'One day and a wake-up' - that's how the saying goes. Actually it is 'one day
and an early wake-up'. We are taking the pilot at the Cape Cod Canal at 0530,
and entering the Canal at about 0545, so we have to get everyone up early and
running on all cylinders. Reveille will be at 0400 - this will account for the
yawns at Sunday dinner - to get them packed up and ready to disembark shortly
after 0800, just in time for church!
The morning will be a whirlwind for everyone, getting up early, packing up,
cleaning, standing in the cold air, and the anticipation of 'getting off the
ship'. It is a ritual we enjoy every year. There are certain protocols that
we follow each time which all the readers should know. First all, we have to
turn into the slip at slack water, which can vary from the predicted time by 20
minutes, we will get near the dock at about 0700, and we may hover for some
time.
Next, once we get into the slip the tug boats will push us hard against
the dock to allow us to tie the ship up firmly (good enough for five months!).
While that is happening we'll be working the gangway, but will not allow crew
or cadets down it until the ship is settled in place without the tugs pushing.
It can take some time, so please be patient.
Once the gangway is open the first down will be cadets that have either won the
privilege, or purchased it at auction (remember the Wounded Warriors'!). First
off will be 4/C James Nguyen who won the Las Vegas night most funny-money; then
4/C Michael Murphy, and then 4/C Nick DeMarco - both who bid high at the
auction. The cadets will then be permitted to disembark based upon the
inspection of their berthing compartments.
All spaces must be clean, trash
emptied and gear all packed in duffle bags and knapsacks. While this is
happening the officers and crew will be allowed off. We will not open the ship
for visitors until the bulk of cadets and crew are off the ship. It is
chaotic, but for only about an hour!
Admiral Gurnon has told me that the Pande Dining Hall will be opened for warmth
from the weather and some hot coffee. There's always a great view of the ship
from that location.
See you all tomorrow...
Saturday, February 18, 2012
FTV 2/18/2-12 Ocean Zones
Two major ocean features are shallow continental margins and the deep sea. Sea level changes
through time have exposed and submerged the upper portion of continental margins, called
the continental shelf. Continental shelves of the world vary greatly in their width from a few
kilometers to a hundred or more, but are relatively shallow in depth. Most extend offshore to
water depths of 100 to 200 m. Just beyond the shelf, the sea floor slope is much steeper. This is
the continental slope. At the base of the slope lies the continental rise, which is less steep and
quite broad in places. The shelf, slope and rise together make up the entire continental margin.
Many continental margins have steep-walled submarine canyons cutting through them. Some
canyons may have formed during lowered sea levels as rivers ran out across the shelf, cutting
into it.
The deepest part of the ocean is called the abyssal zone. Many invertebrate species and fish live here. The Coelacanth is a prehistoric fish one thought to be extinct but has been found deep in the Indian Ocean. This zone also is the home to other fish that glow in the dark by a process of photoluminescence. The abyssal zone is very cold and the pressure from the weight of the deep water is very high. In this zone the floor contains vents which are formed by spreading tectonic plates. These vents release hydrogen sulfide and other minerals which are converted to food by bacteria. These bacteria are eaten by other micro-organisms, which are consumed by invertebrates and fish that live near these vents.
Scientists thought the coelacanth died out 66 million years ago, because it vanishes from the fossil record then. But in 1938 a live coelacanth was hauled up in a fisherman nets off South Africa. Since then, another surviving species has turned up in Indonesia. Here, is our clickable coelacanth, see what makes this ancient fish stand out from all others.
Try this challenge
What groups of marine organisms produce substances that may be helpful in treating human diseases?
Out in the open ocean is what is called the pelagic zone, which is where many species of fish and
marine mammals, plankton, and floating seaweed are found. The area under the pelagic zone is
called the benthic zone, or deep-sea. This zone consists of silt, sand, and slowing decomposing
organisms. This area is very cold because the sunlight does not reach into its depth. There
are few plants at this level, and the animals include mostly bottom feeding organisms such as
starfish, anemones, sponges, and various micro organisms.
The deepest part of the ocean is called the abyssal zone. Many invertebrate species and fish live here. The Coelacanth is a prehistoric fish one thought to be extinct but has been found deep in the Indian Ocean. This zone also is the home to other fish that glow in the dark by a process of photoluminescence. The abyssal zone is very cold and the pressure from the weight of the deep water is very high. In this zone the floor contains vents which are formed by spreading tectonic plates. These vents release hydrogen sulfide and other minerals which are converted to food by bacteria. These bacteria are eaten by other micro-organisms, which are consumed by invertebrates and fish that live near these vents.
