Today is Field Day. After a long voyage, the ship needs to be cleaned. Cleaning the ship is part of the required maintenance until it sets sail again. Everyone who is not on watch has been very busy cleaning and organizing every space on the ship. Desks and chairs are secured and stored neatly, offices are being packed up to be offloaded, and bulkheads and decks are being washed down. Not to mention the enormous amount of trash that is being compacted that is stored for offload. During our journey home we traveled through the North Atlantic. While in the North Atlantic we are allowed to dump almost all our trash over the side. There are certain regulations of course that only allow us to dump and discharge certain things.
Most of these regulations pertain to where dumping is allowed. For example, nothing can be dumped within three miles of any land. Also there is no dumping in Caribbean and Greater Caribbean oceans.. One of the items that cannot be dumped anywhere is plastic. Plastic is harmful to the environment. This is because all other trash that is dumped can break down to its natural element, plastic does not do this. Plastic only breaks down into smaller pieces; these small pieces never break down. We do our best to prevent plastic from entering the ocean. We store our un-dumped or non-dumping trash in a large container that sits on top of the two hold hatch. In the end, our trash is either dumped over the side or stored until it can be offloaded in port.
We are currently anchored in Cape Cod Bay, not too far from the entrance to the Cape Cod Canal. Everyone is eager to start our trip down the canal and reach home. It will be an exciting trip down the canal, as family and friends line the canal and academy for our return.
Questions
Why is our time of arrival (1042) so specific? (Hint: We are waiting for a certain time of day.)
Why is plastic considered harmful to sea animals?
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Captain's Blog 2/18/11
Cold and windy, that's what we got this morning. I woke to a brilliant setting full moon as we headed west, north of Race Point. Soon we were blowing tubes and turning south. We should be at anchor no later than 1100.
Tomorrow will be a busy day - but first, I have weather facts that might help parents and friends planning on viewing the ship's arrival tomorrow. Right now the wind is blowing at 30 knots out in Cape Cod Bay - and at the same time it is blowing 15 in Buzzards Bay. This dramatic difference is caused by land friction, and how it slows and interrupts wind. And, we see the most significant drop in wind velocity when it blows north or northwest. So we can expect the wind to be moderate tomorrow morning as we dock at 1040. It will still be cold - at least for those of us not acclimated to the New England weather.
Tomorrow we will heave anchor about 0830, pick up the pilot and head toward the Canal breakwater at Scusset Beach, passing at about 0915. The Canal will take just about an hour as it includes taking up tugs after the Bourne Bridge. We should be off the Academy at just about 1030, ready to make the move into the slip at slack water.
Parents should be patient as it takes a little time to get positioned and moored before we hoist the gangway into place. Then the cadets will be released based upon inspection of their berthing spaces passing inspection. Who will be the first person off the ship? Cadet 1/C Benjamin Boudrow placed the highest bid with Vegas Night funny-money for the privilege - hope he doesn't trip!
2011 Annual Master's Awards
Each year I ask the department heads to survey their members and give me a short list of those cadets that have gone above and beyond. I know there are many cadets that just do the minimum, and as long as they stay out of the way, I suppose that is OK. I know we have the real goldbrickers too, and they tend to stand out in afternoon extra duty musters. Yet we have many, many cadets that just want to strive - they want the best grades and they want to do the best job on maintenance - and for these cadets we honor them with a Master's Award. For the remainder of their time at the Academy they will wear a ribbon, blue and gold stripes on a grey field. The following cadets have earned this honor, and I offer them my congratulations!
