Yesterday's wind moderated enough for the Harbormaster to open the port - so we finished up morning training - shifted divisions once more - and in we went. The wind caused some anxiety in harbor approach and docking, but as they say, any docking you can walk away from...
We cleared customs and immigration at 1250, and started letting officers, crew and first class ashore around 1330. By 1500 there were 495 people ashore out of 694 totals. The speed to which we were able to allow so many to go ashore so fast was attributable to our new RF scan system at the gangway. It's working well, and we hope that it continues to do so.
The morning report to me from the Commandant indicated we had four cases of misbehavior in port last night. Pretty good, but those three will long for liberty time over the next two ports.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Vera Cruz Day 2 January, 22
Buenos Dias! Today is day two of our port visit to Vera Cruz, Mexico. Liberty was piped before 0800 this morning; however there was not a mad dash to get off the ship ASAP like there was yesterday. Today is an overcast day and hopefully the sun will show up in the afternoon becasue I believe the beach is the target for most, I know it is for me and my friends. Vera Cruz is better than some though it would be. There are good places to eat, shop, and there is also a pretty nice strip (although it is small) with music and entertainment. Disvison two has watch and maintenance today so no one in that division will be leaving the ship. All cadets came back to the ship safe last night for those parents who may have been worried about not receiving a good night message. the Mexican ruins tour departed this morning at 0745 and will also be going out tomorrow. Josh and I will be mailing our pictures to Buzzards Bay this weekend, I tried to include every cadet in atleast one, but if you do not see yours tell him or her to come find me. Adios!
Friday, January 21, 2011
FTV 1/21/11
We have arrived in Vera Cruz, Mexico. We arrived a little late today because of the high winds which caused the port to be closed. After a long morning of standing by, we arrived safely on the pier.
After looking out into our new surroundings, we could hear all of the cadets talking about how excitied they were to get off the ship and see the the beautfiul and historical city.
Over the next few days, we will blog about all the interesting sites we see and the experiences we have. We will be sure to include pictures of this fun new place. Stay tuned for what lies ahead.
Questions:
1) If the United States currency is the Dollar. What is the currency in Mexico?
2) What is the exchange rate of Mexican currency to the American Dollar in Mexico?
After looking out into our new surroundings, we could hear all of the cadets talking about how excitied they were to get off the ship and see the the beautfiul and historical city.
Over the next few days, we will blog about all the interesting sites we see and the experiences we have. We will be sure to include pictures of this fun new place. Stay tuned for what lies ahead.
Questions:
1) If the United States currency is the Dollar. What is the currency in Mexico?
2) What is the exchange rate of Mexican currency to the American Dollar in Mexico?
Captain's Blog 1/21/11
I was gently awoken at three this morning by the ship's roll. I can't say I was surprised since the forecast was for a northerly wind. All day yesterday the concern over the wind had us thinking back at 2002 when we were last in Veracruz, when we were forced to delay docking a day. So, being awake I rolled out of the rack and took a peak out my curtains into the moonlit night. Where four hours earlier there was a slight sea with gentle breezes, now I could clearly see the seas had climbed to 6-8 feet, and the wave crests were wisping away in the force 7 wind. This did not promote a calming feeling, certainly nothing to allow me to go back to sleep.
Three hours later, and about five cups of coffee on the bridge, our concerns came to reality, as Veracruz Traffic informed us the port was closed. Of course the closure doesn't come with a planned time of opening, which must respond to the wind. So, there we were - what to do? Contingency planning was resorted to - in a matter of fifteen minutes we had dragged the department heads from their rooms and executed our only option - make Saturday Tuesday. In another 30 minutes the cadet divisional rotation was swapped, and as of now, at 0800, the day is shaping up to be any other training day.
Of course our flexibility is little solace to our young cadets who certainly had their hearts set on having liberty today. They have been at it full speed since 3 January, and probably deserve a day off, but as they prepare for some of the most rigorous careers in the United States, they are learning the valuable lesson of coping with that which is outside their control. Sometimes our most valuable lessons are taught to us be the sea and wind. That's why every graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy gains the seagoing experience.
