
A PreK-12 STEM Adventure On Land & Sea
Ship Tracker
Welcome to marinetraffic.com, a free app that should allow you to track the location of the TS Kennedy throughout Sea Term 2023. You may find that the TS Kennedy’s position is not updated for a few hours. This could happen because the ship is cruising in a busy area and the satellite fails to receive a clear signal.
When you hover the cursor over a symbol, you will see the vessel’s name. In many cases, you will also see the vessel’s speed, its destination, and when its position was last recorded. When you click on the symbol, you will discover additional information about the vessel, as well as a photo.
Welcome, students! Welcome, teachers! Climb aboard Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s 540-foot training ship, TS Kennedy!
Thanks to cadet blogs, the Captain’s Log, photographs, videos, special features, and a unique hands-on curriculum, you will virtually travel with Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadets. Each day, you’ll read about and watch the shipboard responsibilities of cadets majoring in Marine Engineering, Marine Transportation, and Facilities Engineering as they tackle challenging topics such as weather forecasting, celestial navigation, ocean currents, rust removal, engine maintenance, sewerage treatment, firefighting, and seawater desalination.
You’ll feel like you’re right beside the cadets as the TS Kennedy conducts anchoring drills off the coast of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and visits four exciting ports of call; Bridgetown, Barbados, Oranjestad, Aruba, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
This non-stop adventure begins on Tuesday, January 3rd when cadets return to campus and continues until the TS Kennedy returns to Taylors Point on Sunday, February 19th. There will be posts each day - even on weekends. Don’t miss a single one!
Teachers, we want to hear from you! We welcome a list of student questions for Captain Campbell and the cadets. Please share photos of your class completing activities related to what our cadets are doing aboard the TS Kennedy. We also welcome outstanding student work samples. Please reach out to the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program at ftvsubmissions@maritime.edu.
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The TS Kennedy Returns To Buzzards Bay: Sunday, February 19, 2023 |
Onn Sunday, February 19th, the TS Kennedy returned to her Taylors Point dock, on the campus of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Parents, grandparents, siblings, girlfriends, boyfriends, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and friends arrived on campus, many carrying colorful homemade signs. When the training ship rounded the final bend in the Cape Cod Canal and became visible to the crowds gathered on the shore, a deafening cry went up and didn't let up. Read More! |
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Breathtaking Drone Video Of The TS Kennedy's Transit Of The Cape Cod Canal - Sunday, February 19, 2023 |
Check out this drone video of the TS Kennedy transiting the Cape Cod Canal and docking at Massachusetts Maritime Academy! You'll feel like you are right there with the cadets. Photo credits to Ryan Smith. Each year, he shares his talent with the Academy. Read More! |
FTV Gallery: Pakachoag Elementary School Students Thank Little Buc With Drawings & Cards |
Little Buc was so excited to receive cards and drawings from students at Pakachoag Elementary School in Auburn, Massachusetts, a town in Worcester County. The town is home to the Goddard Rocket Launching Site National Historic Landmark, which marks the site of the world's first liquid-fueled rocket. Take a look at these masterpieces! Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (2-18-23) Thank You Chartwells Team |
A huge thank you to Dining Director Bob Cobb and the entire Chartwells team for your hard work and dedication during Sea Term 2023. Not only did the talented Chartwells chefs keep the cadets and crew members aboard TS Kennedy well-fed during Sea Term 2023, the food was always served up with a smile. Here are just a few of the special people that made Sea Term so special. Read More! |
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Sea Term Flashbacks: Return Day (1940s, 1950s, 1960s, & 1970s) |
Excitement is in the air when the Academy's training ship returns from her time at sea. Parents, grandparents, and friends turn out to welcome their cadets back home. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jacob Thorpe (MTRA - Woodland Park, CO) 1-17-23 |
Hello, everyone - |
FTV Project Gallery: Nantucket Students Welcome Home Our Cadets & Honor Little Buc |
Check out this video sent to us by Kim Albertson, Vice Principal of Nantucket Elementary School. Kim is the proud mom of 1/C Training Rate Paige Albertson. Paige will graduate in June with a degree in Marine Engineering. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cvusuW9sIAs7UVe5xpFbUN3K9wRviw4x?usp=sharing Read More! |
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FTV Gallery: More Original Lifeboats From Wareham Elementary School |
Wareham Elementary School students at all grade levels have embraced the FTV-STX's Lifeboat Challenge. Students in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade designed, improved, and tested their own lifeboats. Cadets and crew members who observed their designs were very impressed. They felt like the first one most resembled the enclosed lifeboats on the TS Kennedy. Read More! |
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FTV Project Gallery: Two Projects From Gardner Elementary School |
We have been thrilled to have students at Gardner Elementary School participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. Gardner is a city in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Salvador Relle (MTRA - Belle Chasse, LA) 2-17-23 |
What’s up, Followers? So today was my very last day of utility and I had to stand laundry /gym watch to make sure everything is good and nothing is broken and no one is getting hurt. I am currently studying for my final exam which is on Friday, which is tomorrow. I feel confident and ready to take the exam. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Nick Vanti (MENG - East Longmeadow, MA) |
Meet 3/C Nick Vanti, a Marine Engineering major from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He attended Meadowbrook Elementary School, Birchland Park Middle School, and Wilbraham Monson Academy. |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (2-17-23) Thank You Chartwells Team (Part 1) |
As Sea Term draws to a close, we would like to thank Dining Director Bob Cobb and the entire Chartwells team for keeping everyone aboard the TS Kennedy well fed. We caught up with a few team members during a break. They were kind enough to answer a few questions. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Saying Goodbye Isn't Easy |
Ahoy, Followers - Saying goodbye is never easy. It's difficult for me to leave cadets and crew members that I have grown close to. I spent yesterday walking out on the deck, from the bow to the stern. I climbed from the Tank Top Deck to the Bridge Deck several times. I just couldn't get enough of the TS Kennedy. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: February 17, 2023 FINAL LOG |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Below Deck: Chief Engineer Tim DeMoranville Explains The TS Kennedy's Speed Test |
In the words of the TS Kennedy’s Chief Engineer Tim DeMoranville, |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jacob Thorpe (MTRA - Woodland Park, CO) 2-16-23 |
Hello, everyone – Read More! |
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Captain's Log: February 16, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers - |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Brad Nelson (MENG - Westwood, MA) |
Meet 3/C Brad Nelson, a Marine Engineering major that calls Westwood, Massachusetts home. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Discover The Cape Cod Canal |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Where Is Trash Stored? When Do You Dispose Of Trash? |
We've received several emails asking us: Do you bring all of the Sea Term trash back to Taylors Point? Do you burn trash while at sea? Do you burn trash in the Engine Room? Read More! |
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Below Deck: Meet The Engineering Officers |
“Being a role model is the most powerful form of education.” Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Salvador Relle (MTRA - Belle Chasse, LA) 2-15-23 |
What’s up y’all so I just got of my master at arms watch which I sit in the hallway and make sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing. Today was also our last chicken patty Tuesday so that was kinda sad. We are on our way to Buzzards Bay, we should arrive on Sunday. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C James Cirillo (MTRA - Monroe, NY) 2-15-23 |
Hello again, for my final blog while underway aboard the Kennedy! With only a couple days left we are steaming along at one of the fastest speeds we’ve been at all of sea term. For the next eight hours we are conducting yearly speed trials, currently making way through the water at about 17 knots. Read More! |
FTV Project Gallery: Nantucket Preschoolers Make Sailors Valentines |
On Valentine’s Day, members of the Nantucket Historical Association visited preschoolers at Nantucket Elementary School. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: "I Found A Barograph!" (No, Not A Bar Graph) |
Ahoy, Followers – I am always looking for mathematics aboard the TS Kennedy. Yesterday, I struck it rich! My discovery incorporated both mathematics and science. Cadets introduced me to a barograph. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Ryan Sears (MENG - Plymouth, MA) |
Meet 3/C Ryan Sears, a Marine Engineering major from Plymouth, Massachusetts. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: February 15, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers - Read More! |
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Safety First: Electric Shock |
During a safety lecture for cadets at the start of Sea Term 2023, time was spent discussing electric shock. It is important that cadets be aware of what electric shock is, recognize the symptoms of electric shock, and know how to rescue the victim. Electric shock takes place when electric current flows through the body. It can range from simply a mild tingling sensation to death. Read More! |
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Safety First: Visit The Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan Locker With MSSEP Cadets |
Last week, cadets majoring in Marine Safety, Science, & Environmental Protection (MSSEP) visited one of the most important places aboard the TS Kennedy. |
FTV Project Gallery: Wareham Elementary School Students Tackle The Lifeboat Challenge |
We are thrilled to have students at Wareham Elementary School participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. The town of Wareham borders Buzzards Bay. 1/C Hunter Bulis is a Marine Transportation major who calls Wareham home. We look forward to welcoming these students as Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadets in the years Read More! |
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On Deck: Tie A Lovers' Knot On Valentines Day |
There are signs of Valentine’s Day aboard the TS Kennedy, you just need to know where to look! On their final Sea Term exam, 4/C cadets could be tested on any one of twelve knots. Read More! |
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On Deck: Mathematics On The Bridge (Grades 3 Or Above) |
Mathematics is everywhere aboard the TS Kennedy. Yesterday, we spotted a chart on the Bridge that we had not noticed before. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Brett Stoll (MTRA - Sparrows Point, MD) |
Meet 3/C Brett Stoll, a Marine Transportation major from Sparrows Point, Maryland. Brad attended Edgemere Elementary School, Sparrows Point Middle School, and Loyola Blakefield High School. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: February 14, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Check Out These Beautiful Sailor's Valentines |
Ahoy, Followers- Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (2-14-23) A Valentine's Day Sprinkles Cake...And A Little Mathematics |
Sprinkles hiding inside this cake will brighten up Valentine's Day for cadets and crew members aboard the TS Kennedy. Read More! |
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Safety First: Thinking Of The TS Kennedy's AEDs On Valentine's Day |
Happy Valentine’s Day! Of course, Valentine’s Day has us thinking about hearts...and hearts have us thinking about the AEDs aboard the TS Kennedy. Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Cadets Majoring In International Maritime Business Tour A Cruise Ship In Port Everglades |
Cadets majoring in International Maritime Business have spent Sea Term 2023 gaining an understanding of how a ship at sea works - from the Bridge to the Engine Room, and everywhere in between. They have met with the Medical Team, Food Services, and a variety of crew members. They've taken classes and gotten their hands dirty doing maintenance tasks. Their professor, Captain Pandey, feels strongly that people working in global trade should have a firm foundation of know e Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Cadets Majoring In MSSEP Tour Two Mega-Cruise Ships While in Florida |
Cadets majoring in Marine Safety, Science, and Environmental Protection went on two unique field trips while in Florida. They toured Royal Caribbean International's Harmony Of The Sea, one of the largest cruise ships in the world. At 1,188 fe Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 4 |
As the TS Kennedy travels north to Buzzards Bay, Captain Campbell will have the option of getting a push from the Gulf Stream, a strong ocean current that extends all the way up the eastern coast of the United States and Canada. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Jack Schrier (IMB - Rockville, MD) 2-13-23 |
Sometimes there are technological challenges at sea. I am excited to have just received Jack’s blog from Wednesday, 2-8. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Buccaneer Book Club: Pete The Cat And The Treasure Map By James Dean |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Photos Of Florida (Friday, 2-10 - Monday, 2-13) |
Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadets on liberty squeezed out all the Sunshine State had to offer. Whether on land or out on the water, they savored every second of their final port of Sea Term 2023. Many cadets were fortunate to meet up with friends and family members, making their time in Florida extra special. Enjoy this collection of photos from this memorable weekend. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: February 13, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Nicholas Dreyer (MTRA - Falmouth, MA) |
Meet 3/C Nicholas Dreyer, a Marine Transportation major from Falmouth, Massachusetts. Nicholas attended Mullen-Hall Elementary School, Morse Pond School for 5th and 6th grade, Lawrence School for 7th and 8th grade, and Falmouth High School. |
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Safety First: Extension Cords |
You’ve probably seen extension cords in use at home and at school. Aboard the TS Kennedy, extension cords are often needed to complete a task that requires electricity. In their Electrical Training Manual, 1/C cadets are reminded how to safely use an extension cord while working on the ship. Read More! |
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On Deck: Cadets Enjoy A Super Bowl Celebration In The Mess Deck |