First Class: Joseph Connor, Marshfield, MA (3); George Cornelius, Annapolis, MD (2); Patrick Dannaher, Arlington, VA; Christine Egbert, Meadowbrook, PA; Kevin Ferranzzani, North Reading, MA; Paul Frempong, East Hartford, CT (2); Peter Gels, Boston, MA; Benjamin Johnson, Dover, NH; Jared Horey, Ledyard, CT; Daniel Kelley, Bradford, MA; Brian Maniglia, Pennsville, NJ; Rory O'Donnell, Somerset, MA; Kevin O'Sullivan, Quincy, MA (2); Brian Reske, Duxbury, MA (2); Adam Silvis, Dayton, PA; Elizabeth Strunk, Lexington, KY; Michael Surette, Lynn, MA; Thomas Stralka, North Kingstown, RI; Devin Tetzlaff, Forestdale, MA (2); Maxwell Whitney, Middletown, RI; Ronald Varrichione, Medway, MA; and Andrew Willard, Underhill, VT.
Third Class: Kristen Donnell, Indianapolis, IN (2); Ryan Joyce, Milton, MA; Sarah Knott, East Sandwich, MA; Nicholas Mazurkiewicz (2), Peabody, MA; Christopher Meoli, Northboro, MA; Douglas Neal, Hampstead, MD; Andrew Pfister, Burke, VA; Mark Price, Woods Hole, MA (2); Benjamin Schaff, Sagamore Beach, MA (2); Anna Whittimore, Weatogue, CT; and Christopher Wright, Mattapoisett, MA.
Fourth Class: Christopher Affannato, Haverhill, MA; Lauren Bateman, Newbury, MA; John Bradford, Rockport, MA; Kelsie Brien, Methuen, MA; Thomas Dindy, Marshfield, MA; Hillary Doucette, Manchester, MA; Stephen Ellershaw, Michaela Garrity, Tiverton, RI; Brett Igo, Hingham, MA; Robert Krupa, Acushnet, MA; Stephanie Lee, Acton, MA; Elliot Lewis, Bennington, VT; Stephen Lindsey, Attleboro, MA; Brian Mason, Plymouth, MA; Torey McGilvray, Plymouth, MA; Ian Memmi, Hershey, PA; and Karen Parker, Fairhaven, MA.
Note, those cadets with (#) indicate previous Master's Awards.
Tomorrow will be a busy day - but first, I have weather facts that might help parents and friends planning on viewing the ship's arrival tomorrow. Right now the wind is blowing at 30 knots out in Cape Cod Bay - and at the same time it is blowing 15 in Buzzards Bay. This dramatic difference is caused by land friction, and how it slows and interrupts wind. And, we see the most significant drop in wind velocity when it blows north or northwest. So we can expect the wind to be moderate tomorrow morning as we dock at 1040. It will still be cold - at least for those of us not acclimated to the New England weather.
Tomorrow we will heave anchor about 0830, pick up the pilot and head toward the Canal breakwater at Scusset Beach, passing at about 0915. The Canal will take just about an hour as it includes taking up tugs after the Bourne Bridge. We should be off the Academy at just about 1030, ready to make the move into the slip at slack water.
Parents should be patient as it takes a little time to get positioned and moored before we hoist the gangway into place. Then the cadets will be released based upon inspection of their berthing spaces passing inspection. Who will be the first person off the ship? Cadet 1/C Benjamin Boudrow placed the highest bid with Vegas Night funny-money for the privilege - hope he doesn't trip!
2011 Annual Master's Awards
Each year I ask the department heads to survey their members and give me a short list of those cadets that have gone above and beyond. I know there are many cadets that just do the minimum, and as long as they stay out of the way, I suppose that is OK. I know we have the real goldbrickers too, and they tend to stand out in afternoon extra duty musters. Yet we have many, many cadets that just want to strive - they want the best grades and they want to do the best job on maintenance - and for these cadets we honor them with a Master's Award. For the remainder of their time at the Academy they will wear a ribbon, blue and gold stripes on a grey field. The following cadets have earned this honor, and I offer them my congratulations!