Three hours later, and about five cups of coffee on the bridge, our concerns came to reality, as Veracruz Traffic informed us the port was closed. Of course the closure doesn't come with a planned time of opening, which must respond to the wind. So, there we were - what to do? Contingency planning was resorted to - in a matter of fifteen minutes we had dragged the department heads from their rooms and executed our only option - make Saturday Tuesday. In another 30 minutes the cadet divisional rotation was swapped, and as of now, at 0800, the day is shaping up to be any other training day.
Of course our flexibility is little solace to our young cadets who certainly had their hearts set on having liberty today. They have been at it full speed since 3 January, and probably deserve a day off, but as they prepare for some of the most rigorous careers in the United States, they are learning the valuable lesson of coping with that which is outside their control. Sometimes our most valuable lessons are taught to us be the sea and wind. That's why every graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy gains the seagoing experience.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
FTV Update 1/20/11
Today is the last night before we reach our first port! Everyone is excited for Vera Cruz, MEX this weekend. However, before we get our liberty all the holds (bunk rooms) and cadets must be inspected by the captain and his staff.
Each hold is in charge of its own cleaning and every cadet is responsible for their personal appearance and rack (Bed). The floors must be waxed and the shoes shined. Some leniency is given for the creases in the uniform due to the fact that ironing on the ship is difficult, but that does not mean a shirt or trousers can look horrible.
Even though the sun was behind fog today, it was very hot and very humid. Some cadets that had the day off were fishing off the fantail. For most of us it was business as usual with maintenance and training.
Each hold is in charge of its own cleaning and every cadet is responsible for their personal appearance and rack (Bed). The floors must be waxed and the shoes shined. Some leniency is given for the creases in the uniform due to the fact that ironing on the ship is difficult, but that does not mean a shirt or trousers can look horrible.
Even though the sun was behind fog today, it was very hot and very humid. Some cadets that had the day off were fishing off the fantail. For most of us it was business as usual with maintenance and training.
FTV 1/20/11
There are about forty different known species of flying fish that can be found in warm ocean waters worldwide. Their torpedo-like shape allows them to gather great speed underwater, and there wing like fins allow them to sustain flight. Flying fish can reach heights of up to four feet and travel distances over two hundred meters. Though many flying fish can be seen from the ship, the fishermen on board are on the hunt for something bigger.
Every day since we've been in the warm climate cadets have set up lines to be dragged behind the ship in the hopes of catching Mahi Mahi. Mahi Mahi is a beautiful, sleek green fish that are quite popular among sport fisherman and are can be very delicious if cooked correctly. They are a surface dwelling fish found in offshore tropical and subtropical waters. So far only a few have been caught off the stern of the ship; surely many more are yet to be caught. We'll be sure to post the results of these catches as the numbers come in. Coming Up: The T.S. Kennedy will be docking in Vera Cruz, Mexico Friday morning at 0800
Questions:
1. Are flying fish capable of staying on the surface of the water for a distance greater than that of the T.S. Kennedy?
2. What is another name for Mahi Mahi?
3. If dolphins swim in pods, what do Mahi Mahi and flying fish swim in?
Captain's Blog 1/20/11
One day out of port on the first leg, and we are on training day 10 - or over one third of the training has been delivered. Wow. This is not without forethought however. We find the quicker we can deliver the information to the cadets, the more time they have to let it sink in and better perform on the examinations. Of course, there are a few days of liberty between, but for the most part they do better.
On the other side of the coin, the end of the sea term, when we leave the final port of San Juan we will only have four days and an exam day to contend with while channel fever sets in.
Today, I think that many of the cadets and crew are thinking about Veracruz; so many of the cadets have never been away from home of land for this period of time before. They're sailors now; they just haven't recognized it yet.
If all goes well with the docking tomorrow at about 0830, and then we clear the port officials gauntlet in a timely fashion, the cadets could be walking around the city's central square by 1100. But before that time off they have inspections and a pre-port briefing tonight. I sincerely hope that they listen to the do's and don'ts of a sailor in a foreign port.
On the other side of the coin, the end of the sea term, when we leave the final port of San Juan we will only have four days and an exam day to contend with while channel fever sets in.
Today, I think that many of the cadets and crew are thinking about Veracruz; so many of the cadets have never been away from home of land for this period of time before. They're sailors now; they just haven't recognized it yet.
