Merchant Marines honored in Korea

Photo By Abraham Essenmacher | 150529-N-AD372-145 BUSAN, Republic of Korea, (May 29, 2015) Rear Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the commander of Naval Forces Korea, prepares to toss a ceremonial wreath into Korean waters with Military Sealift Command leaders in honor of National Maritime Day aboard the Military Sealift Command ship USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR 313). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Abraham Essenmacher/Released)  

BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA

05.31.2015

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Abraham Essenmacher 

Commander, Naval Forces Korea

BUSAN, Republic of Korea – U.S. Military Sealift Command and Commander Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) personnel along with crew members of USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR 313) and USNS Vadm K. R. Wheeler (T-AG 5001) gathered together to honor the service and sacrifices of the U.S. Merchant Marine during a National Maritime Day ceremony May 29.

The ceremony, marking the 82nd commemoration of the day honoring military and civilian mariners, featured a wreath laying ceremony aboard Red Cloud and a reception at the United Seamen’s Center facility.

“As fellow maritime professionals, I believe that Sailors and mariners share a special bond forged through our unique experiences, hardships and rewards of service at sea,” said keynote speaker Rear Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander of CNFK. “This kinship of seagoing people is what makes today such a special and reverent occasion.”

In her remarks, Franchetti recounted several moments throughout history where the merchant mariners displayed acts of bravery and highlighted the impact mariners had in the Korean War.

“I am reminded of the heroic actions of the brave mariners aboard the freighter SS Meredith Victory during the evacuation of Hungnam, North Korea in December 1950,” said Franchetti. “Despite being in the midst of advancing communist forces, shelling, air attacks and navigating through an enemy mine field, the crew saved more than 14,000 Korean refugees.”

Walt Christiansen, director of the Busan United Seamen’s Service Center, hosted the evening’s festivities and echoed Franchetti’s sentiment when he spoke about the sacrifices made by mariners.
“Threats of trouble spots weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of our seafarers,” said Christiansen. “ During World War II the greatest sacrifices made on America’s behalf were by merchant seamen; our civilian seamen suffered the heaviest toll.”

Cmdr. Eric St. Peter, commanding officer of the Military Sealift Command Office Korea (MSCO-K), closed the reception by reading President Barrack Obama’s National Maritime Day proclamation.
“Through periods of conflict and times of peace, our Nation has relied on the United States Merchant Marine to transport goods to and from our shores and deliver troops and supplies around the world,” said St. Peter. “On National Maritime Day, we honor the women and men who take to the seas to boost our economy and uphold the values we cherish.”

On May 22, 1819, the steam ship SS Savannah departed her homeport of Savannah, Georgia, to begin the first steam-powered voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. More than 100 years later, on May 20, 1933, the U.S. Congress passed a Joint Resolution declaring May 22 as National Maritime Day.

For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit navy.mil/local/MSC/
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, visit navy.mil/local/cnfk/

• Date Taken: 05.31.2015
• Date Posted: 05.31.2015 08:33
• Story ID: 165004
• Location: BUSAN, KR