Scientists thought the coelacanth died out 66 million years ago, because it vanishes from the fossil record then. But in 1938 a live coelacanth was hauled up in a fisherman nets off South Africa. Since then, another surviving species has turned up in Indonesia. Here, is our clickable coelacanth, see what makes this ancient fish stand out from all others.
Try this challenge
What groups of marine organisms produce substances that may be helpful in treating human diseases?
Friday, February 17, 2012
Captain's Blog 2/17/12
The dreaded examination day arrives for all cadets aboard, some will
have a
whole battery of oral quals and written exams, while the others will
just have
the orals. Either way, the day will be a quagmire of changing habits as
locations like the mess deck and compute lounge are converted into
examination
rooms. A whole sea term rides on this day for most 1/C Deckies and a
very good
portion for the 1/C Engineers.
The Third Class will see a less strenuous stack of exams, and the 4/C being tested will have the same as their counterparts at mid-sea term.
The weather is cloudy yet remains warm. We've seen the wind shift numerous times throughout the night as we pass an occluded front and enter a very weak low, registering 1015 millibars. Some ominous forecasts await us on Sunday, and we'll have to cope with some wind and maybe some precipitation. Oh well, the seagoing life!
One Page 2 correction - in sending out the list of Master's Award recipients yesterday I missed one - so although late, he'll get a top billing - 1/C Michael Blasi (America's Home town - Plymouth) Marine Engineer - and acknowledged by the Chief Engineer.
Finally today I want to give a final report on the “Mayhem in Mayaquez†fund-raiser for the Wounded Warriors' Foundation. This year we exceeded our goal of $5K, and tallied up $5,227.47! The relentless efforts of CDR Steve Kelleher and the Comcad staff are the primarily reason for the success - but of course I can't thank enough the pugilistic jousters, generous bidders at auction, willing raffle ticket purchases, and the staff that made generous donations. Thanks to one and all, and I am so pleased to know that over 80% of that money will help support our most seriously injured veterans.
More tomorrow...
The Third Class will see a less strenuous stack of exams, and the 4/C being tested will have the same as their counterparts at mid-sea term.
The weather is cloudy yet remains warm. We've seen the wind shift numerous times throughout the night as we pass an occluded front and enter a very weak low, registering 1015 millibars. Some ominous forecasts await us on Sunday, and we'll have to cope with some wind and maybe some precipitation. Oh well, the seagoing life!
One Page 2 correction - in sending out the list of Master's Award recipients yesterday I missed one - so although late, he'll get a top billing - 1/C Michael Blasi (America's Home town - Plymouth) Marine Engineer - and acknowledged by the Chief Engineer.
Finally today I want to give a final report on the “Mayhem in Mayaquez†fund-raiser for the Wounded Warriors' Foundation. This year we exceeded our goal of $5K, and tallied up $5,227.47! The relentless efforts of CDR Steve Kelleher and the Comcad staff are the primarily reason for the success - but of course I can't thank enough the pugilistic jousters, generous bidders at auction, willing raffle ticket purchases, and the staff that made generous donations. Thanks to one and all, and I am so pleased to know that over 80% of that money will help support our most seriously injured veterans.
More tomorrow...
FTV 2/17/2012 Deep Ocean Currents
In addition to the surface currents we looked at yesterday, currents may also be generated by density
differences in water caused by temperature and salinity variations. These currents move water masses
through the deep ocean taking nutrients, oxygen and temperature with them.
Occasional events also trigger serious currents. Huge storms move water masses. Underwater earthquakes may trigger devastating tsunamis. Both move masses of water inland when they reach shallow water and coastlines. Earthquakes may also trigger rapid down-slope movement of water-saturated sediments, creating turbidity currents strong enough to snap submarine
Temperature, salinity and pressure affect the density of seawater. Large water masses of different densities are important in the layering of the ocean water (more dense water sinks).