The TS Kennedy's Mess Deck was rocking on Sunday evening as cadets gathered to watch Super Bowl LVII. Some cadets brought their beach chairs and claimed premium seats in front of the big screen television. Others discovered that sitting on table tops guaranteed a perfect view of the big game. Chartwells provided tailgating treats to add to the party atmosphere. During Rihanna's halftime show, many cadets recalled visiting Rihanna Drive while on liberty in Barbados Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (2-12-23) Chartwells Serves Up Tailgating Treats |
It wouldn't be a Super Bowl Party without an assortment of tasty tailgating treats! Chartwells came through with some favorites, adding to the festive atmosphere. Read More! |
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Sea Term Flashbacks: Cruise Highlights (1960s) |
When Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadets call home and speak with friends and family members back home, they’re always asked, “What has been one of the highlights of Sea Term?”. Read More! |
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Birthdays At Sea: February 12th - 18th |
Several cadets and crew members are wrapping up Sea Term 2023 by celebrating a birthday aboard the TS Kennedy, including these five cadets. Thanks to their families for sharing these great birthday flashback photos. February 12th: Read More! |
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Sea Term Flashbacks: Operation Sail (1976) |
Step into our time machine! Travel way, way back in time to 1976 when the United States was celebrating its 200th birthday. Tall ships from around the world traveled to New York City, Newport, Rhode Island, Boston, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s training ship, Bay State III, played an important role in Operation Sail. Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Prospective Students Tour The TS Kennedy |
A Sea Term tradition took place in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. Each year at the training ship's Florida port, Massachusetts Maritime Academy invites middle school and high school students to speak with cadets, faculty, members of the Admissions team, and representatives of the Parents Association. The Open House introduces these prospective students and their parents to all seven of the Academy's majors. Of course, a highlight of the da Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Liam Dow (FENG - Lakeville, MA) |
Meet 3/C Liam Dow, a Facilities Engineering major from Lakeville Massachusetts. He attended Assawompset Elementary School. In the Wampanoag language, Assawompset means “place of the white stones.” The Wampanoag are a Native American people based in southeastern Massachusetts and parts of eastern Rhode Island. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Nicole Awalt (IMB - Harwich, MA) 2-2-23 |
Last night, my friend Remy and I, both International Maritime Business students, went to observe the 2000-2400 (8:00 PM -Midnight) Bridge Watch. While on Sea Term, you have to show up 45 minutes early to watch as a cadet. So we were there at 1915 (7:15 pm). Read More! |
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Sea Term Flashbacks: Humanitarian Missions (1962 & 1973) |
Massachusetts Maritime Academy training ships have a long history of participating in humanitarian missions. Step into our time machine! Travel way, way back in time to find out how cadets made a difference during Sea Term 1962 and Sea Term 1973. Read More! |
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Sea Term Flashbacks: Food (1950s, 1960s, & 1970s) |
During Sea Term 2023, cadets and crew members have enjoyed the wide variety of delicious, healthy food provided by Chartwells. Dining Director Bob Cobb strives to keep everyone happy, satisfied, and coming back for more. Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: 3/C Andrew Leshaw Introduces Us To Key Biscayne, Florida |
Not only do week have island schools participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program, we also have many cadets aboard the TS Kennedy who call islands home. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Joseph (Joe) Buccigross (MENG - Sheldon, CT) |
Meet 3/C Joseph (Joe) Buccigross, a Marine Engineering major from Shelton, Connecticut. In both 2007 and 2013, a tree grown in Shelton was selected for the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: The TS Kennedy Is In Fort Lauderdale |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Video Shows Pilot Boarding The TS Kennedy In Port Everglades |
Wait until you see this video of the harbor pilot boarding the TS Kennedy this morning. |
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Captain's Log: February 10, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers- Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jacob Thorpe (MTRA - Woodland Park, CO) 2-10-23 |
Hello, everyone - |
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Below Deck: Meet The Engine Watch Team & Take A Look Around |
Meet the engine watch team! These cadet work below deck to keep the TS Kennedy steaming through the ocean, both day and night! Their knowledge and dedication have helped our training ship travel from Buzzards Bay, to Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C James Cirillo (MTRA - Monroe, New York) |
Meet 3/C James Cirillo, a Marine Transportation major who calls Monroe, New York home. Monroe, just an hour north of New York City, was named after President James Monroe. It is the birthplace of Velveeta cheese. Read More! |
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On Deck: Toasting The First Master Of Our Training Ship, Captain Thomas L. Bushy |
Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s current training ship has had just two captains. That’s it – just two! Throughout Sea Term 2023, you have gotten to know Captain Michael J. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Krista Jordan (MTRA - Orlando, FL) |
Meet 4/C Krista Jordan, a Marine Transportation major who has called Orlando, Florida home since September 1st. She was raised in Northampton, Massachusetts, an academic, artistic, and musical hub. She attended R. K. Finn Ryan Road Elementary School, John F. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Buccaneer Book Club: There Was An Old Pirate Who Swallowed A Map by Lucille Colandro |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Captain's Log: February 9, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Below Deck: Let's Take A Look At The TS Kennedy's Propeller |
Take a look at this video clip! Last week, Little Buc shared a video clip of the TS Kennedy’s rudder moving back and forth. This week, a cadet captured a video of the propeller rotating under the ocean. |
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On Deck: A Cadet Works On The Gangway Over The Ocean |
You’ve seen cadets in the ocean while in port, you’ve seen them on the ocean while aboard the TS Kennedy, but here’s a first. This cadet is over the ocean as he works on the rigging of the gangway. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Decoding Abbreviations On A Nautical Chart |
Ahoy, Followers - Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Patrick Rumberger (MENG - Middletown, CT) |
Meet 4/C Patrick Rumberger, a Marine Engineering major from Middletown, Connecticut, a city 16 miles south of Hartford. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: February 8, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Safety First: Damage Control Locker |
There are five Damage Control Lockers aboard the TS Kennedy. |
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Myth Busters: Is It Safe To Bring Bananas On A Ship? |
Do you like to eat bananas? Over four hundred pounds of bananas were loaded onto the TS Kennedy for Sea Term 2023. It probably doesn’t seem too unusual to bring along bananas for the cadets and crew. After all, it is a long voyage - and bananas make great snacks at any time of the day. Not only do they taste delicious, bananas also contain se Read More! |
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Safety First: Cadets Model Firefighting Equipment For Student Followers |
Yesterday, we introduced you to the Damage Control Lockers aboard the TS Kennedy. Each week, the Fire Party puts on this equipment and practices responding to a fire. They are well-prepared should an actual emergency occur. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C James Cirillo (MTRA - Monroe, NY) 2-7-23 |
Hello once again from the TS Kennedy. We’re back underway to our final port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was nice to be south but it’s time to start making our way back up north. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Can You Tell Us More About Being A Harbor Pilot? |
Since we first shared photos of the harbor pilot assisting the TS Kennedy in Barbados, we have been flooded with emails from our student followers seeking more information about the role of a harbor pilot. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C McArthur Dannelly (MENG - Annapolis, MD) 2-7 - 23 |
Sorry for no blog last Thursday, life onboard got in the way with practical tests I had to take along with helping other cadets feel better. Portions of this blog were meant to be sent out last Thursday.
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Captain's Log: February 7, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet Xavier Sequeira (MENG - Buzzards Bay, MA) |
Meet 4/C Xavier Sequeira, a Marine Engineering, from Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. That’s right! Massachusetts Maritime Academy is located in Xavier’s hometown. |
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Myth Busters: Does A Black Cat Bring Good Luck To A Ship? |
Cadets were asked to pack a variety of items for Sea Term 2023. The list provided to the cadets included sunscreen, insect repellent, soap, shampoo, and foot powder. One item not on the list? A black cat! Read More! |
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Safety First: Eye Safety |
Eye safety is a top priority aboard the TS Kennedy. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 525 |
The new Patriot State II will measure 525 feet in length. It will have an 89-foot beam. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Rainbows Spotted |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: 4/C Krista Jordan, How Did You Choose Massachusetts Maritime Academy? |
Our student followers have enjoyed the video clip of 4/C Krista Jordan explaining what it is like to be assigned scullery duty. A few of our student followers located Florence, Massachusetts on a map, and discovered that the small village was pretty far from the ocean. I received two emails asking how a high school student from western Massachusetts decided to pursue a degree in Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Click on the video clip to hear what Krista had to say: Read More! |
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Below Deck: Hands-On Learning In The Engine Lab |
Do you like to work with your hands? |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Salvador Relle (MTRA - Belle Chasse, LA) 2-6-23 |
Hey, Followers – Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Mary Boujoukos (MENG - Bridgewater, MA) 2-6-23 |
Hello, Followers - Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jacob Thorpe (MTRA - Woodland Park, CO) 2-6-23 |
Hey, everyone - |
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Safety First: This Is Not An Emergency |
There are so many places to learn aboard the TS Kennedy; in the Engine Room, on the Bridge, on deck, in the classrooms, in the Navigation Lab, in the Engine Lab...and in Sick Bay. The TS Kennedy's medical team and the ship's Safety Rates were busy administering an ultrasound last week. Read More! |
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Questions Of The Week: Monday, February 6, 2023 |
Week Of Monday, February 6, 2023: |
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Captain's Log: February 6, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Can You Solve My Turtle Mystery? |
Ahoy, Followers - I received a video clip from 1/C Training Rate Paige Albertson. Paige is a Marine Engineering major from Nantucket, Massachusetts. While in St. Thomas, she went snorkeling and got up close and personal with a turtle. Check out Paige's video clip! Read More! |
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Little Buc's Buccaneer Book Club: How I Became A Pirate by Melinda Long & David Shannon |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Clayton Tipton (MTRA - Safety Harbor, FL) |
Meet 4/C Clayton Tipton, a Marine Transportation major who calls Safety Harbor, Florida, a city on the west shore of Tampa Bay, home. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Chett Jacobsen (MENG - Maynard, MA) |
Meet 3/C Chett Jacobsen, a Marine Engineering major from Maynard, Massachusetts, a town located twenty-two miles west of Boston. Read More! |
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Number of The Day: 966 |
The TS Kennedy is bound for Fort Lauderdale, Florida! The distance from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas USVI to Fort Lauderdale, Florida is approximately 966 nautical miles. Read More! |
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Safety First: SART (Search And Rescue Transponder) |
When abandoning ship, there is no time to gather up electronics, jewelry, souvenirs, or other personal belongings. However, there is something that should be grabbed before abandoning the ship – the Search And Rescue Transponder, known as SART. A SART is a bright orange, waterproof, self-contained transponder used during an emergency at sea. Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Photos Of St. Thomas |
What a wonderful weekend! The people of St. Thomas rolled out the red carpet and made everyone aboard the TS Kennedy feel welcome. Cadets and crew members explored every inch of the island's 32 square miles. Many cadets also explored the nearby island of St. John. The cadets were eager to share their photos with the students participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. They hope that you feel like you were right there with them. Read More! |
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On Deck: Photos Of Testing Pyrotechnics On Deck |
Last Thursday, Captain Campbell gave us a preview of the pyrotechnics demonstration that was planned for later that day. Cadets and crew members gathered on the Helo Deck in the late afternoon for this safety demonstration. Although the colors and sounds may have reminded cadets of the 4th of July, the mood was serious. Under the supervision of a trained crew members, volunteers were invited to don protective gear and shoot off a hand flare or a rocket parachute flare. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Summer Adventure Aboard The R/V Neil Armstrong - 1/V Ella Strano |
Meet 1/C Ella Strano, a Marine Transportation major who calls Sandwich, Massachusetts home. Ella is one of eight Training Rates for Sea Term 2023. Read More! |
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Myth Busters: Is It Bad Luck To Whistle On A Ship? |
Do you like to hum, sing, or whistle while you are doing a chore? It seems to make a tedious job pass more quickly, doesn’t it? Snow White first sang about it in 1937 in the animated film Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs. Read More! |
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On Deck: Create An Eye Slice With 4/C Bailey Macvaughn (MTRA - Hampstead, NC) |
4/C Bailey Macvaughn, a Marine Transportation major from Hampstead, North Carolina, knows that creating an eye splice is a skill that must be practiced and perf Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Cadets, What Are You Missing Back Home? |
Cadets aboard the TS Kennedy have been away from home for five weeks. Our student followers are interested in knowing what they are missing the most. Here is what six cadets had to say. Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Two Cadets Explain Why They're Excited To Be In St. Thomas This Weekend |
