Are Merchant Marines Real Marines?
It is civilian-manned ships Merchant Mariners are not part of the military. Now, some of them run a number of ships that support the U.S. Navy, like the Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oilers and Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ships, as well as the sealift vessels like the Bob Hope-class vehicle cargo chips.
What are merchant marines called?
the merchant navy
The Merchant Marine, sometimes called the merchant navy, consists of civilian vessels — such as tankers and cargo ships — that import and export goods to other countries.
Do Merchant Marines see combat?
Merchant Marines do not participate in combat operations though they may work in places where combat is actually occurring. The fleet is divided into several categories: Commercial fleet. Federal fleet: Military Sealift Command.
Is merchant marine considered military?
The United States Merchant Marine refers to either United States civilian mariners, or to U.S. civilian and federally owned merchant vessels. Merchant Marine officers may also be commissioned as military officers by the Department of Defense.
Do merchant Marines get benefits?
In every war fought by the United States, civilian ships have supported military operations by transporting supplies and personnel. Currently, only limited groups of World War II-era merchant mariners are eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Do Merchant Marines wear uniforms?
Members of today’s United States Merchant Marine (USMM) do not wear uniforms, they do not cut their hair short, they are not active duty military, and only a few are in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Others have never worn a uniform of any kind.
Do Merchant Marines carry weapons?
“As merchant vessels, we do not carry arms. We have ways to push back, but we do not carry arms.” Some shipping companies, though, are moving beyond basic security training to include weapons instruction and other active defensive measures.
Is the Merchant Marine part of the military?
Merchant Mariners are not part of the military. Now, some of them run a number of ships that support the U.S. Navy, like the Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oilers and Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ships, as well as the sealift vessels like the Bob Hope-class vehicle cargo chips.
Are there any famous people in the Merchant Marine?
A lot of famous people were in the Merchant Marine Some very familiar names have served in the Merchant Marine at one point or another.
Can a merchant marine get the Medal of Honor?
While merchant mariners cannot receive the Medal of Honor or other military decorations, valor doesn’t go unrecognized. The Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal is awarded by the Department of Transportation to those who show “outstanding conduct or service in the line of duty.”
Is the USS Stethem a merchant marine ship?
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) receives fuel from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204). The oiler is manned by merchant mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelsey L. Adams/Released)
