U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs Washington, D.C. www.dot.gov/briefing.htm
Friday, May 2, 2003	News Contact: Robyn Boerstling Tel.: (202) 366-5807 or (202) 366-1707

Colorful Shipboard Ceremony

On Monday, May 5, 2003, at 2 pm, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Michael P. Jackson will present Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals to the officers and crew of the MV CAPE WASHINGTON at a shipboard ceremony in the Port of Baltimore. The CAPE WASHINGTON took materiel and supplies to American troops for Operations Enduring Freedom/ Iraqi Freedom. The ship and her crew have recently returned from the Middle East.

The CAPE WASHINGTON belongs to the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), a fleet of 68 ships owned and maintained by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration. A total of 40 ships were assigned to Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom. RRF ships are crewed by American merchant mariners who volunteer for this potentially hazardous duty. American merchant mariners have supported U.S. military action since colonial times, often traveling into harm's way to transport materiel and supplies to the Armed Forces.

The Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal is awarded to men and women who serve aboard U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and allied military forces. Members of the crew will be available to the news media for interviews after the ceremony, and a tour of the ship will be provided.

WHO: U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Michael P. Jackson and Crew of                  the MV CAPE WASHINGTON

WHAT: Presentation of Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals

                                        WHEN: 2:00 pm ceremony; 1:30 pm arrival for news media.

                                                            WHERE: Port of Baltimore, Covington Street Pier, Baltimore, MD

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NOTE TO EDITORS: It is recommended that news media arrive 30 minutes prior to the ceremony to gain access to the pier and the ship.