U.S. Maritime Commission

The U.S. Maritime Commission was a government agency established in 1936 to oversee and develop the nation's merchant shipping industry. Its goal was to strengthen America's maritime capacity for commerce and defense, especially during wartime. The Commission financed, built, and maintained ships, promoted maritime trade, and encouraged U.S. shipbuilding. It played a key role during World War II by expanding the merchant fleet to support logistics and supply efforts. The agency served until 1959, when its functions were transferred to other agencies, helping ensure a strong, competitive U.S. maritime industry.