by John Konrad (gCaptain) Today the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) has posted the position of USMMA Superintendent to USAjobs, the first step in replacing James Helis, the former Army Colonel who was removed from the position in May. 2011 was a year of change for the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. Then Superintendent Rear … [Read more...]
Top 10 Reasons Why The US Merchant Marine Is Failing
by Capt. John Konrad (gCaptain) In 2018 politicians, presidents and corporate leaders spend a considerable amount of time in front of cameras and talking with journalists but this isn't just a stroke of ego, it's to garner political will. Conversely, the US Merchant Marine is drowning because it has no political will. The question is why? "Merchant Mariners have written one of … [Read more...]
Remembering Those Lost At Sea In War And Peace
Today is Memorial Day in the United States and gCaptain will donate a portion of all patriotic shirts to the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV). Countless American Merchant Mariners have been lost at sea delivering the gear our troops and sailors need to defend freedom. Aircraft Carriers would return home without the food, ammunition and aviation fuel supplied by … [Read more...]
Interview With El Faro Author Rachel Slade
by John Konrad (gCaptain) Rachel Slade is a journalist and author of the bestselling book about the El Faro incident. Her book Into the Raging Sea has received keen reviews from the NY Times, Kirkus, Diesel Duck and gCaptain. Acclaimed maritime journalist Robert Frump says this about her work: “Rachel Slade cuts through the corporate double-speak to … [Read more...]
Editorial: What I Want For National Maritime Day
As founder of gCaptain, I first want to thank all Veterans of the US Merchant Marine. Our definition of veteran includes all who have served in any capacity aboard US Flagged ships. We deeply honor the veterans of World War II for their undeniable service as veterans but also consider US Merchant Mariners who have risked their lives aboard US Flagged Ships … [Read more...]