MARAD 22-02 Contact: Susan Clark

November 15, 2002 Tel.: (202) 366-5807

S.S. Cornhusker State. Photo: MARAD Public Affairs.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today presented the Professional Ship Award to the S.S. Cornhusker State for providing exceptional service in providing cargo operations and transportation of equipment during Operation Enduring Freedom. Members of the crew received Expeditionary Medals.

"For six months without relief, the Cornhusker State and crew supported the ongoing war against terrorism," said Secretary Mineta. "In years to come, history will recall the valiant service of the S.S. Cornhusker State and crew with these three simple words: Duty, Loyalty and Service."

The Maritime Administrator's Professional Ship Award is given to non-military ships that achieve the highest degree of readiness, performance, efficiency, reliability, productivity, and safety. Ships that receive this prestigious award have distinguished themselves through outstanding accomplishments or significant mission contributions to the United States and the American people.

The S.S. Cornhusker State is an auxiliary crane ship, part of the U.S. Maritime Administration's Ready Reserve Force (RRF). All RRF ships are owned by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), managed by private American companies, and crewed by civilian mariners. The S.S. Cornhusker State is crewed by members of the American Maritime Officers and the Seafarers International Union. They were deployed in the Indian Ocean without relief or any port visits for six months. The RRF ship, crew, and the supporting maritime industry lived up to President Bush’s rally, "We will not tire, we will not falter, we will not fail," in his September 20, 2001, address to Congress.

The Cornhusker State was initially activated in 1991 to support the allied coalition's mission in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 1994, with only five days notice, the crew set sail for Haiti where the Cornhusker State effectively supported the humanitarian peacekeeping mission Operation Uphold Democracy for 74 days.

MARAD promotes the U.S. merchant marine and other portions of the maritime community, including adequate shipbuilding and repair services, efficient ports, effective intermodal water and land transportation systems, and reserve shipping capacity in time of national emergency.

Click below to link to remarks:

• Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert's remarks and introductions

• Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta keynote address

Photographs (click photo to view):

Jay Clothier, Electrician, receives Expeditionary Medal from Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta and Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert. Photo: MARAD Public Affairs - Susan Clark.

Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta (third from right) with crew of Cornhusker State, backed by color guard from the New York State Maritime Academy, Fort Schuyler, New York. S.S. Cornhusker State is in the background. Photo: MARAD Public Affairs - Susan Clark.

The Cornhusker State rests in its home port of Newport News, Virginia. Photo: MARAD Public Affairs - Susan Clark.

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