If all goes well with the docking tomorrow at about 0830, and then we clear the port officials gauntlet in a timely fashion, the cadets could be walking around the city's central square by 1100. But before that time off they have inspections and a pre-port briefing tonight. I sincerely hope that they listen to the do's and don'ts of a sailor in a foreign port.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Captain's Blog 1/19/11
One leg we are in a hurry, the next one we're dogging it. We knew the trip over to Veracruz would be a lazy one, where we set the speed at 11 knots. So, as it has turned out we carried a little more. So this morning we slowed down a bit more, 40 revolutions per minute of the propeller, which should give us about 9 knots.
Speed of ship is much like speed in an aircraft - where the external forces affect it very much. We've all heard the pilot of the Boeing say 'We are experiencing headwinds, so our arrival will be delayed' and the same is true for ships. Cars, trucks and trains have what is called positive friction with the land, whereas ships and aircraft are operating in a fluid medium 'air and water actually act similarly from a dynamics perspective.
How we determine speed starts with the propeller - on the Kennedy our propeller had a 22.946 foot pitch - or in other words, in one revolution it will drive the ship exactly 22.946 feet ' multiply that by the revolutions per minute and you can compute the ship's distance traveled over time ' or what is known as speed. As we look at our effective speed, we then can compute the 'engine distance' compared to 'observed distance' to figure out the percent efficiency, and a thing called 'slip', where head currents or following currents can change the propeller efficiency.
Yes, we confuse it one more step by using nautical miles (so do airplanes!). Our miles out here are not based upon a British Standard, but by the Earth itself. One mile equals on minute of arc on average of the two great circles on Earth ' the Equator and all the Meridians. So, it happens to be just about 6076.1 feet in length. When the sailor or the aviator travels one nautical mile per hour, we differentiate from land by saying we are moving in 'knots' - or a nautical miles per hour. Wow, stop me now as I start thinking about the age old argument ' is it a knot because of the old chip logs, or simply because to is slang for 'naut' - I simply don't know!
Speed of ship is much like speed in an aircraft - where the external forces affect it very much. We've all heard the pilot of the Boeing say 'We are experiencing headwinds, so our arrival will be delayed' and the same is true for ships. Cars, trucks and trains have what is called positive friction with the land, whereas ships and aircraft are operating in a fluid medium 'air and water actually act similarly from a dynamics perspective.
How we determine speed starts with the propeller - on the Kennedy our propeller had a 22.946 foot pitch - or in other words, in one revolution it will drive the ship exactly 22.946 feet ' multiply that by the revolutions per minute and you can compute the ship's distance traveled over time ' or what is known as speed. As we look at our effective speed, we then can compute the 'engine distance' compared to 'observed distance' to figure out the percent efficiency, and a thing called 'slip', where head currents or following currents can change the propeller efficiency.
Yes, we confuse it one more step by using nautical miles (so do airplanes!). Our miles out here are not based upon a British Standard, but by the Earth itself. One mile equals on minute of arc on average of the two great circles on Earth ' the Equator and all the Meridians. So, it happens to be just about 6076.1 feet in length. When the sailor or the aviator travels one nautical mile per hour, we differentiate from land by saying we are moving in 'knots' - or a nautical miles per hour. Wow, stop me now as I start thinking about the age old argument ' is it a knot because of the old chip logs, or simply because to is slang for 'naut' - I simply don't know!
FTV 1/19/11
Today the Kennedy is reducing its distance to Vera Cruz, Mexico. All the cadets on board are looking forward to a nice weekend where they can recharge the batteries and prepare for another 9 day stint to Barbados.
This morning was the first really hot day and the Hilo deck (aka the steel beach) was covered in sunbathers. There was fishing, card playing and just plain relaxing aft today for the fortunate cadets who did not have maintenance and could squeeze it into their busy schedules.
At MMA we use 'military time' in reference to a 24-hour clock system. So when a cadet has class at 0800, what they mean is they report for class at 8:00am. If someone has watch at 2000, then they report at 8:00pm.
Since the ship has various events going on twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, it is important to keep track of where people need to be and especially WHEN!
This military time operates off a 24-hour clock, beginning at midnight (which is 0000 hours). If you imagine a clock face, pass 12-noon and continue counting 1300 (1:00pm), 1400 (2:00pm), 1500 (3:00pm), and so on up to 2300 (11:00pm).
