Don’t underestimate the importance of this small control system!  It has the power to keep our oceans clean and marine creatures safe. 

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.  

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.

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.

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.   

Good morning, Followers –

Meet, 4/C Jack Schrier, a Marine Transportation major who calls Rockville, Maryland home. 

Ahoy, Followers –

The United States Congress approved of $300 million to replace the TS Kennedy with a new training ship.  Her name will be Patriot State

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.  

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. 

On a modern nautical chart, the compass rose is represented by two circles, one inside the other.  

Ahoy, Followers –

Yesterday, I had the thrill of a lifetime.  While the TS Kennedy was underway, a cadets strapped me into a safety harness and held me over the side of the ship, near the stern.  Looking through the sapphire water, I was able to see the TS Kennedy’s orange rudder at work.

Good morning, Followers -

I have received quite a few emails from students asking me why it is so dark on the Bridge at night.  One student even asked, “Why don’t you turn on the lights like I do at home?”  

Meet 4/C Phineas Thompson, a Marine Transportation major from New Orleans, Louisiana, a melting pot of French, African, and American cultures.

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.   

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. 

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.   

Meet 4/C: Dean Petrie, a Marine Transportation from Maywood, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City.

Hey, Followers -

So today we had training.  We learned about celestial navigation which is navigating by the stars! We got to work with a sextant and learn how to use it.  We also used math to help us find the latitude and longitude of the sun after getting a certain degree off of the sextant and applying it to our calculations.

Welcome back, Followers -

Hello, everyone! Welcome again to my Sea Term journey. 

Barbados:

Ahoy, Followers –

Cadets and crew members had a wonderful weekend in Aruba! 

They embraced the dry climate, soaking up the Caribbean sunshine as they explored all 69.5 square miles of the island.  Cadets on Aruba's southeastern side even caught a glimpse of Venezuela.

Click on the arrow to begin  the Aruban song, For Once & For All.  Let it set the mood as you scroll through the photos.

1/C Jake Broderick from Bridgewater, Massachusetts had a very unique commercial shipping experience. 

Meet 4/C Teeson Snow, a Marine Engineering major from Cypress, Texas, a bustling Houston-area suburb.  He attended Keith Elementary School, S

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.

Meet 3/C Joey Kondisko, a Marine Transportation major who calls Ligonier, Pennsylvania home. 

Meet 1/C Liam Ferretti, a Marine Transportation major from Raynham, Massachusetts.  Liam is one of four Division Leaders for Sea Term 2023. 

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.

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. 

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.

Michael attended Cunningham Elementary School, Pierce Middle School, and Milton High School.

Meet 4/C Max Bowman, a Marine Transportation major from Falmouth, Massachusetts. 

Max’s mom explained that her son was brought surrounded by the ocean.  Both of his grandfathers were boat owners and taught him to love bass fishing. 

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.

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. 

Thank you to their families for sharing these great birthday flashback photos.

January 29^th:

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.

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.

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 8^th, 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.

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 8^th, 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.

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.

Bon Jour, Followers -

Welcome back, Followers –

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Ahoy, Followers –

Good morning, Followers –

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.

Welcome to Aruba, a constituent island of the Kingdom Of The Netherlands! 

Aruba's motto is, One Happy Island.  Let's see what has everyone smiling!

Let's start with a visit to Arikok National Park.  Wait until you see these views!

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.

Meet 4/C Cameron McManus, a Marine Transportation major from Lake Como, New Jersey. 

Cameron attended St. Rose Grammar School from kindergarten to grade eight.  He graduated from St. Rose High School.

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. 

Ahoy, Followers –

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. 

Many of our elementary school and middle school followers have the same question for our cadets:

What were your favorite science activities when you were in middle school?

Our cadets were eager to share their answers.

Tomorrow, the TS Kennedy will dock in Oranjestad, Aruba. 

The average high temperature in January is 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

The average low temperature in January is 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.  

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.  