First Class: Joseph Connor, Marshfield, MA (3); George Cornelius, Annapolis, MD (2); Patrick Dannaher, Arlington, VA; Christine Egbert, Meadowbrook, PA; Kevin Ferranzzani, North Reading, MA; Paul Frempong, East Hartford, CT (2); Peter Gels, Boston, MA; Benjamin Johnson, Dover, NH; Jared Horey, Ledyard, CT; Daniel Kelley, Bradford, MA; Brian Maniglia, Pennsville, NJ; Rory O'Donnell, Somerset, MA; Kevin O'Sullivan, Quincy, MA (2); Brian Reske, Duxbury, MA (2); Adam Silvis, Dayton, PA; Elizabeth Strunk, Lexington, KY; Michael Surette, Lynn, MA; Thomas Stralka, North Kingstown, RI; Devin Tetzlaff, Forestdale, MA (2); Maxwell Whitney, Middletown, RI; Ronald Varrichione, Medway, MA; and Andrew Willard, Underhill, VT.
Third Class: Kristen Donnell, Indianapolis, IN (2); Ryan Joyce, Milton, MA; Sarah Knott, East Sandwich, MA; Nicholas Mazurkiewicz (2), Peabody, MA; Christopher Meoli, Northboro, MA; Douglas Neal, Hampstead, MD; Andrew Pfister, Burke, VA; Mark Price, Woods Hole, MA (2); Benjamin Schaff, Sagamore Beach, MA (2); Anna Whittimore, Weatogue, CT; and Christopher Wright, Mattapoisett, MA.
Fourth Class: Christopher Affannato, Haverhill, MA; Lauren Bateman, Newbury, MA; John Bradford, Rockport, MA; Kelsie Brien, Methuen, MA; Thomas Dindy, Marshfield, MA; Hillary Doucette, Manchester, MA; Stephen Ellershaw, Michaela Garrity, Tiverton, RI; Brett Igo, Hingham, MA; Robert Krupa, Acushnet, MA; Stephanie Lee, Acton, MA; Elliot Lewis, Bennington, VT; Stephen Lindsey, Attleboro, MA; Brian Mason, Plymouth, MA; Torey McGilvray, Plymouth, MA; Ian Memmi, Hershey, PA; and Karen Parker, Fairhaven, MA.
Note, those cadets with (#) indicate previous Master's Awards.
FTV 2/18/11
All of the classes for freshmen are complete. Sophomore and senior deck cadets are done with their sea term projects. The sophomore and senior engineers have their sea projects completed as well; all that is left academically are finals. Today is exam day throughout the ship. Cadets have been busy studying for these final exams which will be a part of each cadet’s final grade.
All freshmen will take the remainder of their exams covering: engineering, marine safety, environmental protection, international maritime business, emergency management, and marine transportation. For sophomore and senior deck cadets, an exam that covers their training days will be taken along with STCW assessments and qualifications. Sophomore and senior engineering cadets have an exam as well as a plate exam, for which they will need to draw one of the systems in the engine room. Most of the assessments and qualifications have already been completed however some still need to be done. For example, sophomore deck cadets have qualifications on splicing three strand manila rope and stoppers for mooring lines.
We are steadily heading north along our course for home. By the end of tomorrow, we will be anchored in Cape Cod Bay in preparation for our arrival in Buzzards Bay. Before we anchor, we must travel around Cape Cod to enter the bay. This will provide an excellent view of the Massachusetts coastline and to cadets, a great site of familiar land and home.
Questions:
In cases involving the Nautical Rules of the Road, is Cape Cod Bay considered international or inland?
What two bodies of water does the Cape Cod Canal connect?
All freshmen will take the remainder of their exams covering: engineering, marine safety, environmental protection, international maritime business, emergency management, and marine transportation. For sophomore and senior deck cadets, an exam that covers their training days will be taken along with STCW assessments and qualifications. Sophomore and senior engineering cadets have an exam as well as a plate exam, for which they will need to draw one of the systems in the engine room. Most of the assessments and qualifications have already been completed however some still need to be done. For example, sophomore deck cadets have qualifications on splicing three strand manila rope and stoppers for mooring lines.
We are steadily heading north along our course for home. By the end of tomorrow, we will be anchored in Cape Cod Bay in preparation for our arrival in Buzzards Bay. Before we anchor, we must travel around Cape Cod to enter the bay. This will provide an excellent view of the Massachusetts coastline and to cadets, a great site of familiar land and home.