Questions:
1.If the Captain of the Ship wants to see you at 0300hrs, what time is that?
2.On January 18th, what was the Kennedy's latitude and longitude at 2100hrs?
3.What time is 8 hours after 2330?
This morning was the first really hot day and the Hilo deck (aka the steel beach) was covered in sunbathers. There was fishing, card playing and just plain relaxing aft today for the fortunate cadets who did not have maintenance and could squeeze it into their busy schedules.
At MMA we use 'military time' in reference to a 24-hour clock system. So when a cadet has class at 0800, what they mean is they report for class at 8:00am. If someone has watch at 2000, then they report at 8:00pm.
Since the ship has various events going on twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, it is important to keep track of where people need to be and especially WHEN!
This military time operates off a 24-hour clock, beginning at midnight (which is 0000 hours). If you imagine a clock face, pass 12-noon and continue counting 1300 (1:00pm), 1400 (2:00pm), 1500 (3:00pm), and so on up to 2300 (11:00pm).
1.If the Captain of the Ship wants to see you at 0300hrs, what time is that?
2.On January 18th, what was the Kennedy's latitude and longitude at 2100hrs?
3.What time is 8 hours after 2330?
Cadet Interviews
Year: Freshman
From: South Boston, MA
High school: Boston Collegiate Charter school
Why did you choose MMA?
My cousins graduated from MMA and are both very successful so I wanted to follow their lead. Another reason is because I wanted to go to a school where academics can be a top priority and distractions that are found at other colleges don't exist here.
What has been your favorite part of sea term?
I have enjoyed the engine training the most, it is interesting and I have always loved to work with my hands. I have always enjoyed math, even though I have to work hard at it. Also I enjoy being out at sea with all my friends and being away from home for the first time. After a hard day of training and maintenance its relaxing to sit on the fantail and see nothing but open ocean.
So Marine engineering is the major you are going to choose?
Actually, I want to go facilities engineering. I got accepted into the Mass state license program which means that when I graduate I will have a third class engineering license. This program will give me better opportunities when I look for an internship and I can take sophomore classes next semester instead of waiting.
What did you find most challenging about life at MMA in the fall semester?
The hardest part was dealing with the regiment as well as my academics, and adjusting to life away from home.
What port of call are you looking forward to the most?
I can't wait to get to Barbados because I hear the beaches are amazing.
Name: Devon Brodeur
Year: Freshman
From: Worcester, MA
High School: Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School
Why did you choose MMA?
I went to a tech school for HVAC, my shop teachers suggested attending MMA so I looked into it, heard great things, and never looked back.
What major did you come here for?
I was undecided between facilities and marine engineering, but now I know I want to go marine engineering.
What made you decide on Marine engineering?
I defiantly wanted some type of engineering degree because I always loved working hands on. Fall semester I had a work study job with the engineers on the Kennedy. After talking to the guys, hearing their stories, and working in the engine room I made my decision.
Did you look forward to sea term?
I looked forward to sea term as an experience to get out and travel the world. I wanted the chance to prove to myself that I could be independent. This trip will let me know if working away from land is what I want
What had been your favorite part of sea term?
Defiantly working in the engine room. When I am on engine watch I use my time to question the seniors, the watch engineers, and trace the various systems that can be found there. When I am not learning my favorite part is hanging out on the Hilo deck with friends.
What port are you looking forward to the most?
I am doing white water rafting in Vera Cruz, looking forward to the beaches in Barbados, and Zip lining in San Juan; so I can't decide on a favorite. I am looking forward to them all!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Captain's Blog 1/18/11
Shipboard living enters routines quite quickly. You tend to see the same people doing the same thing day in and day out. There's the Company Officer that can be found in the Officer's Mess every afternoon at about 1500 having a glass of milk, reading a book along with a few magazines; another that you can be sure to find him in the gym at 1100 sharp every day except Sunday. The Chief Engineer holds court each morning in the Mess Deck at 0730. Folks tend to sit in the same spot every meal, take walks in the same direction on deck. Yes, it is actually funny to notice these things.
