On June 29, 1936 the United States Congress enacted the Merchant Marine Act . This act established the United States Maritime Commision.

Timeline

• 1936: Merchant Marine Act abolishes Shipping Board and establishes Maritime Commission.

• 1937: Joseph P. Kennedy appointed by President Roosevelt as the first head of the Maritime Commission

• 1938: Maritime Commission authorizes large merchant fleet

• 1940: Maritime Commission agrees to build 60 ocean-class merchant ships

• 1942: The War Shipping Administration was established

• 1942: US Coast Guard takes over Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation

• 1942: United States Merchant Marine Academy opens at Kings Point, Long Island, New York

• 1942: Maine Merchant Marine Academy opens in Castine, Maine

• 1950: Functions of Maritime Commission transferred to Department of Commerce and MARAD, US Maritime Administration

See also

• United States Merchant Marine
• War Shipping Administration
• US Maritime Administration

External links

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/ATO/USGM/MC.html