Two cadets identified St. Thomas as the port that they would most like to visit during Sea Term 2023. Read More! |
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Port Of Call: Massachusetts Cadets Spot A Familiar Superyacht |
As the TS Kennedy docked yesterday in Charlotte Amalie, St. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Aidan McDonagh (MENG - Braintree, MA) |
Meet Aidan McDonagh, a Marine Engineering major from Braintree, Massachusetts. He attended Highlands Elementary School and South Middle School in Braintree. He graduated from Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: $250,000,000 |
Every March 31st, the U.S. Virgin Islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix observe Transfer Day. This marks Denmark’s sale of the three islands to the United States in 1917. Read More! |
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Sea Term Flashbacks: An Unusual Shopping Trip (1959) |
It’s not unusual for cadets to do a little shopping while on liberty. This week in St. Thomas, many cadets will purchase souvenirs for themselves as well as gifts to bring home to family and friends. On Sea Term 1959, however, cadets aboard the TS Bay State were required to take part in a very unusual “shopping trip”. Fortunately, in this cade, there was no need to for cadets to spend their own money. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: The First Photos From St. Thomas |
Ahoy, Followers - What's better than seeing photos of St. Thomas that were taken from The TS Kennedy? Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Christopher Sullivan (MENG - Scituate, MA) |
Meet 4/C Christopher Sullivan, a Marine Engineering major from Scituate, Massachusetts. The town's name is derived from satuit, the Wampanoag term for cold brook. This recognizes a brook that runs to the town's inner harbor. Read More! |
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Cadets Say Thank You To Schools Participating In The Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program (Part 2) |
Over the past five weeks, cadets aboard The TS Kennedy have stood taller and worked harder, knowing that 22,074 students are participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. Cadets get very excited when teachers share student quest ions, drawings, and work samples. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: February 3, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Below Deck: 1/C Training Rate Introduces Us To A Sight Glass In The Engine Lab |
During Sea Term 2023, every 2/C cadet majoring in Marine Engineering will complete seven different labs: Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Mary Boujoukos (MENG - Bridgewater, MA) 2-1-23 |
This week has been so draining for me. I’ve switched over to the engine side and have been on maintenance. Deck maintenance is a lot of painting and small jobs, but a lot of engine side maintenance is in the engine room. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jacob Thorpe (MTRA - Woodland Park, CO) 2-1-23 |
Hello, Everyone - |
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Little Buc's Adventures: A COW And A CROW On The Bridge |
Ahoy, Followers! Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Thomas J. Evans (MTRA - Danvers, MA) |
Meet 4/C Thomas J. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 11 |
St. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 1,555 |
Crown Mountain is the highest point on the island of St. Thomas and in the US Virgin Islands. The height of Crown Mountain is 1,555 feet. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 1,555 |
Crown Mountain is the highest point on the island of St. Thomas and in the US Virgin Islands. The height of Crown Mountain is 1,555 feet. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: MTRA Cadets Talk About Their Course, Ship Construction |
Seeing the carboard ships created by 8th grade students at Cyrus Pierce Middle School on the island of Nantucket inspired us to learn more about the course, Ship Construction. All 3/C cadets majoring in Maritime Transportation take back on the campus of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Read More! |
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Cadets Say Thank You To Schools Participating In The Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program (Part 1) |
Over the past five weeks, cadets aboard The TS Kennedy have stood taller and worked harder, knowing that 22,074 students are participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. Cadets get very excited when teachers share student questions, drawings, and work samples. To say thank you, the cadets wanted to share these signs. (Be sure to watch for Part 2 tomorrow.) Read More! |
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Captain's Log: February 2, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Below Deck: The Oily Water Separator Helps Keep The Ocean Clean |
Don’t underestimate the importance of this small control system! It has the power to keep our oceans clean and marine creatures safe. Read More! |
FTV Project Gallery: Students Decorate Paper Hardhats (Bridgewater-Raynham High School - Bridgewater, MA) |
Students in the Life Skills class at Bridgewater-Raynham High School enjoyed our post about how 4/C Alex Fledderjohn is decorating hardhats in his free time. Using crayons, the students decorated paper hardhats. Here is a photo of their colorful work. Read More! |
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Below Deck: Seawater Helps To Keep Cadets Cool - And They Don't Even Need To Get Wet |
Cadets aboard the TS Kennedy aren’t concerned about the humidity out on deck or the intense heat of the Engine Room. They know that the moment that they step into their holds, the Mess Deck, or other interior areas of the ship, they’ll feel cool and comfortable. That’s because the SMARDT Chiller is hard at work below deck. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C James Cirillo (MTRA - Monroe, NY) 2-1-23 |
Hello again from the TS Kennedy. After a fun weekend on the beautiful island of Aruba, we are steaming ahead bound for Saint Thomas. We’re about halfway through Sea Term and it feels like we just left Buzzards Bay a couple of days ago. |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (2-1--23) Scullery Duty |
Do you help out at home by loading plates and glasses into the dishwasher or scrubbing messy pans in the sink? Do you lend a hand by wiping down your kitchen table or sweeping the floor? At any given hour aboard the TS Kennedy, fifteen cadets assigned to Scullery are doing just that – and more. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: February 1, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: $300,000,000 |
The United States Congress approved of $300 million to replace the TS Kennedy with a new training ship. Her name will be Patriot State Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: My FAVORITE Video Clip EVER - Educational & Entertaining |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Jack Schrier (MTRA - Rockville, MD) |
Meet, 4/C Jack Schrier, a Marine Transportation major who calls Rockville, Maryland home. Read More! |
FTV Project Gallery: Eighth Grade Shipbuilders On The Island Of Nantucket |
During their third semester at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, cadets majoring in Marine Transportation take the 3-credit course, Ship Construction. In their Oceanography course, eighth grade students at Cyrus Pierce Middle School on the island of Nantucket took on the challenge of becoming ship builders and boat builders, applying many of the skills that 3/C cadets learn at the Academy. Read More! |
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FTV Project Gallery: PreK Students Create Colorful Compass Roses (Mashpee, MA) |
Cadets and crew members on the Bridge of the TS Kennedy are wishing that the Compass Rose images found on nautical charts were as colorful as those created by the PreK students at the Kenneth C. Combs School in Mashpee, Massachusetts. |
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Little Buc's Adventures: The Ship's Rudder is Hard At Work - And I Have The Video Clip To Prove It |
Ahoy, Followers – |
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Captain's Log: January 31, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers - |
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Number Of The Day: 29 |
The keel block for Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s next training ship, Patriot State, was laid on September 29, 2022 at the Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Phinneas Thompson (MTRA - New Orleans, LA) |
Meet 4/C Phineas Thompson, a Marine Transportation major from New Orleans, Louisiana, a melting pot of French, African, and American cultures. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 3,132 |
Do you love cereal? Our cadets sure do! Many start begin their day with a big bowl of cold cereal with cold milk. Since cadets keep crazy schedules, there seems to be several eating cereal in the Mess Deck at all hours of the day. |
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Number Of The Day: 3,132 |
Do you love cereal? Our cadets sure do! Many start begin their day with a big bowl of cold cereal with cold milk. Since cadets keep crazy schedules, there seems to be several eating cereal in the Mess Deck at all hours of the day. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Dean Petrie (MTRA - Maywood, New Jersey) |
Meet 4/C: Dean Petrie, a Marine Transportation from Maywood, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Salvador Relle (MTRA - Belle Chasse, LA) 1-30-23 |
Hey, Followers - |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C McArthur Dannelly (MENG - Annapolis, MD) 1-130-23 |
Welcome back, Followers - Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Remy Chiep (IMB - Lynn, MA) 1-30-23 |
Hello, everyone! Welcome again to my Sea Term journey. |
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Little Buc's Buccaneer Book Club: Pirates Love Underpants by Corine Dema and Artemis Roehrig |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Photos Of Aruba (Friday, 1-27 - Monday, 1-30) |
Cadets and crew members had a wonderful weekend in Aruba! Click on the arrow to begin the Aruban song, For Once & For All. Let it set the mood as you scroll through the photos. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Teeson Snow (MENG - Cypress, TX) |
Meet 4/C Teeson Snow, a Marine Engineering major from Cypress, Texas, a bustling Houston-area suburb. He attended Keith Elementary School, S Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: My Commercial Shipping Experience - 1/C Jake Broderick |
1/C Jake Broderick from Bridgewater, Massachusetts had a very unique commercial shipping experience. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Joey Kondisko (MTRA - Ligonier, PA) |
Meet 3/C Joey Kondisko, a Marine Transportation major who calls Ligonier, Pennsylvania home. |
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Captain's Log: January 30, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Everyone aboard the TS Kennedy enjoyed their weekend in Aruba. Cadets returned to the ship full of stories of their island adventures. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 537 |
The TS Kennedy is bound for Charlotte Amalie! The distance from Oranjestad, Aruba to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas USVI is 537 nautical miles. Because the TS Kennedy is not scheduled to arrive in St. Thomas until Friday, Captain Campbell will not take the shortest and fastest route. Read More! |
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On Deck: Meet 1/C Division Leader Liam Ferretti (MTRA - Raynham, MA) |
Meet 1/C Liam Ferretti, a Marine Transportation major from Raynham, Massachusetts. Liam is one of four Division Leaders for Sea Term 2023. Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-29-23) |
Long after 3/C Andrew Fusco returns from Sea Term 2023, he will still be talking about the steak that he feasted on in Aruba. While many cadets tracked down their American favorites, Andrew and his friends were craving something more than just pizza and burgers. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Max Bowman (MTRA - Falmouth, MA) |
Meet 4/C Max Bowman, a Marine Transportation major from Falmouth, Massachusetts. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Michael Howard (MTRA - Milton, MA) |
Meet 4/C Michael Howard, a Marine Transportation major from Milton, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. It is located between the Neponset River and the Blue Hills. |
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Birthdays At Sea: January 29th - February 4th |
As January wraps up and February begins, quite a few cadets and crew members aboard the TS Kennedy will be celebrating their birthdays this week, including these four cadets. January 29th: Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 68.3% |
Most Arubans speak at least 4 languages. The country has two official languages, Dutch and Papiamento. Papiamento is spoken by 68.3% of the islands population. Read More! |
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Sea Term Flashbacks: Challenges & Changes At Sea - 1950s, 1960s, & 1970s |
A professional mariner knows to expect the unexpected. Mechanical problems, inclement weather, rough seas, crew illnesses, and scheduling changes can change even the best laid plans. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 18 |
The island of Aruba is located just 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela, a country on the northern coast of South America. Cadets are exploring the south-eastern side of the island, they may be able to see Venezuela. ![]()
Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-27-23) The Best Of Juvi |
We couldn’t wrap up our salute to Juvi, Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s cherished baker without sharing a few more photos. Since the training ship departed Buzzards Bay on January 8th, he’s been mixing up sweet magic in the galley every evening. In previous years, Juvi would spend the entire Sea Term baking for the cadets and crew. Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-26-23) Juvi's Sticky Buns |
This is the fourth day of our salute to Juvi, Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s cherished baker. Since the training ship departed Buzzards Bay on January 8th, he’s been mixing up sweet magic in the galley every evening. In previous years, Juvi would spend the entire Sea Term baking for the cadets and crew. Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-27-23) Juvi's Apple Turnovers |
This is our fifth and final day shining a spotlight on Juvi, Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s cherished baker. Since the training ship departed Buzzards Bay on January 8th, he’s been mixing up sweet magic in the galley every evening. In previous years, Juvi would spend the entire Sea Term baking for the cadets and crew. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Bon Jour! The French Navy Is In Aruba! |
Bon Jour, Followers - Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C McArthur Dannelly (MENG - Annapolis, MD) 1-27-23 |
Welcome back, Followers – Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 1/C Quinten O'Brien Fletcher (MENG - Lincoln, RI) |
Meet 1/C Quinten O'Brien Fletcher from Lincoln, Rhode Island! Quinten will receive his Marine Engineering degree from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in just five months. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Andrew Dyment (MTRA - Greenwich, CT) |
Meet 4/C Andrew Dyment, a Marine Transportation major from Greenwich, the largest town on Connecticut’s Gold Coast. Andrew attended Mianus School, Eastern Middle School, and Greenwich High School. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 250 |
