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

Friday 06 February

"When we our betters see bearing our woes,
We scarcely think our miseries our foes.
Who alone suffers, suffers most in the mind,
Leaving free things and happy shows behind.
But then the mind much sufferance doth o'er skip,
When grief hath mates, and bearing fellowship."
-William Shakespeare in "King Lear".

0800 ET/1300 GMT Position
Latitude 17-24.0 N Longitude 071-12.0 W
USTS Kennedy's updated track: Sailwx Track

Air Temperature 25.9 C
Sea Temperature 26.7 C
Sea State 2
Barometric Pressure 1019.5 mb and rising
Wind NNW @ 19 kts
Visibility 12 miles.

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

Captain's Log 6 February 2009
by Captain Tom Bushy

I missed writing a log yesterday. The weather was cloudy with a strong northerly breeze. Despite 70 degree temperatures, with the wind and clouds and because the air conditioning was still chugging, I actually saw sweatshirts and a hoodie or two. Compared to the weather back home, it was comical.

We had our weekly Fire and Boat Drill yesterday. It was uneventful, but set a threshold as there will only be two more. No, I didn't mention the "end" of the sea term, did I? Yes, I did, because a vast amount of energy yesterday was spend planning the arrival day in Buzzards Bay, and the work and watches that will take place the week after we arrive. We actually talked a little about the spring maintenance schedule. Believe me, many of us on board have made notes as we think about next sea term - ah, 2010!

The Cadet leadership met with the cadets yesterday out on the Helo Deck. It was similar to a pre-port briefing, but I was told it addressed topics like vacation watches, smoking violations and the misuse of galley equipment. I can't say enough about the three young men that have the Regiment of Cadets on their shoulders - Cruise Commander Chinh Nguyen, Cadet Chief Engineer Tom Vincent, and Cadet Chief Mate Tyler Warms. All are superb young leaders and will do well in their careers.

Still Working Together
by Cadet 1/C Peter Beuth

Nautical twilight, Civil twilight, and sunrise are three terms that deck cadets now know all too well. As part of our celestial navigation projects we are required to be up for "star time" both in the morning and in the evening until all of our assessments have been signed off. Nautical twilight is the time in which the horizon is at the absolute darkest limit where it is still visible and sights of stars can be taken.

Civil twilight is the period where the horizon is clearly visible, yet the sun has not yet risen and navigation stars still shine brightly. As we approach sunrise, the stars fade, and "star time" ends. In all we have about a twenty five minute window in which to take our celestial sights so that we can figure out our position on the planet based on the stars' positions.

So, what time does "star time" begin you might be wondering? How about 0610 in the morning! We are up at 0600 and on the bridge deck, sextants in hand ready to begin our day. Meanwhile, most other cadets, save for those currently on watch are still resting peacefully in their racks. After morning formation at 0745 most cadets go about their business as on all training days, with some cadets in classes, others on maintenance, and others on watch. Senior engineers have been working tirelessly with the freshmen cadets on their basic engineering assignments, all the while keeping up with their own classes. In speaking with a few senior cadet engineers, most are currently in class dealing with the operation of the main switchboard and main machinery operation. After leaving Puerto Rico we secured one of the ship's two boilers and this provided an excellent experience for senior cadets who hadn't yet had the opportunity to properly shutdown such an essential piece of the ship's machinery.

This afternoon we will be taking part in a fire and boat drill with Division I providing for the lifeboats and Division IV providing for the fire response. It is critical that we have these drills periodically to keep up the awareness of everyone on board and to ensure that, in an actual emergency, the proper course of action will be taken in order to ensure the best possible outcome for all on board. A ship at sea is often on its own when it comes to emergencies, and TS Kennedy is no different. A ship a hundred miles or more out at sea will often have to wait in excess of 12 hours, or as much as days before any type of assistance can be rendered. That is why such drills as the ones we are undergoing are so important. Should TS Kennedy ever have to deal with such a situation you can rest assured that we are well trained and have frequently practiced our response to such possible events.

Follow the Voyage
Here are today's questions:

History: What was the Corps of Discovery? When did it embark?
Math: When two lines intersect, what is the sum of the four angles that are formed?
Science: What are the basic products of photosynthesis?
Geography: Where is the Appalachian Trail located? How long is it?

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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