0000 strikes which means it’s officially the second birthday I have now spent aboard the TS Kennedy.

I got fortunate enough that my closest friends brought cake for me as I stand a utility watch and sang, “Happy Birthday!”

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. 

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.  

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.

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Juvi, Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s cherished baker.  Since the training ship departed Buzzards Bay on January 8^th, 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.

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.

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. 

Bridget calls Goshen, Connecticut home. 

All lines aboard the TS Kennedy will unravel and fray at the end unless action is taken.

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. 

Ahoy, Followers!

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.

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.

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.  

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?

Welcome back Followers -

This past weekend the TS Kennedy was docked in Barbados.  This was our first port visit of four and the first time I had stepped foot on land in twelve days.

Hello again-

Hello, everyone -

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.

Meet 3/C Nicholas Iannone, a Marine Engineering who calls Wallingford, Connecticut. 

Nicholas began his education at Highland Elementary and Yalesville Elementary. He attended James H Moran Middle School and graduated from Mark T. Sheehan High School.

Good morning, Followers –

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!

Meet 1/C Kristopher Young, a Marine Transportation major who calls Plymouth, Massachusetts home.

During Sea Term 2023, Kristopher is one of four Safety Rates.  

Last year, Kristopher was asked why he chose to major in Marine Transportation, here is what he had to say:

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Juvi, Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s cherished baker.  Since the training ship departed Buzzards Bay on January 8^th, 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.

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.

Week Of Monday, January 23, 2023:

Good morning, Followers -

This weekend, cadets practiced an important skill for anyone pursuing a career at sea; flexibility.  

Ahoy, Followers –

What a weekend!  The cadets had a wonderful time exploring the island of Barbados. Scroll through the photos that they shared! 

Meet 4/C John (Jack) MacLachlan, a Marine Engineering major who calls Syracuse, New York home.

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.

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.

Older students are eager to try and figure out where the signs are posted, what they mean, and why the signs are necessary.

Yes, there are lots of signs on the TS Kennedy. 

The TS Kennedy is bound for Oranjestad, Aruba!

The distance from Bridgetown, Barbados to Oranjestad, Aruba is 621 nautical miles.

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. 

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

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

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.

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

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. 

Connor began fishing at a young age.  He also enjoyed camping on ocean beaches.

Barbados is known as "the land of the flying fish".  The flying fish is one of the national symbols of the country.

Flying fish can make powerful, self-propelled leaps out of the water.  Their long wing-like fins enable the fish to glid considerable distances above the water's surface.  The typical flight of a flying fish is about 160 feet. 

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. 

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.”

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

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.

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

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!

Check out the tug, Barbados II, right by our side.  Here is link to the Marine Traffic website if you are interested in learning more about her.  

Good morning, Followers –

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.

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.

As the TS Kennedy docks in its first port for Sea Term 2023, many of our PreK-12 students want to know:

Will this be your first trip to the Caribbean?

Have you and your family already visited islands in the Caribbean?

Which island are you most looking forward to visiting?

Here's what some of our cadets had to say...

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

Hey ya'll!  So today I was on maintenance. 

We painted all day today. We started on the Helo Deck which is where we hangout. Cadets paint a new mural every Sea Term.  It is always something different.

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.

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. 
 

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.

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.  

Well, watching some of the videos below will be the next best thing.  Spread out a beach towel, put on your sun hat, and pretend that you are on the beautiful island of Barbados.

Ahoy, Followers –

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.

Students in Bridget Eileen Hernandez’s special needs class at Bridgewater Raynham High School know that cadets

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.

Meet 3/C Troy Bockman, a Marine Transportation major from Groveland, Massachusetts!

The TS Kennedy will dock in Bridgetown, Barbados tomorrow.

The island of Barbados has an area of 166 square miles.  

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.”

Good Morning, Followers –

Many of our elementary school and middle school followers have the same question for our cadets:

What were your favorite science activities in when you were in middle school?

Cadets were eager to share their answers.