Meet the Aruban Island Rattlesnake! This highly-venomous, medium-sized reptile, found only on the island of Aruba, is critically endangered. Scientists estimate that less than 250 mature Aruban Island Rattlesnake remain in the wild. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Nate Gifford (MTRA - Westport, MA) |
Meet 4/C Nathaniel (Nate) Gifford, a Marine Transportation major from Westport, Massachusetts. Westport is approximately thirty miles southeast of Providence, Rhode Island and about sixty miles south of Boston. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Videos Of Dolphins Accompanying The TS Kennedy |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 26, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Learn To Speak Papiamento, One Of Aruba's Two Official Languages |
Papiamento is one of the two official languages of Aruba. It is a Portuguese-based Creole language. Our cadets will hear Papiamento spoken throughout the island. Papiamento has 9 vowels and 22 consonants. Here is the alphabet. Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Aruba |
Welcome to Aruba, a constituent island of the Kingdom Of The Netherlands! Let's start with a visit to Arikok National Park. Wait until you see these views! Read More! |
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Below Deck: 3/C Cadets Take Apart A Centrifugal Pump In The Engine Lab |
Do you enjoy taking apart things to see how they work? That's just what 3/C cadets majoring in Marine Engineering are doing in the TS Kennedy's Engine Lab. 1/C Training Rates, John Hall (MENG/ESE - Davie, FL) and Collin Tracey (MENG - Avon, MA) sent you this video clip showing the centrifugal pump that 3/C cadets are dismantling and reassembling. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Cameron McManus (MTRA - Lake Como, New Jersey) |
Meet 4/C Cameron McManus, a Marine Transportation major from Lake Como, New Jersey. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C James Curtis (MTRA - Westminster, MA) |
Meet 4/C James Curtis, a Marine Transportation major from Westminster, Massachusetts, a small town in Worcester County. He attended Westminster Elementary School, Overlook Middle School, and Oakmont Regional High School. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 26, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – All of you are very curious about the number of pets that are part of the Campbell family. As I mentioned earlier in the week, we are all animal lovers. My wife owns and operates her own hands-on science camp called Joyce’s Jungle. Many of these animals play a role in her classes. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Cadets, What Were Your Favorite Middle School Science Activities? (Part 2) |
Many of our elementary school and middle school followers have the same question for our cadets: |
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Little Buc's Buccaneer Book Club: The Treasure Of Pirate Frank by Mal Pete and Elspeth Graham |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 86 |
The average high temperature in January is 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The average low temperature in January is 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 7,500 |
If there is any truth to the English proverb, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away.", Dr. Cukor won't be very busy. There are LOTS of apples being served in the TS Kennedy's Mess Deck. Cadets eat them with their meals and grab them for snacks throughout the day and night! A few apples fit perfectly in the pocket of a boiler suit. |
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Birthdays At Sea: January 15th - 28th |
On any given day, it is not unusual to hear Happy Birthday! being sung somewhere aboard the TS Kennedy. With over 700 cadets, faculty, and crew members taking part in Sea Term 2023, it seems like someone is always celebrating. Last fall, families were invited to share photos of cadets celebrating their birthdays aboard the TS Kennedy. Here are some flashback birthday photos. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: Birthday Boy, 3/C Jacob Thorpe (MTRA - Woodland Park, CO) 1-25-23 |
0000 strikes which means it’s officially the second birthday I have now spent aboard the TS Kennedy. |
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Captain's Log: January 25, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – After tracking the distance that we have traveled since departing Buzzards Bay on January 8th, some of you have expressed concern that the TS Kennedy may run out of gas. First, let me point out that our training ship is powered by Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), not gasoline. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Lucas Marcolini (MENG - Marion, MA) |
Meet 3/C Lucas Marcolini, a Marine Engineering major from Marion, Massachusetts! The town was originally called Sippican when it was settled in1679, named after a local Wampanoag tribe. Over the years, it was home to sea captains, sailors, and boat builders. In 1852, Sippican was renamed Marion. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Brent Turgeon (MENG - Northbridge, MA) |
Meet 4/C Brent Turgeon, a Marine Engineering major from Northbridge, small town located in the Blackstone River Valley in the south-central area of Massachusetts. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 2/C Gabriella Struss (IMB - North Attleboro, MA) 1-25-23 Dr. Cukor Teaches Cadets To Suture |
We saved the bananas! It was a touch and go situations at times, but my team of sixteen cadets worked valiantly to save the lives of sixteen pieces of fruit! I still cannot stop laughing. Tonight was one of the most fun evening activities I have participated in on the TS Kennedy. Thank you to Dr. Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-25-23) Juvi's Freshly Baked Bread |
This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Juvi, Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s cherished baker. Since the training ship departed Buzzards Bay on January 8th, he’s been mixing up sweet magic in the galley every evening. In previous years, Juvi would spend the entire Sea Term baking for the cadets and crew. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 2/C Bridget Ruiz (MSSEP - Goshen, CT) |
Meet 2/C Bridget Ruiz, one of ten cadets majoring in Marine Safety, Science, & Environmental Protection who are aboard the TS Kennedy for Sea Term 2023. |
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Below Deck: 4/C Cadets Create Picture Frames In The Engine Lab |
A highlight of Sea Term for 4/C cadets is making a picture frame in the Engine Lab. Not only do they get to use a wide variety of tools in the multi-step process, cadets also leave with a functional souvenir that they made themselves. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Discover The Cruise Ships That We'll Meet In Aruba |
Ahoy, Followers! Read More! |
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On Deck: The Art Of Whipping A Line Using A Method That Mariners Have Used For Centuries |
All lines aboard the TS Kennedy will unravel and fray at the end unless action is taken. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C James Cirillo (MTRA - Monroe, NY) 1-24-23 |
Once again hello from the TS Kennedy! After a fun weekend docked in Barbados, we are back underway sailing. Getting to explore another country for the first time is an amazing experience that I’ve only had traveling on Sea Term. |
FTV Project Gallery: Rhode Island Middle School Students Hunt For Simple Machines Aboard The TS Kennedy |
Students at Birchwood Middle School in North Providence, Rhode Island are science detectives. They enjoyed the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program's presentation: Searching For Simple Machines Aboard The TS Kennedy. The students studied the many photographs provided, pointing out examples of levers, screws, wedges, pulleys, inclines planes, and wheel and axels found throughout the ship. Read More! |
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FTV Project Gallery: Pennsylvania Middle School Students Research Sea Term Ports |
We are thrilled to have the seventh grade students at ELCO Middle School (Eastern Lebanon County District) in Myerstown, Pennsylvania participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. They have been busy researching the TS Kennedy's ports of call. We LOVE the bulletin board, the student work samples, and the signal flag messages. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Life Aboard The TS Kennedy In Photos |
Here are a few photos taken aboard the TS Kennedy showing cadets working and learning above deck and below deck. As the training ship steams towards Aruba, cadets are learning and working at sea. Can you picture yourself as a Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadet? Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C McArthur Dannelly (MENG - Annapolis, MD) 1-23-23 |
Welcome back Followers - |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Mary Boujoukos (MENG - Bridgewater, MA) 1-24-23 |
Hello again- Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 2/C Gabriella Struss (IMB - North Attleboro, MA) 1-24-23 |
Hello, everyone - Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Nicholas Iannone (MENG - Wallingford, CT) |
Meet 3/C Nicholas Iannone, a Marine Engineering who calls Wallingford, Connecticut. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Hunter Vlach (MENG - Paducah, KY) |
Meet 4/C Hunter Vlach, a Marine Engineering major from Paducah, Kentucky, a city located on the Ohio River. As you stroll or bike along Paducah’s Riverwalk, you can view steamboats and barges passing by. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 24, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-24-23) Juvi's Coconut Macaroons |
This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Juvi, Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s cherished baker. Since the training ship departed Buzzards Bay on January 8th, he’s been mixing up sweet magic in the galley every evening. In previous years, Juvi would spend the entire Sea Term baking for the cadets and crew. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Cartoon Characters Spotted Aboard The TS Kennedy |
Ahoy, Followers - I have a secret! Some of your favorite cartoon characters from movies, television shows, and books are right here aboard the TS Kennedy! That's right, I’ve seen them! Nemo…Wile E. Coyote…Big Bird…and even Mushu! Read More! |
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On Deck: Meet 1/C Safety Rate Kristopher Young (MTRA - Plymouth, MA) |
Meet 1/C Kristopher Young, a Marine Transportation major who calls Plymouth, Massachusetts home. Last year, Kristopher was asked why he chose to major in Marine Transportation, here is what he had to say: Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Cadets Share Five Video Clips From Barbados |
Before the TS Kennedy departed Barbados this morning, five video clips were shared with the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. The first two video clips show a glimpse of the harbor from the ship. Watch for the cruise ships that Little Buc introduced you to last Wednesday. Read More! |
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Questions Of The Week: Monday, January 23, 2023 |
Week Of Monday, January 23, 2023: Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 23, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers - |
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Little Buc's Buccaneer Book Club: The Grumpy Pirate By Corine Dema & Artemis Roehrig |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Photos Of Barbados (Friday, 1-20 - Monday, 1-23) |
What a weekend! The cadets had a wonderful time exploring the island of Barbados. Scroll through the photos that they shared! Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: 4/C Kolten Eric Williams (MENG - Newton, NH) |
Meet 4/C Kolten Eric Williams, a Marine Engineering major who calls Newton, New Hampshire home. Newtown was originally part of Salisbury, Massachusetts. In 1749, was incorporated as “Newtown” because it was a new town. The New Hampshire legislature voted in 1846 to change the town’s name to Newton. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C John (Jack) MacLachlan (MENG - Syracuse, NY) |
Meet 4/C John (Jack) MacLachlan, a Marine Engineering major who calls Syracuse, New York home. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 621 |
The TS Kennedy is bound for Oranjestad, Aruba! The distance from Bridgetown, Barbados to Oranjestad, Aruba is 621 nautical miles. Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-23-23) Juvi's Chocolate Chip Cookies |
Meet Juvi, the cherished baker on the campus of Massachusetts Maritime Academy and here aboard the TS Kennedy. In previous years, Juvi would spend the entire Sea Term aboard the training ship. This year, because of obligations back home, Juvi will be disembarking in Aruba and returning to Massachusetts. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Are There Lots Of Signs On The TS Kennedy? |
Many of the classes participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program have asked the same question: Are there a lot of signs on the ship? Younger students want to practice their reading skills. Yes, there are lots of signs on the TS Kennedy. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: My Commercial Shipping Experience - 1/C Ricardo Estrada |
During their third year at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, cadets majoring in Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering fulfill Sea Term requirements on a commercial vessel. This provides 2/C cadets with an opportunity to apply the skills that they have learned aboard in cl Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Thor Williams (MENG - Clinton, TN) |
Meet 4/C Thor Williams, a Marine Engineering major from Clinton, Tennessee, a city located along the Clinch River. Thor attended Norris Elementary School, Grace Christian Academy, and Anderson County H Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 1988 |
Barbados is the birthplace of singer, actress, and businesswoman, Rhianna. She was born in 1988 in the parish of St. Michael and raised in Bridgetown. Read More! |
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On Deck: Cadets Practice The Lost Art Of Sewing Canvas By Hand |
Last week, a small group of cadets aboard the TS Kennedy took a trip back and time. They learned the lost art of stitching canvas by hand. The finished product was a sturdy canopy that now stands outside of the Navigation Lab on the ship’s Cabin Deck. The canopy is designated as a p Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Connor Asma (MTRA - South Huntington, NY) |
Meet 4/C Connor Asma, a Marine Transportation major that calls South Huntington, New York home. He attended Oakwood Elementary School, Stimson Middle School, and Walt Whitman High School. |
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Number Of The Day: 160 |
Barbados is known as "the land of the flying fish". The flying fish is one of the national symbols of the country. |
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Sea Term Flashbacks: Shopping For Souvenirs 1940s, 1950s, & 1960s |
While in Barbados, cadets may purchase souvenirs for friends and family members back home. Step into our time machine! Discover the souvenirs that cadets were purchasing on Sea Term in 1946, 1952, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1964. The following quotes appeared in Massachusetts Maritime Academy yearbooks. Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-20-23) Dining In Barbados |
While cadets are exploring the island of Barbados, they will be eager to sample the local cuisine. The weekend will be full of delicious surprises. Barbados is often called, “the culinary capital of the Caribbean.” Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Bajan Sayings Cadets May Hear Around The Island Of Barbados |