Questions:
In cases involving the Nautical Rules of the Road, is Cape Cod Bay considered international or inland?
What two bodies of water does the Cape Cod Canal connect?
Thursday, February 17, 2011
FTV 2/17/11
We are steaming north and each day the weather is getting colder. Today, we were blessed with a gentle breeze and calm seas. Yesterday, there was a fire drill along with an abandon ship drill. They are not the most exciting part of our voyage but definitely the most important of the voyage. We need to know exactly where to go and what to do in case of an emergency.
In the case of an abandon ship alarm, everyone would report to their respective life boats and rafts and prepare to abandon ship. The lifeboats on our ship come in two sizes and are painted orange to fit regulation. In each boat, there are many of different items that are necessary for the cadets and crew of the lifeboat to survive. Some of these items are a bailer, boat hook, compass, food rations, fresh water, emergency radio, flares, oars, and heaving line. In addition to lifeboats are life rafts and these rafts can be lowered over the side with ease. If our vessel were to sink, any remaining life raft canisters on board would detach automatically after reaching a certain depth. From there, they open would float to the surface.
There are more than life boats and rafts that we have on board in the case of an abandon ship. Immersion suits are issued to all the officers and crew. These suits are designed to keep someone warm and dry in case they need to enter the water. Freshmen cadets put these on and jump into the frigid December waters every year as a part of their vessel familiarization course. Similar to immersion suits, are thermal protection aids (TPA). TPAs are essentially a large solar blanket, but designed as a suit. These don’t keep the body dry but are able to provide warmth to the body while in the water. These were tried on as part of the cold water survival segment of orientation. In the rare chance of a man overboard situation our ship has a fast rescue boat. This boat can be launched quickly off the port side and sent to rescue the person in the water. Other items around the ship are life rings fitted with white flashing lights that allow them to be seen at night.
Questions:
As mentioned before that there are two different sizes of life boats. What are these two different sizes? (Hint: Size refers to the number of people each boat can hold. Also try looking in the ship schematics.)
What shade of orange are lifeboats painted?
What convention came as a result of the sinking of the RMS Titanic?
In the case of an abandon ship alarm, everyone would report to their respective life boats and rafts and prepare to abandon ship. The lifeboats on our ship come in two sizes and are painted orange to fit regulation. In each boat, there are many of different items that are necessary for the cadets and crew of the lifeboat to survive. Some of these items are a bailer, boat hook, compass, food rations, fresh water, emergency radio, flares, oars, and heaving line. In addition to lifeboats are life rafts and these rafts can be lowered over the side with ease. If our vessel were to sink, any remaining life raft canisters on board would detach automatically after reaching a certain depth. From there, they open would float to the surface.
There are more than life boats and rafts that we have on board in the case of an abandon ship. Immersion suits are issued to all the officers and crew. These suits are designed to keep someone warm and dry in case they need to enter the water. Freshmen cadets put these on and jump into the frigid December waters every year as a part of their vessel familiarization course. Similar to immersion suits, are thermal protection aids (TPA). TPAs are essentially a large solar blanket, but designed as a suit. These don’t keep the body dry but are able to provide warmth to the body while in the water. These were tried on as part of the cold water survival segment of orientation. In the rare chance of a man overboard situation our ship has a fast rescue boat. This boat can be launched quickly off the port side and sent to rescue the person in the water. Other items around the ship are life rings fitted with white flashing lights that allow them to be seen at night.
Questions:
As mentioned before that there are two different sizes of life boats. What are these two different sizes? (Hint: Size refers to the number of people each boat can hold. Also try looking in the ship schematics.)
What shade of orange are lifeboats painted?
