The U.S. Merchant Marine are civilian mariners that operate federally owned merchant vessels. The civilian mariners and the merchant vessels are managed by the government and private sectors. They engage in commerce or transportation of goods and services in waters around the world. The Merchant Marine transports cargo and passengers during peacetime; in times of war, the Merchant Marine can be an auxiliary to the U.S. Navy, and can be mobilized to carry military personnel and materiel.
Merchant mariners operate and maintain merchant ships, tugboats, towboats, ferries, dredges, excursion vessels, charter boats and other waterborne craft on the oceans, the Great Lakes, rivers, canals, harbors, and other waterways. They also have a service academy similar to the military service academies.
According to the Department of Transportation, which the Merchant Marine is a part of, more than 350,000 medals and war zone ribbons have been distributed to eligible merchant mariners for approved conflicts including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and Operations Restore Hope and United Shield and related operations in Somalia.
The Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal is awarded to American merchant seamen who serve on U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and Allied military forces. It was first authorized for service in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. This medal is also awarded to mariners who served in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and most recently in 2016 for Operations Restore Hope and United Shield and related operations in Somalia.
The Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement is awarded to merchant mariners who have participated in an act or operation of humanitarian nature on behalf of an individual or groups of individuals. This medal can also be awarded to those in the maritime industry who have dedicated years of service or achievement and/or given extraordinary contributions to the maritime industry.