Sea Term 2009: Captain's Blog

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February 2009 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Jan 2009

Wednesday 04 February

"I have had the accomplishment of something like this at heart ever since I was a boy...So I feel tonight like the man who is lodging happily in the inn which lies half way along the journey and that in time, with a fresh impulse, we shall go the rest of the journey and sleep at the journey's end like men with a quiet conscience."
-President Woodrow Wilson

0830 ET/1330 GMT Position
Latitude 19-54.0 N Longitude 069-24.0W
USTS Kennedy's updated track: Sailwx Track

Air Temperature 30.0 C
Sea Temperature 25.0 C
Sea State 1
Barometric Pressure 1020.8 mb and rising
Wind SE @ 6 kts
Partly cloudy. Visibility 10 miles.

Division I Maintenance
Division II Training
Division III Watch
Division IV Alternate

Captain's Log 4 February 2009
by Captain Tom Bushy

The ship headed out of San Juan on a down-wind leg toward Windward Passage, which lies between Hispaniola and Cuba. These winds had generated a pretty good westerly swell, which caused the ship to wallow into the trough. It was honestly the first time we experienced an honest external force giving us a ride. Although we are not in too much of a hurry a slight speed-up gave the ship a more stable ride.

We are pleasantly evaluating our cadet's behavior in San Juan. The numbers of discipline cases are surprisingly low in the two ports so far. I know it's a little like watching a no-hitter is progress, never talk about it. So I won't if you get my meaning.

This morning was one of those mornings. Beautiful weather dominated, but little things were popping up on the radar screen (literally!). The Chief had a small problem with the port boiler, nothing serious but something that our reduced speed allowed us to take it off line. It'll be cut out for about 36 hours, I suppose, while a valve bonnet is repacked. Then the morning walk around rendered a surprisingly high amount of cigarette butts on the fantail area despite numerous warnings. The Cruise Commander was consulted and, since he gave the last warning, agreed some discipline was required. So, a no smoking restriction was imposed, effective at noon. I think a few days ought to give them the message. Finally, I was down in the gym doing an old man's workout, when the ship's general alarm went off with a short tone. Off I headed to the bridge to find out the issue - sure enough, a small sailing vessel right in the way of our track. I don't think I would have normally been called, but the kid in the Cadet Officer of the Watch position is on the sailing team, and wanted to do the right thing.

So the day goes on, and merges with the week, and adds up to a month. I quietly smile as I watch 588 souls and countless operational systems all merging together into a functioning production platform, rendering an intangible product. Ah, training ships!

Follow the Voyage
Here are today's questions:
History: Who were Anne Bonney and Mary Read? In the British Virgin Islands?
Math: The legs of a right triangle are four inches and six inches long. How long is the hypotenuse?
Science: What is the annual precipitation in Boston, MA? In San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Geography: What is the largest state in the United States? What is the smallest state?

LINKS:
Official MMA Photography

Christiaan Conover Blog Page
Buzzards Bay Weather
MMA Parents Association

Departure Photos
Cape Cod Times Online Departure Photos
217 Photos of TS Kennedy's Arrival in Tampa

Should you have an emergency and need to contact someone at MMA regarding your cadet or a crew member, please contact Commander Stephen Kelleher:
Commander Stephen Kelleher
508-830-6485 (daytime)
508-364-6217 (Evenings/Weekends)
seaterm@maritime.edu

If Commander Kelleher is not available, you may contact me at any time:
Captain Allen Hansen
508-269-0925
ahansen@maritime.edu

Parting Shots...

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