USTRANSCOM, MSC Commanders Celebrate National Maritime Day in Hampton Roads
22 May 2024
NORFOLK, VA --
The commanders of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and Military Sealift Command (MSC) joined hundreds of maritime industry leaders, May 22, to celebrate National Maritime Day during a ceremony hosted by The Propeller Club, Port of Norfolk, aboard Battleship Wisconsin in Norfolk, Virginia.
National Maritime Day is a time-honored tradition that recognizes one of the country’s most important industries. Each year, ceremonies and celebrations throughout the country recognize National Maritime Day and the people the maritime industry depends on.
Presenting opening remarks, MSC Commander, Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, paid tribute to the thousands of merchant mariners serving on vessels around the world.
“Whether in peacetime or conflict, it is American merchant mariners who deliver essential goods to far-reaching corners of our globe,” said Sobeck. “These seafarers bravely face threats to include combatants, pirates, disease outbreaks, and natural disasters yet they consistently heed the call to serve their fellow Americans. Today, and every day, we honor merchant mariners past and present.”
This year marks the 75th anniversary of MSC. Sobeck took the opportunity to address how the partnership between the commercial and government maritime industry has been invaluable to command’s longevity and success.
“MSC has been present during every major conflict since World War II, providing vital logistic and operational support to the warfighters on the frontline,” said Sobeck. “Many of you and your companies share in this impressive legacy. I want to thank you for all you have done to support MSC, our Navy, and the defense of our nation over the past 75 years.”
Delivering the event’s keynote address, USTRANSCOM Commander Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost talked about the significance of maritime day and how mariners in past generations helped shape the current and future security environment.
“National Maritime Day marks the date in 1819 that the SS Savannah set sail on the first transoceanic voyage under steam power, and the maritime industry’s remarkable contributions to this event. From that day, the Merchant Mariners and the maritime industry have been paramount to the nation’s ability to deliver people, goods and our military anywhere around the world in support of economic prosperity and national objectives,” said Van Ovost.
Van Ovost also reflected on the sacrifice mariners of past generations have made to preserve the nation’s freedom and security for today.
“In 1944, General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, ‘When final victory is ours, there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the merchant marine!’ This quote signifies the impact of the merchant mariners during World War II, who were critical to the Allied Victory. Merchant mariners were the first to face the enemy even before the United States officially entered the war; and were the last to return, bringing our Soldiers home,” said Van Ovost.
She continued, “Then, as now, the United States could not deliver a decisive joint force without the merchant marine to carry the troops, tanks, munitions, food, and fuel overseas. Merchant Mariners sailed across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans, and across the Arctic Circle to Murmansk, ensuring America’s forces had what they needed to fight, and win. And this courageous lift was not without loss, as nearly one in 30 of our merchant marines did not return home, and over 700 United States merchant ships fell to enemy action. Despite this, mariners have always been undaunted…”
Van Ovost concluded by thanking maritime leaders for their contributions to the maritime industry and reminded them that their efforts are vital to nation’s ability to defend itself against threats around the world.
“I am grateful for your ability to chart a course for the nation and the maritime industry on which our national prosperity and defense depends,” she said. “We are a maritime nation, we sailed the oceans to global prominence, and it is imperative that we maintain our strength as a maritime nation, today and in the future.”
The ceremony ended with a reading of the National Maritime Day proclamation, and a wreath laying from the CROMO, a local historic dive vessel, in remembrance of mariners who died in service to the nation.