"In 7th grade I constructed a small-scale dam from natural products and tested in a tub." - 3/C Nicholas Iannone (MENG - Wallingford, CT)

Ahoy, Followers -

As I have told you, I have been given a great honor.

To celebrate the final voyage of the TS Kennedy as Massachusetts Maritime Academy's training ship, I have been given the key to the video vault.  

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).

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

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

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.

Hello, everyone! I just want to say welcome on this journey.  So on January 13^th 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.

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

Hello again, Followers,

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.

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.

Good morning, Followers -

Students participating in the Follow The Voyage – Share The Experience Program are always watching out for me.  I received a few emails from students who are worried that I may not be getting enough sleep.  When their teachers explained that the TS Kennedy does not drop anchor at night, these students became concerned that I am steering the ship both day and night. 

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. 

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

Several classes have emailed to ask:

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.  

Each pound of bacon cost Chartwells $5.55.

Are you sensing a mathematics lesson here?  I know I am. 

1.  What was the total cost of the bacon for Sea Term 2023?

Ahoy, Followers -

Stop and think.  How many times in the last twenty-four hours did you use fresh water?

You may have had a drink, washed your hands, taken a shower, brushed your teeth, or added it to a recipe without giving it much thought.

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

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.

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.

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.

Good morning, Followers -

While at anchor in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Lifeboat #2 got put to the test. 

Don’t worry, it was not an emergency.   Alarms did not sound.  There was no cause for concern. 

Instead, cadets were treated to a unique learning experience that will stay with them throughout their careers at sea.

Meet 4/C Jackson Millican, a Marine Transportation major from Mobile, Alabama, the state’s only saltwater port. 

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. 

Ahoy, Followers –

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.

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

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.  

Week Of Monday, January 16, 2023:

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. 

Port Fourchon services over 90% of the Gulf of Mexico's deep-water oil production. More than 600 oil platforms lie within a 40-mile radius of Port Fourchon. This area provides approximately 16-18% percent of the United States oil supply. 

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

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.  

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!

It's clear that the cadets aboard the TS Kennedy share a deep love of the ocean.

Many classes have emailed to ask the cadets:

How did you develop your love of the ocean?          Did you grow up near the ocean?

Did you family vacation near the ocean?                   What do you love best about the ocean?

Here's what some of our cadets had to say...

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.

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. 

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.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.

Safety is the #1 priority aboard the TS Kennedy, but occasionally, accidents happen. 

That's why Dr. Cukor ordered 4,500 Band-aids for Sea Term 2023.

Of course, he hopes that they won't need all of them, but they are standing by just in case.

Meet 4/C Michael Regan, a Marine Engineering major from Marshfield, Massachusetts. 

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.

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.  

She discovered that the TS Kennedy is 23 years older than the USS Alexandria.  The training ship is also 180 feet longer than the submarine. 

 

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. 

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. 

This is no fish story!  3/C Eric Mayers has this photo to prove it.

This week Eric reeled in this 7-foot white marlin, believed to weigh about 150 pounds.  Of course, there was not a scale largest enough to weigh his catch.

Hola, Followers -

Good Evening -

"Hey, Followers -

So today was my first day of watch.  I was the Navigator.  I plotted the ship’s location using latitude and longitude. And that was from midnight to 0400.  Then from 1200-1600, I was Quartermaster and I had to write down anything and everything that happened. Like today, we had a ship pass us on our starboard side and I had to report what time it was directly abeam from us which is directly alongside of us.

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.

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.

Good morning, Followers -

Today is the first day of what we call “Anchor Drills”.  1/C cadets will work in teams to raise and lower the anchor.  It is a very involved process. I will be on the Bridge to watch the drills and provide advice if needed.  I observe closely to assure that the cadets are safe at all times and that no damage is done to the ship.  As you know, safety is our number one priority here aboard the TS Kennedy. 

Many students have sent in questions asking how cadets entertain themselves in their free time. 