Here are seven Bajan sayings that cadets may hear as they explore Barbados this weekend. The sayings are a combination of both African and European influences. At first, the sayings may sound silly to you. Take a few moments to read the meaning of each Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C McArthur Dannelly (MENG - Annapolis, MD) 1-20-23: The Great Adventure Of Tuesday |
Tuesday morning started like any other day. I woke up at 0725, got dressed in my boiler suit. and grabbed all my tools. I then headed to my morning muster where we would start our morning maintenance from. The morning was beautiful with sunshine all around. There were some light waves full of floating kelp giving the TS Kennedy a light rolling back and forth. Read More! |
FTV Project Gallery: Our Tiniest Followers Spell Their Names In Signal Flags |
Many cadets have said that they began considering a career at sea by the time they were in second grade. Salvatore (age five), Vivienne (age 3), and Eliana (age 2) are getting a head start. In fact, they may be the youngest participants in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: The TS Kennedy Is At The Dock In Barbados |
Ahoy, Followers! Wa gine on? This Bajan phrase means, "What's up?" or "How have you been?" I am trying out the Bajan dialect because the the TS Kennedy has just docked in Bridgetown, Barbados. And...I have the photos to prove it! |
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Captain's Log: January 20, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Mike Schmitz (MTRA - Kingston, MA) |
Meet 4/C Mike Schmitz, a Marine Transportation major from Kingston, Massachusetts, home to the longest continuously run boatyard in North America, Jones River Landing. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 1/C Kevin Flahive (MENG - Westborough, Massachusetts) |
Meet 1/C Kevin Flahive from Westborough, Massachusetts! Kevin is just five months away from earning a degree in Marine Engineering degree from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Cadets, Is This Your First Trip To The Caribbean? |
As the TS Kennedy docks in its first port for Sea Term 2023, many of our PreK-12 students want to know:
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Number Of The Day: 11 |
The island of Barbados is divided into 11 parishes. Is there a student in your class named Andrew, Thomas, George, Lucy, Peter, James, John, Joseph, Michael, or Phillip? If so, they share thei Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Salvador Relle (MTRA - Belle Chasse, LA) 1-19-23 |
Hey ya'll! So today I was on maintenance. |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jacob Thorpe (MTRA - Woodland Park, CO) 1-19-23 |
Today is the last day at sea before we arrive in Bridgetown, Barbados. Today started at 0700 for some breakfast and then morning formation. Today my division was on maintenance. So I spent the day with the safety team ensuring all things like fire extinguisher work properly. |
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Cadet Blog: 1/C Sam Wiggin (IMB - Mattapoisett, MA) 1-19-23 |
This past week, International Maritime Business students took part in utility duties instead of their normal classes. This included scullery, inside cleaning, and garbage management. They were able to learn how the ship can stay clean, even with hundreds of people on board. |
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Below Deck: Training Rate 1/C John Hall Introduces Us To Soldering |
During Sea Term 2023, all 4/C cadets will solder copper tubing in the Engine Lab. Some cadets have had experience with soldering, either in high school or at home. For most, however, it will be a new experience. Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: Virtually Explore Barbados Like A Cadet |
Wouldn't you LOVE to be spending the weekend exploring Barbados with Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadets on liberty? We all would - especially those of us with snow piled up outside our window. |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Tugboats & A Son Following His Dad's Career Path |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
FTV Project Gallery: Can You Solve The Signal Flag Messages From Navajo Nation? (Crowpoint, NM) |
Fifth grade students from Mariano Lake Community School in Crowpoint, New Mexico have sent ten messages written in colorful signal flags. Can you solve one or more of the messages? The TS Kennedy flies the signal flags K-V-M-U when she is in port. Read More! |
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FTV Project Gallery: Cadets With Sextants Inspire A Poem About Starts (Bridgewater, MA) |
Students in Bridget Eileen Hernandez’s special needs class at Bridgewater Raynham High School know that cadets Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Patrick Child (MENG - Marshfield, MA) |
Meet 4/C Patrick Child, a Marine Engineering major from Marshfield, Massachusetts, a coastal community thirty miles south of Boston. Marshfield has a rich history that stretches back over 350 years. One of the town's most famous resident was American lawyer and statesman, Daniel Webster. Webster served as the U.S. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Troy Bockman (MTRA - Groveland, MA) |
Meet 3/C Troy Bockman, a Marine Transportation major from Groveland, Massachusetts! Read More! |
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Little Buc's Video Vault: Two Videos Of Shaft Alley (2008 and 2012) |
As I have told you, I have been given a great honor. You wouldn't believe the treasures that I have found! I have dusted off every video taken aboard our training ship as both the TS Enterprise (2004-2008) and the TS Kennedy (2009 - present). Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 166 |
The TS Kennedy will dock in Bridgetown, Barbados tomorrow. The island of Barbados has an area of 166 square miles. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 18, 2023 |
Good Morning, Followers – Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 1536 |
The island of Barbados is named after a tree. When Portuguese explorers first discovered the island in 1536 the Bearded Fig Tree was found all over the island. In Portuguese, “Los Barbados” means “The Bearded One.” Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Cadets, What Were Your Favorite Middle School Science Activities? (Part 1) |
Many of our elementary school and middle school followers have the same question for our cadets: "In 7th grade I constructed a small-scale dam from natural products and tested in a tub." - 3/C Nicholas Iannone (MENG - Wallingford, CT) Read More! |
FTV Project Gallery: First Graders Enjoy Little Buc's Buccaneer Book Club (Salisbury, MA) |
First graders from Salisbury Elementary School in Salisbury, Massachusetts enjoyed reading Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC by June Sobel. Next they created a chart to help them tackle Little Buc's challenge. The students looked at the photos that Little Buc took on the deck of the TS Kennedy. Hidden in the photos were 25 letters of the alphabet. That's right, just 25! The students checked off the letters that they spotted in the photos so that they could figur Read More! |
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FTV Project Gallery: Anchors And Anchor Chains At Wareham Elementary School (Wareham, MA) |
While Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadets were conducting anchor drills in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, students at Wareham Elementary School were also working with anchors. Here’s what STEAM teacher, Teri DeFilippo had to say, “Wareham Elementary School students studied the Captain’s Log and Little Buc’ Blogs to learn about anchor drills. This week kindergarten students colored and cut out anchors in preparation for next week's paper chain engineering project to crea Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Mary Boujoukos (MENG - Bridgewater, MA) 1-18-23 |
Hello again, followers - I’ve been on my training rotation on the ship, so I’ve been going to class every day. Today, I learned how to chart, which is a large part of ship navigation. It’s basically GPS by hand. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Remy Chiep (IMB - Lynn, MA) |
Hello, everyone! I just want to say welcome on this journey. So on January 13th we got to Mayaguez, and we started to drop anchor for the few day. The best part is we got to see how it was in the Bridge because that was the eyes and ears of the whole operations. |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port 1-16-23 |
Chartwells’s Sunday At Sea is a highlight of every Sea Term. It traditionally takes place on the Sunday following the first full week at sea. This year, cadets had to be a little Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jacob Thorpe (MTRA - Woodland Park, CO) 1-17-23 |
Hello again, Followers, |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Salvador Relle (MTRA - Belle Chasse, LA) 1-16-23 |
Hey ya'll! So today my division was on maintenance and what i did today was really busy. I got to walk around the whole ship and test and check every fire extinguisher that the ship has, including the lifeboats. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C James Cirillo (MTRA - Monroe, NY) 1-17-23 |
Hello again, from the TS Kennedy! We are back underway after spending the weekend anchored in Mayagüez off the coast of Puerto Rico. Over the weekend we had pleasure of having our annual “Sunday at sea”. This involves having a barbecue out on the Helo Deck while anchored. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 18, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers - |
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Safety First: Wearing A Safety Harness |
Working up high is considered a risky activity on land, but it especially dangerous on a rocking ship at sea. All crew members are required to wear a safety harness that is appropriate for the intended job. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Sydney Sawyer (MTRA - Sandwich, MA) |
Meet 4/C Sydney Sawyer, a Marine Transportation major from Sandwich, Massachusetts, the oldest town on Cape Cod. The town’s motto is, “After so many shipwrecks, a Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 1,200 |
According to Chartwells Dining Director, Bob Cobb, 1,200 pounds of bacon was loaded onto the TS Kennedy for Sea Term 2023. As you may have guessed, the cadets and crew members LOVE bacon. Are you sensing a mathematics lesson here? I know I am. 1. What was the total cost of the bacon for Sea Term 2023? Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: What Are The Dimensions Of The Kennedy Sign? |
Several classes have emailed to ask: Read More! |
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Below Deck: Meet 1/C 2nd Evaporator Rate Christopher George (MENG - Bourne, MA) |
Stop and think. How many times in the last twenty-four hours did you use fresh water? |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Discover The Cruise Ships That We'll Meet In Barbados |
Ahoy, Followers - Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Kyle Souza (MENG - Falmouth, MA) |
Meet 4/C Kyle Souza, a Marine Engineering major from Falmouth, Massachusetts, a picturesque New England town known for its beautiful beaches. Kyle attended Mullen Hall School Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Pricilla Murray (MENG - North Andover, MA) 1-15-23 |
Hello my fellow seamen! I am back. Today was an exhausting day. My division was on maintenance and it was tiring. On maintenance, we help the Boson, Tom Tucker, and the First Mate, Melissa Turner, maintain the boat. Jobs could include needle gunning, painting or help moving things. |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C McArthur Dannelly (MENG - Annapolis, MD) 1-106-23 |
Welcome back readers, sorry for the short blog today but sometimes life on the ship gets in the way. For the past four days I have had Engine Room watch. Everyday my shift was from 0715 to 1115, 1700 to 1730 and 1915 to 2315. During the time when I was not in the Engine Room, I took naps, relaxed outside, and used the cell service while we were anchored to catch up with the world. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 16, 2023 - Part 1 |
Good Morning, Followers - I was very impressed with the way that our 1/C cadets planned and carried out their anchor drills over the weekend. They approached the challenge with confidence, applying all of the skills that they gained during their two previous Sea Terms, their time on a commercial ship, and in their classes back at the Academy. They worked as a team to get the job done. I hope that those watching took videos and photographs to share with you. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 17, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers - Read More! |
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Safety First: Testing Lifeboat #2 In Mayaguez, Puerto Rico |
While at anchor in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Lifeboat #2 got put to the test. Instead, cadets were treated to a unique learning experience that will stay with them throughout their careers at sea. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 1/C Matthew J. Flaherty (MENG - Alexandria, VA) |
Meet 1/C Matthew J. Flaherty from Alexandria, Virginia. Matthew is just five months away from earning his degree in Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Buccaneer Book Club: Ten Little Pirates By Mike Brownlow & Simon Rickerty |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Jack Millican (MTRA - Mobile, AL) |
Meet 4/C Jackson Millican, a Marine Transportation major from Mobile, Alabama, the state’s only saltwater port. Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-17-23) |
Whether she at sea aboard the TS Kennedy or back on the campus of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Tuesdays bring a smile to 1/C Paige Albertson’s face. That’s because every Tuesday is Chicken Patty Tuesday, both here aboard the TS Kennedy and back on the campus of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. That’s right, if it is Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: What Is The Height Of Each Smokestack? |
Many classes have emailed to compliment the TS Kennedy’s bold blue and gold smokestacks. A few mentioned that the smokestack match their school colors. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 12,892 |
The lightweight of the TS Kennedy is 12,892 tons. A ship's lightweight is the actual weight of the ship without cargo, fuel, passengers, etc. If you could empty the TS Kennedy and place her on a scale (which, of course, you can't), her weight would be 12,892 tons. Read More! |
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Questions Of The Week: Monday, January 16, 2023 |
Week Of Monday, January 16, 2023: Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: My Commercial Shipping Experience - 1/C Jacob Sheehan Rollo |
Last summer, 1/C Jacob Sheehan Rollo, left the quaint, seaside community of Scituate, Massachusetts behind and headed down to Port Fourchon, Louisiana’s southernmost port. |
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On Deck: Anchor Drills |
Last Friday, Little Buc posted the first photos and a video clip of the Anchor Drills. The drills continued throughout Friday and Saturday, with every 1/C cadet majoring in Marine Transportation having a set time to demonstrate their skills. 3/C and 4/C cadets took advantage of any opportunities they had to observe the anchor drills, both on deck and on the Bridge. They listened carefully and made note of the steps involved. The 3/C cadets know that on their next Sea Term aboard the Academy's Read More! |
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Ports Of Call: The Sunrises, Sunsets, & Breathtaking Views Of The Caribbean |
From the bow of the TS Kennedy, to her stern, cadets soak in the beauty that surrounded them. They take photos from the starboard side of the ship, and from her port side. Enjoy some of their breathtaking photos mixed with some inspiring quotes. Read More! |