As temperature increases water becomes less dense. As salinity increases water becomes more dense. As pressure increases water becomes denser. A cold, highly saline, deep mass of water is very dense whereas a warm, less saline, surface water mass is less dense. When large water masses with different densities meet the denser water mass slips under the less dense mass. These responses to density are the reason for some of the deep ocean currents
Major subsurface currents in the oceans are most often due to differences in the density of water masses. A slow subsurface circulation of water develops with the sinking of cold water at the poles and its creeping across the ocean bottom with the meeting of north polar water and south polar water. There is a layering (due to density) near the equator. This is called thermohaline circulation (due to density differences in seawater caused by temperature and salinity) and some scientists predict it takes around 400 years for the water to complete this cycle. In the Atlantic ocean the Antarctic bottom water is denser than the North Atlantic bottom water and may creep up to 35 degrees north on the bottom. In the Pacific Ocean the North Pacific bottom water is denser and creeps down to nearly 15 degrees south latitude on the bottom. Each water mass has its own signature salinity, temperature and density.
Bottom water results from the sinking of polar water (blue = Antarctic,
orange = Arctic) and their densities. A general stratification of
the Pacific Ocean (left), Atlantic Ocean (middle), and Indian Ocean
(right) shows their differences.
Try this activity on density currents you may need to refer to this picture when setting up your experiment.
Learn more about the density of saltwater in this activity.
Use this activity to learn about deep ocean currents
Try this Demo for Density to see how density affects currents.
Occasional events also trigger serious currents. Huge storms move water masses. Underwater earthquakes may trigger devastating tsunamis. Both move masses of water inland when they reach shallow water and coastlines. Earthquakes may also trigger rapid down-slope movement of water-saturated sediments, creating turbidity currents strong enough to snap submarine
Temperature, salinity and pressure affect the density of seawater. Large water masses of different densities are important in the layering of the ocean water (more dense water sinks).
As temperature increases water becomes less dense. As salinity increases water becomes more dense. As pressure increases water becomes denser. A cold, highly saline, deep mass of water is very dense whereas a warm, less saline, surface water mass is less dense. When large water masses with different densities meet the denser water mass slips under the less dense mass. These responses to density are the reason for some of the deep ocean currents
Major subsurface currents in the oceans are most often due to differences in the density of water masses. A slow subsurface circulation of water develops with the sinking of cold water at the poles and its creeping across the ocean bottom with the meeting of north polar water and south polar water. There is a layering (due to density) near the equator. This is called thermohaline circulation (due to density differences in seawater caused by temperature and salinity) and some scientists predict it takes around 400 years for the water to complete this cycle. In the Atlantic ocean the Antarctic bottom water is denser than the North Atlantic bottom water and may creep up to 35 degrees north on the bottom. In the Pacific Ocean the North Pacific bottom water is denser and creeps down to nearly 15 degrees south latitude on the bottom. Each water mass has its own signature salinity, temperature and density.
Try this activity on density currents you may need to refer to this picture when setting up your experiment.
Learn more about the density of saltwater in this activity.
Use this activity to learn about deep ocean currents
Try this Demo for Density to see how density affects currents.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
FTV 2/16/12 Currents
Large masses of moving water are called currents. In the oceans there are major surface currents,
subsurface currents, and tidal currents. Each of these mass movements of seawater is slightly
different. Local areas have more complicated current patterns but in this lesson the global
currents will be explained.
Winds are the primary force causing seawater movement at the surface of the ocean. These surface winds are responsible for the major ocean currents and waves. The causes of the winds are almost completely due to the energy from the sun in the form of heat. As the sun heats the air it becomes less dense and rises. Since the greatest amount of heat is centered at the equator there is a large mass of rising air there. As this heated air rises it cools and spreads out near the top of our atmosphere.
Earth's surface winds are influenced by the rotation of Earth and the Coriolis effect. As Earth rotates there is a drag on the surface wind. This drag makes moving masses veer right in northern hemisphere and left in southern hemisphere in relation to the surface of Earth. Imagine a giant at the North Pole who prepares to jump to an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean (say Hawaii). Now, imagine yourself, standing in Hawaii, viewing this giant as it leaps into the air and flies toward you. You see the giant coming right toward you at first but the Earth is rotating and you move with the Earth toward the east. As you watch the giant it appears to you that the giant veers to its right and falls into the ocean (missing Hawaii) - all due to the rotation of Earth. This effect is the Coriolis Effect (in simple form) and affects all moving masses going over long distances.
In addition to the Gulf Stream here is a list of other important surface currents:
California Current: This flows from the Arctic waters of the North Pacific down the western coast of Canada, Washington, Oregon and California. The beach and coasts north of Point Conception, located just north of Santa Barbara, generally are chilly all year long because the California Current runs close to shore in these regions.
South of Point Conception the California Current veers offshore because the California coast south of Point Conception curves eastward and a warmer eddy flows up the coast from the south, warming southern California.
