The request to stay at sea during this critical period was put squarely up to the experienced men on the basis of patriotic need. Military leaders, relying on merchant vessels to deliver the supplies during the months when the fortunes of battle shift overnight and jump from one theater of action to another measured in distances of hundreds of miles, were emphatic that no vessel be delayed. One Government official declared that failure of one ship to sail to a scheduled rendezvous might be responsible for the sacrifice of a thousand lives. Minimum estimates on the number of men needed in addition to those serving aboard vessels ranged from 45,000 to 60,000. Monthly needs for experienced men average about 5,000.
Most critical shortage is for engineers, mates, and able seamen.
Time appeal to men now working at short jobs pointed out five important reasons why these men should ship out. Nothing can replace actual experience aboard a vessel. Four new ships are sliding down the ways every day. Experienced men are needed for these new vessels. Seamen are earning good wages and are protected by law in their shore jobs when they return from sea.