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Safety First: A Guest Blog From Dr. Jeff Cukor, Chief Medical Officer Of The TS Kennedy |
A Safety First post doesn't get any better than this! The TS Kennedy's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jeff Cukor took time out of his busy schedule to send a guest blog and photographs. Not only is Dr. Cukor committed to keeping the cadets and crew members safe of our training ship safe and healthy, he is also eager to educate the 22,074 students participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. Thank you, Dr. Cukor! Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Cadet Austin Chavero (MENG - Framingham, MA) |
Meet 4/C Austin Chavero, a Marine Engineering major from Framingham, Massachusetts. He attended Israel Loring Elementary School, Ephraim Curtis Middle School, and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 16, 2023 - Part 2 |
Good morning, Followers - This is Part 2 of today's blog. Let's get back to the questions from Mrs. Clayton's first grade students from Salisbury Elementary School in Salisbury, Massachusetts. As I mentioned in Part 1 of my log, Mrs. Clayton is the mother of 4/C Liam Clayton, a Marine Transportation major. The Clayton family lives in York, Maine. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Nick Glofelty (MTRA - Durango, Colorado and Hope, Alaska) |
Meet 3/C Nicholas (Nick) Glotfelty, a Marine Transportation major from Durango Colorado and Hope, Alaska. He lived in Alaska until he entered middle school. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Cadets, How Did You Develop Your Love Of The Ocean? |
It's clear that the cadets aboard the TS Kennedy share a deep love of the ocean. Here's what some of our cadets had to say... Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 4,500 |
Safety is the #1 priority aboard the TS Kennedy, but occasionally, accidents happen. |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Connections To Participating Schools & Cadets Aboard The TS Kennedy |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Michael Regan (MENG - Marshfield, MA) |
Meet 4/C Michael Regan, a Marine Engineering major from Marshfield, Massachusetts. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 1/C Mitchell A. Maida (MENG - Burlington, MA) |
Meet 1/C Mitchell A. Maida from Burlington, Massachusetts. In June, Mitchell will earn his degree in Marine Engineering. Mitchel attended Fox Hill Elementary School, Marshall Simonds Middle School, and Burlington High School. Read More! |
FTV Project Gallery: Homeschooler Compares The TS Kennedy To The USS Alexandria |
A third grade student in Carver, Massachusetts researched military ships with her mom. The USS Alexandria caught her attention. The USS Alexandria is a nuclear powered submarine operated by the United States Navy. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Ben Reforsado (MTRA - Scituate, MA) |
Meet 4/C Ben Reforsado, a Marine Transportation major from Scituate, Massachusetts, a seaside town midway between Boston and Plymouth. Ben attended Hatherly Elementary School, Gates Middle School, and Scituate High School. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: 4/C Aaron Jonah Smith (MENG - Huntingtown, MD) |
Meet 4/C Aaron Jonah Smith, a Marine Engineering major who lives in Huntingtown, Maryland, a short distance from Washington, DC. Aaron attended Plum Point Elementary School, Plum Point Middle School, and Huntingtown High School. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: 3/C Eric Mayers Reels In A Marlin (MTRA - Cranbury, NJ) |
This is no fish story! 3/C Eric Mayers has this photo to prove it. |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Cleaning The Anchor Chain "Scrub-A-Dub-Dub" |
Hola, Followers - |
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Cadet Blog: 1/C Sam Wiggin (IMB - Mattapoisett, MA) |
Good Evening - Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Salvador Relle (MTRA - Belle Chasse, LA) 1-12-23 |
"Hey, Followers - |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C McArthur Dannelly (MENG - Annapolis, MD) 1-12-23 |
Welcome back, Readers! On Tuesday, we woke up to sunshine and warmer weather after a night of rougher seas. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I had training. These classes were a mix of classroom time where we learned about Engine Room machinery and equipment and hands on learning and assessments where we were tested on certain engineering practical skills. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Pricilla Murray (MENG - North Andover, MA) 1-12-23 |
Today, was an exciting day! It was the first day of training. First, we class I had was a safety tour of the ship. It was interesting to see all of safety equipment that was on board. The next class I had was crane signals. That was cool to learn how to use crane signals for future jobs. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 13, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers - |
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Your Questions Answered: Does The TS Kennedy Have A Game Room? |
The answer is "sort of". After dinner, cadets often return to the Mess Deck to gather together. Often, you'll see groups of cadets playing cards, chess, cribbage or board games. They also enjoy snacks and drinks. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Andrew Leshaw (MTRA - Key Biscayne, FL) |
Meet 3/C Andrew Leshaw, a Marine Transportation major from Key Biscayne, Florida! Read More! |
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Little Buc's Video Vault: TS Kennedy Responds Following Natural Disasters (2017) |
Ahoy, Followers - As I mentioned on Tuesday, I have been given a great honor. That's right! I have dusted off every video taken aboard our training ship as both the TS Enterprise (2004-2008) and the TS Kennedy (2009 - present). Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Cadets, What Were Your Favorite High School Science Class? |
Many of our middle school and high school followers have the same question for our cadets: “I was in the Tech. Engineering program at Plymouth North High School. A lot of what I learned during my four years in that program is already helping me in college.” |
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On Deck: An Introduction To The Helm By 3/C Salvador Relle (MTRA - Belle Chasse, LA) |
3/C Salvador Relle, a Marine Transportation major from Belle Chasse, Louisiana is ready to explain the helm to you. Click on the link below to view his video. |
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Cadet Blog: 2/C Gabriella Struss (IMB - North Attleboro, MA) 1-11-23 |
You're invited to accompany 2/C Gabriella Struss as she walks from her hold (room) to the gymnasium. This is a very unique opportunity as there have never been videos taken in the spaces of the ship where cadets live and relax. |
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On Deck: Earn Your U.S. Coast Guard License In 5 Questions (For Middle School & High School Students) Session 3 |
In May, 1/C cadets majoring in Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering will sit for four days of United States Coast Guard Exams. Using practice books, class notes, and apps on their phone, many cadets are already studying for the exams in their spare time. Each week, usually on Tuesday and Thursday, we’ll share five multiple-choice questions with you that have appeared on United States Coast Guard Exams in previous years. The questions are now part of practice books used by the cadets. Read More! |
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On Deck: Earn Your U.S. Coast Guard License In 5 Questions (For Middle School & High School Students) Session 2 |
In May, 1/C cadets majoring in Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering will sit for four days of United States Coast Guard Exams. Using practice books, class notes, and apps on their phone, many cadets are already studying for the exams in their spare time. Read More! |
FTV Gallery: Can You Decode These Signal Flag Names? (Dalton, MA) |
Fifth grade students from Craneville Elementary School have a challenge for other students participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. Can you decode our signal flag name tags? Read More! |
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FTV Gallery: 2nd Grade Students Write Their Names In Nautical Signal Flags (Deep River, CT) |
The TS Kennedy proudly displays her call letters using colorful nautical signal flags: K-L-M-U. The second grade students at Deep River Elementary School have created some signal flag messages of their own. Each student used the alphabet flags to spell out their names. As they worked, the students observed squares, triangles, rectangles, and rhombuses. They even found a circle on the flag representing the letter E. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: My Commercial Shipping Experience - 1/C Griffin Baker (MENG - Marblehead, MA) |
As we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Read More! |
FTV Gallery: Signal Flag Messages For Our Cadets From Students On Navajo Nation (Crowpoint, NM) |
The Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program is excited to welcome our first-ever school from New Mexico. The students at Mariano Lake Community School have been carefully creating signal flag messages for cadets aboard the TS Kennedy. |
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Captain's Log: January 12, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers - |
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Little Buc's Buccaneer Book Club: Shiver Me Letters - A Pirate ABC By June Sobel |
Ahoy, Book-Loving Buccaneers - Thanks for your emails telling me how much you enjoyed out first book, Sammy The Seasick Pirate by Janelle Springer-Willms. I am happy to report that seasickness seems to have vanished aboard the TS Kennedy. The warm weather and calm seas have everyone smiling. Today's book is Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC by June Sobel. The colorful illustrations are by Henry Cole. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Mary Boujoukos (MENG - Bridgewater, MA) 1-11-23 |
Hello, Followers! Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: 4/C Paul Leiser (MTRA - Seaville, New Jersey) |
Meet 4/C Paul Leiser, a Marine Transportation major from Seaville, a community located within Upper Township in Cape May County, New Jersey. Paul attended Upper Township Elementary School and Upper Township Middle School. He graduated from Ocean City High School. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 1/C Brendan Bouressa (MTRA - Marshfield, MA) |
Meet 1/C Brendan Bouressa from Marshfield, Massachusetts home. He is just five months away from graduating from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a degree in Marine Transportation. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: How Many Anchors Does The TS Kennedy Have? |
Several classes have emailed to ask questions about anchors. Since 1/C cadets aboard the TS Kennedy will be conducting anchoring drills this weekend, this seems like the perfect time to answer as many as possible. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Do Cadets Fish From The Decks Of The TS Kennedy? |
We have received many questions related to fishing: Read More! |
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Below Deck: Meet 1/C 1st Assistant Engineer - 1/C Justin Limanek |
Meet 1/C Justin Limanek, a Marine Engineering major from Sutton, Massachusetts, a small town in Worcester County with a population less than 10,000. Justin attended Sutton Elementary School and Sutton Middle School. He graduated from Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton. Read More! |
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Safety First: Come Along On An Hourly DETEX Route |
On an 8-deck, 540-foot ship, there are many spaces and places where problems can occur. Since safety is the number one priority aboard the TS Kennedy, the DETEX Security System is in place to guarantee that every corner of the ship is checked on an hourly basis. |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Pricilla Murray (MENG - North Andover, MA) 1-11-23 |
"What's up, fellow seamen? |
FTV Gallery: Middle School Students Discover Lines & Angles In Signal Flags (North Providence, RI) |
Mathematics teacher Ken Kard is incorporating the TS Kennedy and Sea Term 2023 into lessons for his 7thand 8th grade students. Ken teaches at Birchwood Middle School in North Providence, Rhode Island. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Jack Schrier (IMB - Rockville, MD) 1-11-23 |
Life at sea has been very interesting. I've never seen water so blue and I can officially say that dolphins are real. |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jacob Thorpe (MTRA - Woodland Park, CO) 1-9-23 and 1-11-23 |
Monday, January 9, 2023 Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 710 |
The maximum capacity of the TS Kennedy is 710 persons. As of November 2022, the largest cruise ship in the world was the Wonder Of The Seas. Her maximum capacity is 6,988 persons. Now that's A LOT of people! Read More! |
FTV Project Gallery: Weather Conditions At Sea Inspire A Poem On Fog (Bridgewater, MA) |
The TS Kennedy has encountered fog throughout her journey down the the East Coast. Below the poem is a poster illustrating how fog forms over the ocean and a link to an article, The Physics Of Fog. Read More! |
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Notes To Teachers: Get Ready To Celebrate Island Day On Friday, January 13th |
Teachers, are you and your class ready to celebrate our first Sea Term Island Day on Friday, January 13th? |
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Questions Of The Week: Monday, January 9, 2023 |
Week Of Monday, January 9, 2023: Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Nautical Idioms |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Amazing Drone Video Of The TS Kennedy's Departure (1-8-23) |
Thanks to the incredibly talented drone photographer, Ryan Smith, you are in for a treat. |
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Cadet Spotlight: 4/C Chloe Johnson Sends A Shoutout To Her Dad's Class Participating In The FTV-STX Program |
“Hello Mr. Johnson’s classes at Saint Joseph’s School in Webster, Massachusetts, who are participating in Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program! I’m officially off to see and experience new things on my first Sea Term. I’m so glad that you can be a part of it with me. I’m a Marine Engineering major, and was really interested in science and math at your age. Hopefully you are, too, and can learn some new things about the ocean and ships from me. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C James Cirillo (MTRA - Monroe, NY) 1-11-23 |
“Hello, everyone participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program - The Kennedy is now in Day 3 of being underway as we steam along, escaping the winter winds and embracing the increasingly warm waters. Read More! |
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Below Deck: What Will 4/C Cadets Be Learning In The Engine Lab? |
Do you enjoy taking part in hands-on STEM activities in your classroom or at home? That's exactly what you'll find going on in the in the Engine Lab on the Lower Tween Deck. Click on the link below to hear Training Rate Collin Tracey explain the activities that all 4/C cadets will do when they are in the Engine Lab during Sea Term 2023. Collin is from Avon, Massachusetts. His enthusiasm and positive attitude are ideal for his role training underclassmen. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 11, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers - |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-10-23) |
Chicken patties have a way of putting a smile on everyone’s face. Today, we learned that they can also unite two brothers who are hundreds of miles apart; one on land and one at sea. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Chloe Johnson (MENG - Spenser, MA) |