What convention came as a result of the sinking of the RMS Titanic?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Captain's Blog 2/16/11
The voyage plan to skirt the major depression has been working out well, as we enjoy a smooth ride with a very gently roll. Sleeping weather as they say. But for the cadets there will be little time to kick back and relax - tomorrow is the final training day, and Friday heralds the final phase of examinations. To add to the stress, for the first class cadets, deck and engine, are the oral and practical assessments that must be completed while on the senior cruise. Sadly, if they fail to complete them on sea term, they simply have no other opportunity between now and graduation.
Nothing more too exciting to talk about, least wise for landlubbers, but for me we have an exciting milestone this afternoon at 1400 when we (finally) depart the Wider Caribbean Special Area. At that time we will be able to dump biodegradable trash into the ocean once again. Ah, the seafarer's life can be made more exciting by the apparently least exciting events!
Nothing more too exciting to talk about, least wise for landlubbers, but for me we have an exciting milestone this afternoon at 1400 when we (finally) depart the Wider Caribbean Special Area. At that time we will be able to dump biodegradable trash into the ocean once again. Ah, the seafarer's life can be made more exciting by the apparently least exciting events!
FTV 2/16/11
Our helm is on the bridge, the rudder is at the stern just aft of the propeller. There is a signal sent from the helm all the way to the steering machinery which moves the rudder. This steering machinery is more commonly called the steering gear and is made up of a series of hydraulic pumps that move the rudder. There are two main pumps, one port and one starboard. These are our two main operating pumps. We alternate between each of them evenly to make sure that the wear on each is equal as to can keep them in good working order. In case one pump was to fail, we could switch to the other pump.
In the unlikely case that our helm could not operate the pumps there is a series of backups on the steering gear that allow us to steer directly from the steering gear room. The rudder is very big and doesn't move as fast as the wheels on a car. When the helmsman moves the helm one way, it takes a few extra seconds for the rudder to register the command and reach that position. The rudder is essential for the maneuverability of the ship.
Questions
Are small rudders or large rudders more effective?
Does the shape of a rudder effect how it turns?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
FTV 2/15/11
The usual cycle of watch, alternate, maintenance and training will still be occurring. In addition to that, final exam day and field day are the last two days of sea term. Field day is when the entire ship is cleaned and prepared for our arrival in Buzzards Bay. This week, we will be having Casino Night in the mess deck. Casino Night is a chance for cadets to gamble. These cadets aren't gambling their money away, but are gambling for other things instead. Prizes will include gift cards, gift packages, regimental perks, and arrival privileges. One of these arrival privileges is being first off the ship in Buzzards Bay. Some of the games involved will be roulette, blackjack, and poker. Everyone is excited for a fun night of games, laughs, and good times.
Questions:
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, what is the most recent territory turned state of the United States?
Our propeller has a pitch of 22.9 which means the ship moves 22.9 feet with every turn. If we ignore outside forces how many feet do we travel in 24 hours at a constant speed of 55 rpm's?
How many nautical miles did we travel in the previous question? (Hint: 1 nautical mile = 6076.1 feet)
Captain's Blog 2/15/11
Steaming on a course of 319 true at 17 nozzles, we are clicking off nearly 17 nautical miles every hour. Our track is taking us well to the west as we try to avoid deep low that is coming off the Carolina today. As I write a little late today, the wind has backed around a little, coming more from the north than yesterday's easterlies. The skies are partly cloudy and the temperatures are still in the 70's.
Not a lot going on, as we are in the 11th cycle of the 12 cycles of training. The Mate has teams of deck cadets out and about the ship finishing up painting projects. Yesterday morning we stopped off San Juan to try and re-align the bow thruster controller. The project required extensive testing that might have been problematic at the dock. But the engineering team pulled out the rabbit in the hat, and the thruster worked normally during tests. By 1400 we were on our way.