Several students wanted to know:

Does the TS Kennedy have a game room for cadets?

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.

Meet 3/C Andrew Leshaw, a Marine Transportation major from Key Biscayne, Florida!

Many of our middle school and high school followers have the same question for our cadets:

What were your favorite science class when you were in high school?

Our cadets were eager to share their answers.

“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.”
- Izabella Mackintosh (MENG - Plymouth, MA)

Ahoy, Followers -

As I mentioned on Tuesday, I have been given a great honor.

To celebrate the final voyage of the TS Kennedy as Massachusetts Maritime Academy's training ship, I have been given the key to the video vault.  

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).

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.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BFFqg2dkVSMXIcqxv5afXpw3My9nc6T2?usp=share_link

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.  

Along the way, you'll notice that the ladderwells (stairs) and passage ways (halls) are very simple.  As we've said before, this is not a fancy cruise ship.

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.

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.

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?  

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.  

As we observe Martin Luther King Jr.

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.  

The Mariano Lake Community School is located on the Navajo Reservation (Navajo Nation) in Crowpoint, New Mexico.  It serves students in grades K-6.  

Good morning, Followers -

I have received many emails asking if the cadets and crew of the TS Kennedy have ever had to shout, “Man overboard!”  Thankfully, they haven’t.  Also, throughout my long career at sea, I have never been working aboard a ship when a “Man overboard!” cry was necessary. 

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.  

Hello, Followers!

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

We have received many questions related to fishing:

"What's up, fellow seamen?
 
The past few days have been wicked wild. It has finally seems like I am getting into the flow of how the ship works and my duties on the ship.  The weather the fast few days has been incredible. My favorite part is the warm weather and the fresh sea breeze. The sunsets on the water are incredible and the view from the Helo Deck has been amazing.

Mathematics teacher Ken Kard is incorporating the TS Kennedy and Sea Term 2023 into lessons for his 7^thand 8^th grade students.  Ken teaches at Birchwood Middle School in North Providence, Rhode Island. 

Life at sea has been very interesting. I've never seen water so blue and I can officially say that dolphins are real.

Monday, January 9, 2023

The maximum capacity of the TS Kennedy is 710 persons.

Is 710 more or less than the number of students in your school?  

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!

The TS Kennedy has encountered fog throughout her journey down the the East Coast. 

That inspired students following from Bridget Hernandez's class at Bridgewater Raynham High School to submit their original poem, Fog, to us.   

Below the poem is a poster illustrating how fog forms over the ocean and a link to an article, The Physics Of Fog. 

Teachers, are you and your class ready to celebrate our first Sea Term Island Day on Friday, January 13^th? 

Technically, Puerto Rico is not a Sea Term port.  However, the TS Kennedy will be anchored off of the city of Mayaguez, close enough to admire the beautiful beaches.

Week Of Monday, January 9, 2023:

Ahoy, Followers –

Thanks to the incredibly talented drone photographer, Ryan Smith, you are in for a treat. 

His 4:22-minute video provides a bird's-eye-view of the campus of Massachusetts Maritime Academy.  Isn't it a spectacular location?

You will watch as the TS Kennedy as she depart for Sea Term 2023.  You may have to watch this video several times so that you don't miss anything.  

“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. 

“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.

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.  

Good morning, Followers -

Today is a special day back home in Narragansett, Rhode Island.  It is my daughter Kyrie’s 15th birthday.  I am sorry to be missing her special day.  Like me, Kyrie is also a captain.  She is the captain of Gansett Guard, a color guard team.

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.

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 4^th ship named after the Arctic explorer who claimed to be the first person to reach the geographic North Pole. 

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.

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.

One class wanted to know:

Did President John F. Kennedy help build the training ship?

The TS Kennedy's propeller has 4 blades.

The engine of the ship is connected to the propeller.  

The propeller blades displace water to create the forces that move the TS Kennedy forward.

Imagine that a family’s washer and dryer has stopped working.  

Let’s brainstorm some ways that the homeowner could solve the problem.