Meet 4/C Chloe Johnson, a Marine Engineering major from Spencer, Massachusetts, a town in Worcester County. Chloe attended Lake Street Elementary School, St. Mary's Jr. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: My Commercial Shipping Experience - 1/C Justin Limanek |
Last year at this time, 1/C Justin Limanek was cruising aboard the 689-foot USNS Robert E. Peary, part of the Military Sealift Command. Launched in 2007, this is the 4th ship named after the Arctic explorer who claimed to be the first person to reach the geographic North Pole. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Ethan Cavacco (MENG - Plymouth, MA) |
Meet 4/C Ethan Cavacco, a Marine Engineering major from America’s Hometown; Plymouth, Massachusetts. Ethan attended Manomet Elementary School, Plymouth Community Intermediate School (PCIS), and Plymouth North High School. Read More! |
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Below Deck: Meet 1/C Utility Rate Jacob Rollo (MENG - Scituate, MA) |
Imagine that a family’s washer and dryer has stopped working. |
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Your Questions Answered: Did John F. Kennedy Help Build The TS Kennedy? |
One class wanted to know: |
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Number Of The Day: 4 |
The TS Kennedy's propeller has 4 blades. The engine of the ship is connected to the propeller. |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-4-23) |
Welcome to the first Bon Appetit post for Sea Term 2023! Bon Appetit is a twice-weekly feature about everything and anything food-related aboard the TS Kennedy and Sea Term's four exciting ports of call. You can look forward to reading Bon Appetit each week. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: A New Look & New Friends Aboard The TS Kennedy |
Ahoy, Followers - Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 10, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers - |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Mary Boujoukos (MENG - Bridgewater, MA) 1-9-23 |
"Hello again, Voyage Followers - The last few days have been quite hectic for me. For starters, when we got underway yesterday, I was on Bridge Watch. It was really cool to see the entire base of the operation as we were leaving Buzzards Bay. My watch was 0800-1200, which means I was also on 2000-2400. |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C McArthur Dannelly (MENG - Annapolis, MD) 1-10-23 |
"Life At Sea: Departure Day Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jay Desautels (MTRA - Rutland, MA) 1-9-23 |
“Good Day All - Greetings from somewhere beyond the horizon! With the deep blue waters of the Atlantic beneath our feet and the crisp winds of the Gulf Stream in our face, we are officially underway! We left Sunday, and the energy onboard is full of excitement and joy. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Daniel James Stewart (MENG - Westford) |
Meet 3/C Daniel James Stewart, a Marine Engineering major that calls Westford, Massachusetts home. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C William Eastman (MTRA - West Barnstable, MA) |
Meet 4/C William (Liam) Eastman, Jr, a Marine Transportation major from West Barnstable, Massachusetts, a seaside village on Cape Cod. William’s two elementary schools, Kenneth C. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Does The TS Kennedy Carry A Black Box Like An Airplane? |
We received a great question from one of the high school classes participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program: Read More! |
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Little Buc's Video Vault: A Tour Of The TS Kennedy (2009) |
Ahoy, Followers - In honor of the final voyage of the TS Kennedy as Massachusetts Maritime Academy's training ship, I have been given the key to the video vault. What a special honor! I explored this dusty place and discovered every video taken aboard our training ship as both the TS Enterprise (2004-2008) and the TS Kennedy (2009 - present). I have watched each of them at least four or five times and look forward to sharing some of them with you. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Cadets, What Were Your Favorite Elementary School Science Activities? |
Many of our elementary school followers have the same question for our cadets: Read More! |
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On Deck: Meet 1/C Training Rate Jake Broderick (MTRA - Bridgewater, MA) |
Meet 1/C Jake Broderick, a Marine Transportation major who calls Bridgewater, Massachusetts home. Read More! |
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Safety First: Vessel Familiarization & Basic Safety Training |
Before the start of their first Sea Term, all 4/C cadet majoring in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, and Facilities Engineering must successfully complete a course called, Vessel Familiarization & Basic Safety Training. This course teaches student to appropriately react during a fire or any other shipboard emergency situations that could occur at sea or at the dock. Every cadet Read More! |
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Number of The Day: 119 |
The height of the TS Kennedy from her the bottom of her hull to her highest, non-removeable point is 119 feet. Read More! |
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Captain's Log Bonus: A 2nd Captain Campbell Aboard The TS Kennedy |
In the hours leading up to the departure, there was not one, but TWO Captain Campbells aboard the TS Kennedy. |
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Birthdays At Sea: January 8th - 14th |
Many people dream of boarding a ship and departing on a 6-week Caribbean cruise on their birthday. It sounds like the perfect way to celebrate, doesn't it? Read More! |
FTV Gallery: Fourth Grade Students Inspired By Carl Sandburg's Poem, Fog (Jackson, NH) |
As she makes her way along the coast of the United States, she is encountering fog and drizzle. This seems like the perfect time to share the weather poems written by Joan Heysler's 4th grade lass at Jackson Grammar School in Jackson, New Hampshire. The students learned about how visibility is reported at sea and then read Carl Sandburg's poem, Fog. Next, they went outside and were inspired by the fog rolling in from the mountains. Read More! |
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FTV Project Gallery: Middle School Students Create Signal Flag Messages (Nantucket, MA) |
Last week, students in Jill Fraker's 8th grade class at Cyrus Pierce Middle School on Nantucket created signal flag messages. Ms. Fraker was assisted by school librarian, Becky Hickman. Mrs. Hickman is the proud mom of 3/C Charles Hickman, a Marine Engineering major aboard the TS Kennedy. She even made a Power Point presentation to introduce the students to the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Short Video Clips Of The TS Kennedy's Departure |
Here is a collection of short video clips that parents shared with the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. Click on the links below. You will feel like you are right on the dock at Taylors Point, bidding farewell to the TS Kennedy. In one video, you'll here the ship's whistle. Read More! |
FTV Project Gallery: Students Send Signal Flag Messages To The Cadets (Wakefield, RI) |
Captain Campbell, the cadets, and crew were excited to receive these signal flag messages from 4th grade students at Matunuck Elementary School in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Signal flags are used to silently communicate with other vessels. Each colorful signal flag is associated with a letter of the alphabet. A series of flags may be used to create a message. Check out their messages below. Read More! |
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Nantucket Bids Farewell To Their Cadets |
Nantucket families came to campus on Sunday to bid farewell to their cadets departing on Sea Term 2023. To reach campus, the families took a short ocean voyage of their own, traveling by ferry to Hyannis, Massachusetts before taking a car to campus. Here are a few photos that they shared by the proud moms and dads. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Anthony Cirello (MTRA - New Haven, CT) |
Meet 4/C Anthony Cirello, also known as AJ. He is a Marine Transportation major who calls New Haven, Connecticut home. He attended Nathan Hale School for his elementary and middle school years. Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 9, 2023 |
Monday, January 9, 2023 Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: A Bird's-Eye-View Of The TS Kennedy's Departure |
Sit back and enjoy these drone shots of the TS Kennedy's departure. Ryan is preparing a video of the departure. I will share it here as soon as it is available. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Cadets Bid Farewell To Family And Friends |
There were more smiles than tears as cadets said a final goodbye to parents, grandparents, girlfriends, boyfriends and friends. Cadets disembarked the ship at 6:00 AM for their hour-long on-campus liberty. They were greeted with cheers, hugs, and high-fives as they walked into the packed Mess Deck in Pande Hall. While enjoying a cup of coffee and assorted pastries provided by Chartwells, cadets recapped the highlights of Alongside Week. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Ethan Sanchez (MTRA - Fairfield, CT) |
Meet 3/C Ethan Sanchez, a Marine Transportation major from Fairfield, Connecticut. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 1/C Ian M. Johnson (MTRA - Harwich, MA) |
Meet 1/C Ian M. Johnson from Harwich, Massachusetts! In just five months, Ian will earn a degree in Marine Transportation from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: How Are Meteorologists Able To Make Weather Predictions For Ships Traveling Around The World? |
Many classes participating in the Follow the Voyage-Share The Experience Program are kicking off 2023 weather units. How are meteorologists able to make weather predictions for ships traveling around the world? Read More! |
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Little Buc's Buccaneer Book Club: Sammy The Seasick Pirate By Janelle Springer-Willms |
Ahoy, Buccaneers! Welcome to the first meeting of my Buccaneer Book Club! Today, I have chosen Sammy The Seasick Pirate by Janelle Springer-Willms. The book was illustrated by Damien Jones. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: What Has Been The Training Ship's Most Visited Port? |
Everyone wants to know: |
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Number Of The Day: 1,100 |
As the TS Kennedy cruises south, the sea conditions may get rough. Some cadets on their first Sea Term may experience seasickness. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Before The TS Kennedy Departs, Let's Look Back At Alongside Week 2023 |
There are just hours left before the TS Kennedy departs for Sea Term 2023. Let's take a look back at Alongside Week. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 14 |
In addition to the 8 enclosed lifeboats aboard the TS Kennedy, there are also 14 life rafts. Each life raft is enclosed in a canister on the deck. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Robert Charles Houde (MTRA - Ayer, MA) |
Meet 1/C Robert Charles Houde from Ayer, Massachusetts! In June, He will earn his degree in Marine Transportation. Robert attended Page Hilltop Elementary School, Shirley Regional School, and Ayer-Shirley Regional High School. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: 3/C Eric Mayers (MTRA - Cranbury, NJ) |
Meet 3/C Eric Mayers, a Marine Transportation major who calls Cranbury, New Jersey home. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Jesse Kershaw (MENG - Middleton, MA) |
Meet 4/C Jesse Kershaw, a Marine Engineering major from Middleton, Massachusetts. Middleton is a small town located between the cities of Salem and Andover. |
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Sea Term Flashbacks: Rough Seas & Seasickness 1950s, 1960s, & 1970s |
“If there is one thing that will make a man peculiarly and insufferably self-conceited, it is to have his stomach behave itself, the first day at sea, Read More! |
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Below Deck: Meet 1/C Cadet 1st Assistant Engineer (MENG - Marblehead, MA) |
Meet 1/C Griffin Baker, a Marine Engineering major from Marblehead, Massachusetts. |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Mary Boujoukos (MENG - Bridgewater, MA) 1-6-23 |
Unfortunately, much still hasn’t been going on for me, as we finished onload and an extremely quick pace. Usually when we’re dockside, anyone on a maintenance rotation would do onload, but since it’s all done, I kind of just had another free day. Read More! |
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Sea Term Flashbacks: Departure Day 1940s, 1950s, & 1960s |
The campus of Massachusetts Maritime Academy has expanded, training ships have come and gone, and the length of Sea Term has been shortened. There’s one thing, however, that hasn’t changed. Before the TS Kennedy departs for Sea Term 2023 tomorrow, step into our time machine! Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Edward F. Barlage IV (FEMG - Guilford, CT) |
Meet 4/C Edward F. Barlage IV, a Facilities Engineering major from Guilford, Connecticut. He attended Guilford Lakes Elementary School, Baldwin Middle School for grades five and six, Elisabeth C. Adams Middle School for grades seven and eight, and Guilford High School. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 1/C Gabriel Calouro (MTRA - Orleans, MA) |
Meet 1/C Gabriel Calouro from Orleans, Massachusetts! He is just five months away from earning his degree in Marine Transportation from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: My Commercial Shipping Experience - 1/C Christopher George |
When 1/C Christopher George left for home for Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2019, he didn’t need to travel far. Christopher grew up in Sagamore Beach, a seaside village in Bourne, Massachusetts, just a few miles down the road from campus. But less than three years later, the knowledge and skills that he gleaned at Massachusetts Maritime Academy took Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 8 |
There are 8 enclosed lifeboats on the TS Kennedy. Six of enclosed lifeboats on the TS Kennedy that hold 76 persons each. There are two additional enclosed lifeboats that hold 53 persons each. There are also life rafts for additional passengers. Read More! |
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Safety First: What Happened On The Bridge During The Fire & Boat Drill On 1-5-23 |
You have participated in fire drills at your schools. Your administrators and teachers have led these drills many times and have developed a safe, efficient routine for all students to follow. After a few practices everyone knows just what to do. This week, cadets and crew members participated in three practice drills to prepare for the final drill Friday morning under the watchful eye of United States Coast Guard officials. Read More! |
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On Deck: The Special Bell On The Academy's Second Training Ship |
On a walk across campus this week, the words on the bell that hangs outside of the Harrington Building caught my eye. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Luke Kahrimanovic (MTRA - Swansboro, North Carolina) |
Meet 4/C Luke Kahrimanovic, a Marine Transportation major from Swansboro, North Carolina, a quaint, historic costal town Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 6, 2023 |
Friday, January 6, 2023 Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Pricilla Murray (MENG - North Andover, MA) 1-5-23 |
”The last few days have been pretty uneventful. We ended up finishing onloading early and have just have a lot of time off for my division. I’ve been able to finish one book and start my second one. I didn’t think I would start finishing them during onload week. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Salvador Relle (MTRA - Belle Chasse, LA) 1-3-23 |