Kuroshio Current: This major surface current flows north along the western side of the North Pacific basin, warming Japan and Korea far to the north of the tropics. Antarctic Current: This is the largest surface current of all in terms of volume of water transported per year. This enormous current system circulates without interruption from west to east around the continent of Antarctica, driven by the violent West Wind Drift, the wind system that circles Antarctica.
Currents Activity
Nike Shoe Investgation
Winds are the primary force causing seawater movement at the surface of the ocean. These surface winds are responsible for the major ocean currents and waves. The causes of the winds are almost completely due to the energy from the sun in the form of heat. As the sun heats the air it becomes less dense and rises. Since the greatest amount of heat is centered at the equator there is a large mass of rising air there. As this heated air rises it cools and spreads out near the top of our atmosphere.
Earth's surface winds are influenced by the rotation of Earth and the Coriolis effect. As Earth rotates there is a drag on the surface wind. This drag makes moving masses veer right in northern hemisphere and left in southern hemisphere in relation to the surface of Earth. Imagine a giant at the North Pole who prepares to jump to an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean (say Hawaii). Now, imagine yourself, standing in Hawaii, viewing this giant as it leaps into the air and flies toward you. You see the giant coming right toward you at first but the Earth is rotating and you move with the Earth toward the east. As you watch the giant it appears to you that the giant veers to its right and falls into the ocean (missing Hawaii) - all due to the rotation of Earth. This effect is the Coriolis Effect (in simple form) and affects all moving masses going over long distances.
In addition to the Gulf Stream here is a list of other important surface currents:
California Current: This flows from the Arctic waters of the North Pacific down the western coast of Canada, Washington, Oregon and California. The beach and coasts north of Point Conception, located just north of Santa Barbara, generally are chilly all year long because the California Current runs close to shore in these regions.
South of Point Conception the California Current veers offshore because the California coast south of Point Conception curves eastward and a warmer eddy flows up the coast from the south, warming southern California.
Kuroshio Current: This major surface current flows north along the western side of the North Pacific basin, warming Japan and Korea far to the north of the tropics. Antarctic Current: This is the largest surface current of all in terms of volume of water transported per year. This enormous current system circulates without interruption from west to east around the continent of Antarctica, driven by the violent West Wind Drift, the wind system that circles Antarctica.
Currents Activity
Nike Shoe Investgation
Captain's Blog 2/16/12
The weather has been really cooperative on this voyage north – as it has been
throughout the sea term. First day out we saw some easterly wind which kicked
up a pretty good swell, but only pitched the Kennedy a little. Yesterday the
wind abated somewhat, and our motion kind of went into a gentle roll. This
morning we a shift to westerly wind, but really very close to light airs. .
We have made the selections for the annual Master's Award. This award is given
to many cadets from varying classes and majors, each recognized by ship's
departments. The award number lean more toward the first class due to their
supervisory duties, but plenty of third and fourth class cadets are recognized.
Deck Operations: First Class John Fullmer (Dennisport, MA), Nicholas Peterson (Acton, MA), Matthew Welsh (Baltimore, MD), Rebecca Luciani (Wakefiled, MA); Third Class Henry Gray (Princeton, NJ), Adam Jastrzebski (Cape May, NJ), Jesse Wilson (Suffolk, VA); Fourth Class Kevin Manderville (Bridgewater, MA), Nicholas DeMarco (Revere, MA), Matthew Lynch (Somers, CT), and Sean Hurley-Delvecchio (Chatham, MA).
Engine Operations: First Class Marissa Cap (Newburyport, MA), Terrence Cavrachi (Middleboro, MA), Mark Brien (Methuen MA), Christopher Chaney (Hull, MA); Third Class Elliot Lewis (Bennington, VT), Daniel Robinson (Stoneham, MA), Devin Brodeur (Ashford, CT); Fourth Class Timothy Falconieri (Plymouth, MA), Danielle Soar (Templeton, MA), Meghan Weir (Andover, MA), and Christopher Lauria (Peabody, MA).
Commandant's Department: First Class Ben Schaff (New Orleans, LA), Benjamin Wilbur (Sharon, CT); Third Class Adam LaBranche (Bellport, NY), Amelia Crane (Marstons Mill, MA); Fourth Class John Albani (Dedham, MA), and Laura Marin (West Yarmouth, MA).
Marine Transportation Department: Sarah Knott (Sandwich, MA), Steven Pool (Key West, FL), Third Class Kevin Griffin (Auburn, MA), Edward Kern (Hopkington, MA); Fourth Class Christopher Talbot (Scituate, MA), and Sean McLaughlin (Fairhaven, MA).