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.

Ahoy, Followers -

Good morning, Followers -

"Life At Sea: Departure Day

"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.

“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.

Meet 3/C Daniel James Stewart, a Marine Engineering major that calls Westford, Massachusetts home.

Daniel attended Colonel John Robinson School, John A. Crisafulli School, and Westford Academy. 

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.

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.  

Meet 1/C Jake Broderick, a Marine Transportation major who calls Bridgewater, Massachusetts home.

Many of our elementary school followers have the same question for our cadets:

What were your favorite science activities when you were in elementary school?

Our cadets were eager to share their answers.

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

The height of the TS Kennedy from her the bottom of her hull to her highest, non-removeable point is 119 feet.  

We received a great question from one of the high school classes participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program:

In the hours leading up to the departure, there was not one, but TWO Captain Campbells aboard the TS Kennedy.

Both Captain Campbells were both spotted in the Crew Mess, in the Master's Suite, and on the Bridge.At first, crew members and cadets thought they were seeing double and considered heading over to Sick Bay to get checked out.  

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?

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.  

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

Monday, January 9, 2023

Sit back and enjoy these drone shots of the TS Kennedy's departure.

Thanks to the talented Ryan Smith for sharing them with us.

Ryan is preparing a video of the departure.  I will share it here as soon as it is available.

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.

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.

Meet 3/C Ethan Sanchez, a Marine Transportation major from Fairfield, Connecticut.

Many classes participating in the Follow the Voyage-Share The Experience Program are kicking off 2023 weather units. 

One question that has been asked several times is:

How are meteorologists able to make weather predictions for ships traveling around the world?

Everyone wants to know:

What has been the training ship’s most often visited port?

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.

As the TS Kennedy cruises south, the sea conditions may get rough.  Some cadets on their first Sea Term may experience seasickness.  

Fortunately, Dr. Cukor has plenty of seasickness pills on hand - 1,100 to be exact.

There are just hours left before the TS Kennedy departs for Sea Term 2023.

Let's take a look back at Alongside Week.

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. 
 

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. 

In addition to the 8 enclosed lifeboats aboard the TS Kennedy, there are also 14 life rafts.

Each life raft has a capacity of 25 persons.  

Each life raft is enclosed in a canister on the deck.

Meet 3/C Eric Mayers, a Marine Transportation major who calls Cranbury, New Jersey home. 

 “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,

Meet 1/C Griffin Baker, a Marine Engineering major from Marblehead, Massachusetts. 

Griffiin attended Malcolm L. Bell Elementary School, Marblehead Veterans Middle School, and Marblehead High School. 

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.

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.

That’s the excitement of Departure Day!

Before the TS Kennedy departs for Sea Term 2023 tomorrow, step into our time machine! 

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. 

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. 
 

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

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.

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.

On a walk across campus this week, the words on the bell that hangs outside of the Harrington Building caught my eye.  

USS Nantucket
Gift Of The Town Of Nantucket, Massachusetts
September 1919

Meet 4/C Luke Kahrimanovic, a Marine Transportation major from Swansboro, North Carolina, a quaint, historic costal town

Friday, January 6, 2023

”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.

"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

"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!

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.  

Several classes have asked:

What is the first engineering course for cadets majoring in Marine Engineering?

One student wanted to know:

How do cadets already know how to run the TS Kennedy when they board the ship?

Here's how the training begins.

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.

The maximum speed of the TS Kennedy is 20 knots.

A nautical mile is the distance between two points or minutes of latitude on the globe.  

The speed of a vehicle on land is measured in miles per hour.  

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. 

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. 

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.

We love receiving questions from our Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program participants.  Several classes have asked,

Many of the students participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience Program are interested in lighthouses.  Some of the students live in coastal communities or on islands and have a lighthouse just a short distance from their homes.  Others enjoy reading about lighthouses.

There have been a wide variety of questions asked about lighthouses.  One that has been asked several times is:

Will the TS Kennedy pass a lighthouse?