Not a lot going on, as we are in the 11th cycle of the 12 cycles of training. The Mate has teams of deck cadets out and about the ship finishing up painting projects. Yesterday morning we stopped off San Juan to try and re-align the bow thruster controller. The project required extensive testing that might have been problematic at the dock. But the engineering team pulled out the rabbit in the hat, and the thruster worked normally during tests. By 1400 we were on our way.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Captain's Blog 2/14/11
Happy Valentine's Day! That is one of those dates for sailors at sea to reflect specifically on their loved ones - not just family like traditional holidays. I know I always try to buy a card well in advance, and have it all set to send from port that I know will allow it to get there in time. Sometimes, it isn't always possible, so an accomplice is engaged to mail it at just the right time. Kind of like the accomplice that makes sure your wife or husband gets the flowers on anniversaries and birthdays. I never liked that job, because it involves way too much responsibility - what if I forgot?
That reminds me - I have a birthday present waiting in my room to give to a cadet in a day or two. I better check the date!
So the annual dance with the weather begins. Throughout most of the sea term we can expect the weather to remain pretty constant, usually only watching for that highly unusual weather pattern that breaks the routine. But now we are definitely moving toward less predictable weather - or certainly weather that is predictably worse than the last month. We have analyzed weather maps, and tracked a voyage that will bring us further to the west than our planned voyage. This means we will add some miles, but more often than not, we tend to use up extra miles anyway once we get wrapped up in the heavier seas, so we may as well shoot for the smoother route first. We won't know how successful our planning will be until Wednesday.
San Juan is astern of us. It was a very good port for everyone.
That reminds me - I have a birthday present waiting in my room to give to a cadet in a day or two. I better check the date!
So the annual dance with the weather begins. Throughout most of the sea term we can expect the weather to remain pretty constant, usually only watching for that highly unusual weather pattern that breaks the routine. But now we are definitely moving toward less predictable weather - or certainly weather that is predictably worse than the last month. We have analyzed weather maps, and tracked a voyage that will bring us further to the west than our planned voyage. This means we will add some miles, but more often than not, we tend to use up extra miles anyway once we get wrapped up in the heavier seas, so we may as well shoot for the smoother route first. We won't know how successful our planning will be until Wednesday.
San Juan is astern of us. It was a very good port for everyone.
FTV 2/14/11
There is so much to do and see in Puerto Rico. Sailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving and surfing have been some of the activities. Surfing is very popular and Puerto Rico is sometimes called "the Hawaii of the Atlantic." There are over 70 surfing spots with waves anywhere from 3 feet to 20 feet. It doesn't matter what experience level surfer you are, there is a beach for you and all are properly labeled for beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers.
There are also biking and hiking paths with beautiful scenery, boating, kayaking, windsurfing and kite surfing if you want to try something new. There are breathtaking rainforests that people can walk through to view the numerous animals and plants.
There are many shopping centers as well to get anything from clothes to souvenirs. Our last day in port is sure to be exciting as we experience all we can before we head back home.
Questions
What are the four shapes of surf boards?
What does SCUBA stand for?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
FTV 2/13/11
Some wonderful attractions that cadets will be visiting are Casa Blanca and Casa de Ramon Power y Giralt. Casa Blanca is a wooden house built for the founder of San Juan, however he never lived there. His descendants lived there for 250 years. After that, it was home to the U.S. Army commander for Puerto Rico, from the end of the Spanish-American War to 1966. There are also two incredible fortresses: Castilla San Cristobal, Castilla San Felipe del Morro. Castilla San Cristobal was built between 1634 and 1785 and was used to guard the city from eastern land attacks. Castilla San Felipe del Morro was built by the Spaniards between 1540 and 1783 rising 140 above sea level. This massive fortress was used to protect the harbor entrance. Casa de Ramon Power y Giralt is the restored home of a naval hero of the 18th century, Don Ramon Power y Giralt. Presently, it is the headquarters of the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico.
There are dozens of museums and churches to visit such as the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. This is one of the largest museums in the Caribbean. The city itself used to be completely surrounded by la muralla, the city wall. The 3.4 mile long sandstone wall is still there however the city has since expanded. The wall was built between 1539 and 1641 is 20 feet thick in some areas. Our third day of liberty is sure to be interesting and doused with San Juan's history.
Questions
Who was the Spanish explorer that founded San Juan?
What year did the Spanish-American War end?
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