But for the cadets it is different. Of course we don't see their daily routine as closely as our fellow crew, but you do tend to notice occasionally. The same two cadets shooting hoops together on the Helo Deck after dinner; or the small group sitting in the library in the afternoon gives evidence they too are creatures of habit. Of course their routines are so demanding and ever changing. One day on watch, the next in class, two days later back to watch or switching to maintenance.
Where am I going with this, I don't know, but I was reflecting on it last evening, after a unbelievable change in the weather. Yesterday morning we had very violent thunderstorms in the morning - lightning and thunder with sheets of rain. It actually interrupted our anchor drills more than once. But by 1500 in the afternoon it was clearing - and we were heading west toward Mexico. By 1800 it was a warm evening with a brilliant sunset and by 2000 the full moon was high overhead and we had calm seas. A walk about the decks saw many, many crew and cadets taking advantage of the nice weather finally. Now, as we get out on deck more we'll see each with a different view
But for the cadets it is different. Of course we don't see their daily routine as closely as our fellow crew, but you do tend to notice occasionally. The same two cadets shooting hoops together on the Helo Deck after dinner; or the small group sitting in the library in the afternoon gives evidence they too are creatures of habit. Of course their routines are so demanding and ever changing. One day on watch, the next in class, two days later back to watch or switching to maintenance.
Where am I going with this, I don't know, but I was reflecting on it last evening, after a unbelievable change in the weather. Yesterday morning we had very violent thunderstorms in the morning - lightning and thunder with sheets of rain. It actually interrupted our anchor drills more than once. But by 1500 in the afternoon it was clearing - and we were heading west toward Mexico. By 1800 it was a warm evening with a brilliant sunset and by 2000 the full moon was high overhead and we had calm seas. A walk about the decks saw many, many crew and cadets taking advantage of the nice weather finally. Now, as we get out on deck more we'll see each with a different view
Monday, January 17, 2011
FTV 1/17/11
The Kennedy finished with engines last night and has anchored off the cost of Tampa Bay, just outside cell phone reception. The good news is that we are still in range for the satellites to receive the NFL playoffs as the Patriots get ready to battle the Jets for a spot in the AFC championships.. Cadets are using this day to catch up on Laundry and homework as well as rest. Many have posted up in the mess deck with the hopes of winning board and card games as well as a prime spot to watch the football game at 1630.
Raffle tickets are being sold this afternoon for Mayhem in Mayaguez. Mayhem in Mayaguez will take place during our next Sunday at sea on January, 30th. The proceeds from this raffle are going to benefit the Wounded Warriors Charity. Some of the prizes include Captains inspections off and 1st of the ship with two friends in Barbados and San Juan.
Captain's Blog 1/17/11
Yesterday was our first of two Sundays at sea. The Saturday weather was kind of an evil omen, as well as some forecasts we had. But, at sunrise on Sunday the skies were pretty clear and the temperature was warm. A few passing altocumulus hit us mid-morning, but by 1100 the sun was out and it was almost summer – well for us, it was summer! The day was successful; when nearly the whole crew came out on deck in leisure wear, enjoyed traditional cook-out fare with music blasting, and the hot sun. The late afternoon saw over 750 sirloin steaks prepared on the barby.
Of course there was an overarching tension throughout the day as we prepared for the Patriots-Jets showdown. Our satellite TV system was out of coverage, so we had to rely upon local digital radio reception. We were not disappointed when out new digital TV antenna gave us a perfect picture, which was amplified and transmitted to five viewing locations aboard. Sadly, our ability to overcome some technological problems was not rewarded by the Patriots play. I know that four or five Jets fans in the officers group were quietly smug as time ran out – all except one – who simply had to revel in the Jet's success. I'm betting there will be more Steelers fans than normal next week.
One slight issue at out Tampa anchorage was the less-than-great cellular phone coverage. There were probably plenty of families at home that expected calls and did not get them. Out distance from certain companies' cell towers was the problem, and won't get any better for a few weeks. I will advise that the next time we have US service will be in Puerto Rico when we anchor in Mayaquez, out second Sunday at sea. Any calls from Mexico and intervening island we pass, if the phone is not equipped with worldwide service, will be very costly. So, after three iterations of anchoring today in passing thunder showers, we will begin out passage across the Gulf of Mexico toward our first liberty port, Veracruz, on Friday.