Marine Engineering Department: Corey Stewart (Eastham, MA), Armand Pimentel (Fairhaven, MA); Michael Breslin (Hanover); Fourth Class Jonathan Wilbur (Mattapoisett, MA) , Alexandra Chrysovergis (Sharon, MA).
Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Department: First Class Michael Senzapaura (Tyngsboro, MA) and Fourth Class Alexander Barnas (Easton, PA).
International Maritime Business Department: First Class Matthew Miles (Groveland, MA) and Fourth Class John Gallagher (Buzzards Bay, MA).
Emergency Management and Homeland Security: First Class Steven Naylor (Waterbury, CT) and Fourth Class James Hannaford (Lynn, MA).
Captain's Master's Awards: Cruise Commander Jack Gomes (Acushnet, MA); Third Class Mariano Robles (Venetia, PA) and Fourth Class Matthew Perkins (Methuen, MA).
Congratulations to all of these fine cadets!
More Tomorrow...
Deck Operations: First Class John Fullmer (Dennisport, MA), Nicholas Peterson (Acton, MA), Matthew Welsh (Baltimore, MD), Rebecca Luciani (Wakefiled, MA); Third Class Henry Gray (Princeton, NJ), Adam Jastrzebski (Cape May, NJ), Jesse Wilson (Suffolk, VA); Fourth Class Kevin Manderville (Bridgewater, MA), Nicholas DeMarco (Revere, MA), Matthew Lynch (Somers, CT), and Sean Hurley-Delvecchio (Chatham, MA).
Engine Operations: First Class Marissa Cap (Newburyport, MA), Terrence Cavrachi (Middleboro, MA), Mark Brien (Methuen MA), Christopher Chaney (Hull, MA); Third Class Elliot Lewis (Bennington, VT), Daniel Robinson (Stoneham, MA), Devin Brodeur (Ashford, CT); Fourth Class Timothy Falconieri (Plymouth, MA), Danielle Soar (Templeton, MA), Meghan Weir (Andover, MA), and Christopher Lauria (Peabody, MA).
Commandant's Department: First Class Ben Schaff (New Orleans, LA), Benjamin Wilbur (Sharon, CT); Third Class Adam LaBranche (Bellport, NY), Amelia Crane (Marstons Mill, MA); Fourth Class John Albani (Dedham, MA), and Laura Marin (West Yarmouth, MA).
Marine Transportation Department: Sarah Knott (Sandwich, MA), Steven Pool (Key West, FL), Third Class Kevin Griffin (Auburn, MA), Edward Kern (Hopkington, MA); Fourth Class Christopher Talbot (Scituate, MA), and Sean McLaughlin (Fairhaven, MA).
Marine Engineering Department: Corey Stewart (Eastham, MA), Armand Pimentel (Fairhaven, MA); Michael Breslin (Hanover); Fourth Class Jonathan Wilbur (Mattapoisett, MA) , Alexandra Chrysovergis (Sharon, MA).
Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Department: First Class Michael Senzapaura (Tyngsboro, MA) and Fourth Class Alexander Barnas (Easton, PA).
International Maritime Business Department: First Class Matthew Miles (Groveland, MA) and Fourth Class John Gallagher (Buzzards Bay, MA).
Emergency Management and Homeland Security: First Class Steven Naylor (Waterbury, CT) and Fourth Class James Hannaford (Lynn, MA).
Captain's Master's Awards: Cruise Commander Jack Gomes (Acushnet, MA); Third Class Mariano Robles (Venetia, PA) and Fourth Class Matthew Perkins (Methuen, MA).
Congratulations to all of these fine cadets!
More Tomorrow...
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
FTV 2/15/12 Virgin Islands Kayak Trip
This habitat is found on the continental shelf .Hard bottom reefs are areas of rock and ancient coral; places where the underlying rock sticks up through the sand. The hard surfaces provide structure to which sessile organisms, such as sponges and sea whips, attach themselves. Sessile organisms are animals that attach to a surface and remain there their entire lives. These sessile organisms cover hard bottom areas. The invertebrates found attached in this area include worm tubes, sponges, barnacles, and soft corals. Because they are in relatively shallow water, powerful storms such as hurricanes stir up the bottom in these areas and can bury these live bottom reefs in sand, as well as all the animals attached to them. Fish typical of this habitat are the grouper family; this fish has a long life expectancy and tends to remain in its preferred habitat, perhaps behaving territorially. Other typical fish of this ecosystem are snapper, black sea bass, barracuda, and rays.
