About Sal Mercogliano

Salvatore R. Mercogliano is an Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina and teaches courses in World Maritime History and Maritime Security. He is also an adjunct professor with the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and offers a graduate level course in Maritime Industry Policy. A former merchant mariner, he sailed and worked ashore for the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. His book, Fourth Arm of Defense: Sealift and Maritime Logistics in the Vietnam War, available through the Naval History and Heritage Command.

CATO’s Continued Attempt to Skin the Jones Act

December 5, 2018 by Sal Mercogliano

On December 6, 2018, the CATO Institute is hosting a conference, entitled – “The Jones Act: Charting a new Course after a Century of Failure”. This forum aims to discuss the future of the U.S. maritime industry, but the overarching supposition and basis for the entire endeavor is the abject failure of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones … [Read more...]

Veteran’s Day In Peace And War

November 11, 2018 by Sal Mercogliano

by Salvatore R. Mercogliano, Ph.D. (gCaptain) This Veteran’s Day we remember the thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen who gave their lives in defense of the United States of America. We should also remember the thousands of merchant mariner veterans who set sail under the flag of the United States and exposed themselves to risk and … [Read more...]

gCaptain Bookshelf – Review of Maritime Transport 2018?

November 3, 2018 by Sal Mercogliano

by Salvatore R. Mercogliano, Ph.D. (gCaptain) Many members of the maritime industry enter the profession without an adequate knowledge of what preceded it and how it evolved over time. Even those who graduate from professional institutions, such as the states or federal maritime academies, may have only a passing knowledge, while many outside the profession are starved … [Read more...]

Why the United States Needs a Merchant Marine – A Historical Basis

October 23, 2018 by Sal Mercogliano

By Salvatore R. Mercogliano, Ph.D. (Editorial) In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson addressed Congress and delivered a war message. In this speech he highlighted the main issue the United States faced with the Imperial German government, “Because submarines are in effect outlaws when used as the German submarines have been used against merchant shipping, it is impossible … [Read more...]

The Jones Act And Duncan Hunter – A Rebuttal

September 9, 2018 by Sal Mercogliano

by Salvatore R. Mercogliano (Editorial) Opponents of the American Maritime Industry and the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act, have new ammunition in their assault against this sector and legislation and it is Congressman Duncan Hunter. There is absolutely no defense for the actions taken by Congressman Hunter and he should be made accountable. … [Read more...]