Of course there was an overarching tension throughout the day as we prepared for the Patriots-Jets showdown. Our satellite TV system was out of coverage, so we had to rely upon local digital radio reception. We were not disappointed when out new digital TV antenna gave us a perfect picture, which was amplified and transmitted to five viewing locations aboard. Sadly, our ability to overcome some technological problems was not rewarded by the Patriots play. I know that four or five Jets fans in the officers group were quietly smug as time ran out – all except one – who simply had to revel in the Jet's success. I'm betting there will be more Steelers fans than normal next week.
One slight issue at out Tampa anchorage was the less-than-great cellular phone coverage. There were probably plenty of families at home that expected calls and did not get them. Out distance from certain companies' cell towers was the problem, and won't get any better for a few weeks. I will advise that the next time we have US service will be in Puerto Rico when we anchor in Mayaquez, out second Sunday at sea. Any calls from Mexico and intervening island we pass, if the phone is not equipped with worldwide service, will be very costly. So, after three iterations of anchoring today in passing thunder showers, we will begin out passage across the Gulf of Mexico toward our first liberty port, Veracruz, on Friday.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
FTV 1/16/11
Chartwells is our food service for both sea term and back at school. On sea term, the mess deck is open 24/7 because of everyone’s vastly different schedules. Chartwells is comprised of 31 employees, 26 of the being hourly workers and 5 managers. These employees work very long, very tiring 18-hour days serving food and maintaining the facilities.
To accommodate the 710 cadets and crew on board being open all the time, a great deal of preparation is done. In order to satisfy the hunger and cravings of all on board; 65-75 gallons of milk a day, 150-300 pounds of flour a day, 200 pounds of potatoes a day, 65 dozen cookies a day and 90 loaves of bread a day are made and prepared. On-loading during alongside weeks was mostly spent bring food down to the refrigeration area and storage.
Hundreds of cadets assisted in bringing; 440 5-gallon containers of milk, 600 gallons of hard iced cream, 400 gallons of soft serve iced cream, 150 10-pound cases of cereal, 800 pounds of ketchup, 3400 pounds of marinara sauce, and 30 gallons of salsa on board. There are also special occasions that need to be kept in mind. Whenever there is a Sunday that we are at sea, this year there are 2, we have a cookout on the helo deck. For this, 900 hand-carved steaks are brought on board and prepared for just those 2 days. Also, every Tuesday for lunch, chicken patties are served. Cadets carried enough chicken patties on board to prepare 1100 every Tuesday. In every port, we restock our produce. We get 1000 pounds of produce in every port. The employees of Chartwells work incredibly hard in keeping the food stocked, fresh and cadets fed.
Questions
1. How many cookies are made during Sea Term?
2. How many chicken patties are made during Sea Term?
3. Where will we be anchored for our Sundays at Sea this year?
To accommodate the 710 cadets and crew on board being open all the time, a great deal of preparation is done. In order to satisfy the hunger and cravings of all on board; 65-75 gallons of milk a day, 150-300 pounds of flour a day, 200 pounds of potatoes a day, 65 dozen cookies a day and 90 loaves of bread a day are made and prepared. On-loading during alongside weeks was mostly spent bring food down to the refrigeration area and storage.
Hundreds of cadets assisted in bringing; 440 5-gallon containers of milk, 600 gallons of hard iced cream, 400 gallons of soft serve iced cream, 150 10-pound cases of cereal, 800 pounds of ketchup, 3400 pounds of marinara sauce, and 30 gallons of salsa on board. There are also special occasions that need to be kept in mind. Whenever there is a Sunday that we are at sea, this year there are 2, we have a cookout on the helo deck. For this, 900 hand-carved steaks are brought on board and prepared for just those 2 days. Also, every Tuesday for lunch, chicken patties are served. Cadets carried enough chicken patties on board to prepare 1100 every Tuesday. In every port, we restock our produce. We get 1000 pounds of produce in every port. The employees of Chartwells work incredibly hard in keeping the food stocked, fresh and cadets fed.
Questions
1. How many cookies are made during Sea Term?
2. How many chicken patties are made during Sea Term?
3. Where will we be anchored for our Sundays at Sea this year?
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