"Hello, students! I am 3/C Salvador Relle, a Marine Transportation that came to Massachusetts Maritime Academy all the way from Louisiana. Two of my former schools, Belle Chase Elementary School and Belle Chasse High School are participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. It’s so great to have them alon Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Pricilla Murray (MENG - North Andover, MA) 1-3-23 |
"Hello, my name is Priscilla Murray from North Andover, Massachusetts. I am a 4/C cadet majoring in Marine Engineering. This is my first Sea Term. I am excited to experience life at sea! Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Charlotte Sanfason (MTRA - Franklin, MA) |
Meet 4/C Charlotte Sanfason, a Marine Transportation major from Franklin, Massachusetts, home to the country's first public library. One hundred sixteen of Franklin Public Library’s first books were donated by Benjamin Franklin in 1790. |
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Number Of The Day: 20 |
The maximum speed of the TS Kennedy is 20 knots. |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Meet The Academies Following Our Cadets |
Ahoy, Followers – I just get so excited when I see the long list of schools, homeschools, clubs, libraries, and Scout troops participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. Read More! |
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Below Deck: What Is The First Engineering Course For Cadets Majoring In Marine Engineering? |
Middle school and high school students have emailed questions about the training that cadets majoring in Marine Engineering receive on the campus of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. One student wanted to know: Here's how the training begins. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Brian Rosher (MENG - Bridgewater, MA) |
Meet 3/C Brian Rosher, a Marine Engineering major from Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Nick attended Mitchell Elementary School and Williams Intermediate School. He graduated from Bridgewater Raynham High School. Read More! |
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Below Deck: A Shoutout To Monmouth Memorial School From 4/C Jake Umberhind (MENG - Monmouth, ME) |
4/C Jake Umberhind is a Marine Engineering major from Monmouth, Maine, a small town with a population of less than 5,000. Jake did not want to depart on Sea Term 2023 without thanking the students at Monmouth Memorial School for participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: How Old Is Massachusetts Maritime Academy? |
We love receiving questions from our Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program participants. Several classes have asked, Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Will The TS Kennedy Pass Any Lighthouses On Her Voyage? |
There have been a wide variety of questions asked about lighthouses. One that has been asked several times is: |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C McArthur Dannelly (MENG - Annapolis, MD) 1-5-23 |
Welcome back to my blog, Followers! Most people think life onboard a ship is always fun and exciting, but this isn’t entirely true. We all have responsibilities and jobs that must get done that might not be our favorite to do. I’m sure everyone reading this can think of a few things in their own life that isn’t their favorite to do like the dishes or cleaning your room. Whether we are in port or far out at sea, these jobs still must get done just like at your house. Read More! |
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Your Questiones Answered: Where Do Cadets Sleep? |
It's by far the question that has been asked most often: Where do cadets sleep? Students have also asked: Do cadets have to share a bathroom? If you're a fan of bunk beds, then you'd probably enjoy sleeping in one of the cadet holds. The bunks are triple bunks. That's right - not two beds, but three. |
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On Deck: 1/C Cadets Majoring In Marine Transportation Have Stars In Their Eyes |
You might say that 1/C cadets majoring in Marine Transportation have stars in their eyes after receiving their sextants yesterday in the Harrington Building on the campus of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Cadets, What Are You Looking Forward To Learning During Sea Term 2023? |
Students participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program are excited to watch cadets learning aboard a sip at sea. Many classes have emailed to ask the cadets: |
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Captain's Log: January 5, 2023 |
Thursday, January 5, 2023 Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Are There Classrooms On The TS Kennedy? |
Much of the learning is hands-on. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Samuel Morfitt (MTRA - Port Republic, NJ) |
Meet 3/C Samuel Morfitt, a Marine Transportation major who calls Port Republic, New Jersey home. Port Republic is a very small town with only about 1,000 residents. Samuel attended Port Republic School and Atlantic County Institute of Technology. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 27 |
The draft of the TS Kennedy is 27 feet, 6 inches. The draft (also spelled draught) of a ship is the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull. Read More! |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Four Important Letters - K-L-M-U |
Ahoy, Followers - Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: My Commercial Shipping Experience - 1/C Wallace Alden (MENG - Sandwich, MA) |
1/C Wallace Alden is looking forward to soaking up as much Caribbean sunshine as possible during Sea Term 2023. The high temperatures will be a welcome alternative to the below zero temperatures he experienced last winter on his commercial shipping assignment. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Cadets, Can You Recommend A Favorite Nautical Book For High School Students? |
A few high school classes have asked our cadets: Will you recommend some nautical books that they we can read as we follow Sea Term 2023? Check out their suggestions! Some middle school students may be ready to read a few of these novels. Read More! |
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Safety First: Take A Tour Of Sick Bay & Meet Dr. Jeffrey Cukor (Thursday, January 5th) |
If it's Monday or Thursday, then it's time for our twice-weekly feature, Safety First. If you miss a Safety First feature, just scroll back on the homepage and look for words Safety First in the title. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Mary Boujoukos (MENG - Bridgewater, MA) 1-4-23 |
Hello again, all of you aspiring sailors! Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Alongside Week Photos From The TS Kennedy |
Cadets are kept very busy aboard the TS Kennedy. They have been told not to interrupt their work to take a photo or pose for a photo. (The photographer has been reminded of that a few times too.) Here are a few photos taken since cadets boarded the training ship on Monday. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: My Commercial Shipping Experience - 1/C Paige Albertson |
1/C Paige Albertson is an islander through and through. The Marine Engineering major has spent her life in Massachusetts on the island of Nantucket, about thirty miles south of Cape Cod. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Sebastian Wright (MENG - Milton, MA) |
Meet 4/C Sebastian Wright Read More! |
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Captain's Log: January 4, 2023 |
Good morning, Followers - |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jay Desautels (MTRA - Rutland, MA) 1-3-23 |
I had a very long and busy day two today! I started out with an early 0600 wake-up and breakfast by 0630. At 0700 my division, (D2) mustered on the pier. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C James Culkins (MENG - Nantucket, MA) |
Meet 3/C James Culkins, a Marine Engineering major from Nantucket, Massachusetts, a small island thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod. The area of the island is just 47.8 square miles. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Brady Deschamps (MENG - Brewster, MA) |
Meet 4/C Brady Deschamps, a Marine Engineering major from Brewster, Massachusetts, a Cape Cod town with a rich maritime history. |
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Below Deck: Take Part In The Great Lawnmower Challenge For High School & Middle School Students |
Most cadets have had plenty of experience mowing lawns. Some even made it their summer job at one time or another. They know how to fill the lawnmower with gasoline, start it, operate it, and clean it. Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 76 |
The beam of the TS Kennedy is 76 feet. |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Comparing The TS Kennedy With The RMS Titanic |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: My Commercial Shipping Experience - 1/C Michael Clapp |
Last year at this time, 1/C Michael Clapp of Metairie, Louisiana was completing his commercial shipping assignment aboard the Oversea Nikiski, a chemical tanker operating in the Gulf Of Mexico. The Oversea Nikiski is owned by OSG, the Overseas Shipholding Group. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 1/C Sam Wiggin (IMB - Mattapoisett, MA) |
Meet 1/C Sam Wiggin, and International Maritime Business (IMB) major from Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Sam will be working closely with Professor Dr. Ashok Pandey and a small group of IMB students who will be participating in a special program aboard the TS Kennedy. Read More! |
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Bon Appetit: Everything Food - At Sea & In Port (1-3-23) |
Do you ever help a parent, grandparent, or an elderly neighbor after a trip to the supermarket? Lugging in the heavy bags of packaged food, fresh produce, and beverages can be hard work, right? Today, our cadets completed a similar task on a much, much grander scale. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C James Cirillo (MTRA - Monroe, NY) 1-3-23 |
Hello to everyone participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program! My name is James Cirillo and I’m a sophomore (3/C) Marine Transportation major on my second Sea Term aboard the TS Kennedy. Read More! |
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Notes To Teachers: Monday, January 2nd |
Happy New Year! Welcome to the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program! Your students are part of the 20,897 students who will be following Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadets on Sea Term 2023. Here are just a few tips to help you navigate the website. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 3/C Jacob Thorpe (MTRA - Woodland Park, CO) |
Meet 3/C Jacob Thorpe, a Marine Transportation major who calls Woodland Park, Colorado home. Woodland Park Read More! |
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Number Of The Day: 540 |
The length of the TS Kennedy is 540 feet. The overall length of a ship is measured from the tip of the bow (front) in a straight line to the stern (back) of the vessel. Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Does The TS Kennedy Have A Pool With A Water Slide? |
We love receiving questions from our student followers. Emails with lists of questions began arriving in October. More arrive each day. A few students took the question a bit further. "Does the TS Kennedy have a pool with a water slide?" |
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Captain's Log: January 3, 2023 |
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 |
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Little Buc's Adventures: Introducing Me & Three VIPs |
Ahoy, Followers – Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Is Little Buc The Official Mascot Of Massachusetts Maritime Academy? |
We love receiving questions from classes following from across the United States and around the world! Is Little Buc The Official Mascot Of Massachusetts Maritime Academy? Read More! |
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On Deck: Earn Your U.S. Coast Guard License In 5 Questions (For Middle School & High School Students) Session One |
In May, 1/C cadets majoring in Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering will sit for four days of United States Coast Guard Exams. Using practice books, class notes, and apps on their phone, many cadets are already studying for the exams in their spare time. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jay Desautels (MTRA - Rutland, MA) 1-2-23 |
“Good day, everyone - Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C McArthur Dannelly (MENG - Annapolis, MD) 1-2 - 23 |
"Welcome to Sea Term 2023’s Follow The Voyage – Share The Experience Program (FTV-STX). I am 3/C McArthur Dannelly from Annapolis, Maryland. Read More! |
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Cadet Blog: 3/C Jacob Thorpe (MTRA - Woodland Park, CO) 1-2-23 |
"Good morning, afternoon, or evening depending on when you’re reading this. My name is 3/C Jacob Thorpe, a Marine Transportation major from Woodland Park, Colorado. I am going to be one of your Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience bloggers. |
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Cadet Blog: 4/C Mary Boujoukos (MENG - Bridgewater, MA) 1-2-23 |
“My name is Mary Boujoukos. I am a freshman Marine Engineering major from Bridgewater, Massachusetts. |
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Cadet Spotlight: Cadets Board The TS Kennedy For Sea Term 2023 |
Sea Term 2023 has officially begun! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet The Regimental Ship Commander, The Cadet Chief Engineer , & The Cadet Chief Mate |
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. |
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Questions Of The Week: Monday, January 2, 2023 |
Week Of Monday, January 2, 2023: Read More! |
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Birthdays At Sea: January 1st - 7th |
What a way to kick off 2023! |
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Cadet Spotlight: The Bags Are Finally Zipped |
Finally! The sea bags are packed and zipped! |
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Your Questions Answered: What Do You Think Will Be The Greatest Challenge Of Living Aboard The TS Kennedy? |
Students participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience are full of questions! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Meet 4/C Kaleb J. Smigal (MENG - Groton, CT) |
Meet 4/C Kaleb J. Smigal, a Marine Engineering major who calls Groton, Connecticut home. Read More! |
Valid Passports Required |
Every person aboard the TS Kennedy for Sea Term was required to have a valid passport. No exceptions! |
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Number Of The Day: 1967 |
Our training ship, which is now known as the TS Kennedy, was launched in 1967 at the Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, Louisiana. At the time, the ship's name was Velma Lykes. Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Packing For Sea Term 2023 |
Do you have trouble packing for an overnight, a few days away, or a weeklong vacation? |
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Captain's Log: January 2, 2023 |
Monday, January 2, 2023 Read More! |
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Your Questions Answered: Does The TS Kennedy Have A Bank And Stores? |
Several classes have asked: "Does the TS Kennedy have a bank?" The answer is not, "Yes!" or "No!" It's, "Sort of!" Read More! |
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Cadet Spotlight: Family Pets Help Out With The Packing Process |
According to the article, How Does My Dog Know When I’m Going On Vacation? Read More! |