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.

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.   

Let's take a look!

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. 

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:

What are you mist excited to learn aboard the TS Kennedy?

Let's see what they had to say...

Thursday, January 5, 2023

From the moment the cadets climbed up the gangway and walked onto the TS Kennedy, the learning began.

The learning will continue, nonstop, until the ship returns to Taylors Point on Sunday, February 19th.  

Much of the learning is hands-on. 

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.

Ahoy, Followers -

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.

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.

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.  

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.

Hello again, all of you aspiring sailors!

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.

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. 

Meet 4/C Sebastian Wright

Good morning, Followers -

When I stopped by the Bridge yesterday, one of the 4/C cadets on watch greeted me with a question that I hear often at this time of year, “Captain Campbell, do you remember what your first Sea Term was like?”  I began to explain, but wa

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. 

Meet 4/C Brady Deschamps, a Marine Engineering major from Brewster, Massachusetts, a Cape Cod town with a rich maritime history. 

Brady attended Eddy Elementary, Nauset Middle School, and Nauset Regional High School.

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.  

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.  

The beam of the TS Kennedy is 76 feet.

The beam of a ship is its width at its widest point, from the left side (port) to the right side (starboard).   

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.

Ahoy, Followers –

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.
 

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. 

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.

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.

Meet 3/C Jacob Thorpe, a Marine Transportation major who calls Woodland Park, Colorado home.  Woodland Park

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.  

We love receiving questions from our student followers.  Emails with lists of questions began arriving in October.  More arrive each day.

Several students asked:

"Does the TS Kennedy have a pool?"

A few students took the question a bit further.

"Does the TS Kennedy have a pool with a water slide?"

One student even asked, "Does the TS Kennedy have a mini-golf course?"

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.

We love receiving questions from classes following from across the United States and around the world!

We are eager to answer a question that has already been asked several times.

Is Little Buc The Official Mascot Of Massachusetts Maritime Academy?

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Good morning, Follow The Voyage – Share The Experience Program Participants –

The TS Kennedy is a busy place! 

As you are reading this in your classrooms across the United States and around the world, many of our cadets are on the dock and on the ship helping to load supplies that we will need for our voyage.  

Ahoy, Followers –

“Good day, everyone -

"Welcome to Sea Term 2023’s Follow The Voyage – Share The Experience Program (FTV-STX).  I am 3/C McArthur Dannelly from Annapolis, Maryland.

"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.

“My name is Mary Boujoukos.  I am a freshman Marine Engineering major from Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Today was a very anxious day for me. I can’t lie, I was so afraid this morning and just kept saying how badly I didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want to be on this ship for almost two months, but I had to.

Sea Term 2023 has officially begun!

Cadets have arrived on campus and have boarded the TS Kennedy!

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. 

When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”

Week Of Monday, January 2, 2023:

What a way to kick off 2023! 

Celebrating a birthday and getting settled in on a 540-foot cruise ship, in anticipation of a cruise to the Caribbean!

Finally!  The sea bags are packed and zipped! 

As you can imagine, it wasn’t easy!

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.

Every person aboard the TS Kennedy for Sea Term was required to have a valid passport. No exceptions!

Meet 4/C Kaleb J. Smigal, a Marine Engineering major who calls Groton, Connecticut home. 

Students participating in the Follow The Voyage-Share The Experience are full of questions!

They want to know:

Are you excited or nervous that you will be living on a sip for seven weeks?

Do you have trouble packing for an overnight, a few days away, or a weeklong vacation?

It's hard to decide what to bring - and what to leave behind.  So many times, travelers overpack, bringing along many extra items "just in case".  

Several classes have asked:

"Does the TS Kennedy have a bank?"

"Does the TS Kennedy have stores?"

The answer is not, "Yes!" or "No!"  It's, "Sort of!"

Monday, January 2, 2023

According to the article, How Does My Dog Know When I’m Going On Vacation?