, which includes ships. The HAER program is distinct from NPS‘s Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) program, and since its inception has highlighted historic examples of industrial design.

The Maritime Administration has worked with NPS’s HAER program to document historic vessels prior to their disposal. NPS...

The Maritime Administration Assists Museum Ships Interpret U.S. Maritime History

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) helps to promote and preserve U.S. maritime history by supporting the dozens of U.S. memorial/museum ships located throughout the country. Through its authority in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996, MARAD has transferred thousands of artifacts and pieces of equipment from its obsolete National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) vessels to qualified museum ships for more than two decades to assist them in their public outreach and educational mission....

The Story of a Wartime African-American Mariner

James R. Europe

James R. EuropeJames R. Europe was another African-American given the opportunity to pursue seagoing employment while serving his country during the national emergency of World War II.The son of a well-known musician, band leader and composer of the early 20th century, James Reese Europe, Jim Europe, Jr. signed on as a seaman apprentice in the merchant marine in 1942. He sailed aboard Liberty ships in the war’s early...

Kindergarten to Twelve

One way the Maritime Administration can prepare a future maritime workforce is to promote awareness during K-12 education. MARAD works with high schools (typically grades 9-12) and middle schools (4-8) to foster interest in maritime operations, and in many cases, create real interest in a maritime career.

A Typical High School Program

Maritime high schools provide a "college prep" track for basic maritime skills that can rival some community colleges or vocational/technical...