Your challenge today is to create a real estate pamphlet that is geared towards one particular species of fish above. The pamphlet will describe a home (the type of habitat the fish is most likely to live in and thus, most likely to appeal to it), local restaurants and the food they serve (food that fish would eat), and nurseries that would be used by the young of the species (the places where the young of the species go to mature and why these places are beneficial to them). The location in the coastal waters of these habitats will be described. The last page of the pamphlet will be used to describe potential problems with the habitats you are describing. For adult fish habitats, describe things such as fishing pressures the fishes may have to deal with. Describe how many juveniles of the species use salt marshes as nursery grounds, explain how the water quality of the salt marsh they have will have on the nursery and potential sources of pollution that may be flowing in with the watershed.
Captain's Blog 2/15/12
I'm getting a sense of wrap-up. We are trying to get all the ship's business
and maintenance items completed, and I know the faculty is working toward final
examinations on Friday. We'll do a field day on Saturday where everyone works
the day away cleaning...it'll come together-it always does.
Last night the SGA conducted their annual Las Vegas night. They take over the cadet mess and set up home-made roulette wheels, crap tables and poker tables. They use phony money - and good thing or the IRS would be all over us - the big winner was 4/C James Nguyen, taking home B'$16,750 (Buc Dollars), which allowed him to win the prize of 'First off the Ship. 3/C Daniel Riley was second, and was given the 'Ride in the Captain's Chair' through the canal on Sunday morning. 3/C Bryan Pascoe will be Regimental Commander for a Day; while 1/c Mike Cotter and 4/C Camille Aiello won 'No Mo Fo for a Day'. 4/C John Berry and 4/C Nick Holder have won no regimental inspections and no Friday sign-in days. And 3/C Melanie Holder will have the privilege of breakfast in bed - served by the Regimental Commander on Saturday.
One crazy event was the judging of the 'Cheesy Moustache Contest'. It was funny judging maybe 30 young men that had paid an entry fee to see how poorly they could grow a moustache. Many of course knew they could grow one easily, and paid just to grow one - but for about seven cadets, it was a serious competition for really bad facial hair. Judges included Barber Roger, 2nd AE DePersis, 3rd AE Hobson, CAPT Rozak and me - and it was easy to thin the field down to three, then the final was hard. But 4/C Dylan Chaves bested 4/C Andrew Byrne and 4/C Corey Barnett.
More tomorrow...
Last night the SGA conducted their annual Las Vegas night. They take over the cadet mess and set up home-made roulette wheels, crap tables and poker tables. They use phony money - and good thing or the IRS would be all over us - the big winner was 4/C James Nguyen, taking home B'$16,750 (Buc Dollars), which allowed him to win the prize of 'First off the Ship. 3/C Daniel Riley was second, and was given the 'Ride in the Captain's Chair' through the canal on Sunday morning. 3/C Bryan Pascoe will be Regimental Commander for a Day; while 1/c Mike Cotter and 4/C Camille Aiello won 'No Mo Fo for a Day'. 4/C John Berry and 4/C Nick Holder have won no regimental inspections and no Friday sign-in days. And 3/C Melanie Holder will have the privilege of breakfast in bed - served by the Regimental Commander on Saturday.
One crazy event was the judging of the 'Cheesy Moustache Contest'. It was funny judging maybe 30 young men that had paid an entry fee to see how poorly they could grow a moustache. Many of course knew they could grow one easily, and paid just to grow one - but for about seven cadets, it was a serious competition for really bad facial hair. Judges included Barber Roger, 2nd AE DePersis, 3rd AE Hobson, CAPT Rozak and me - and it was easy to thin the field down to three, then the final was hard. But 4/C Dylan Chaves bested 4/C Andrew Byrne and 4/C Corey Barnett.
More tomorrow...
Information RE: Arrival Day
TS Kennedy Arrival Day - 0714 Sunday 19 February
The Kennedy is homeward bound! During this last week the Academy phones light up with many questions about what will happen when the ship returns to her berth, when the cadets will be free to go home and when they will have to return to the campus to start the spring semester. Here are the details as we know them today.
T. S. Kennedy will time her northern voyage to miss any storms and arrive in Cape Cod Bay on Saturday, 18 February. Depending on the time (which is a function of weather and waves - the Captain tries to keep it from rolling and pitching as the cadets take final exams and clean the ship) she may anchor in the Bay or steam off the Boston coast while waiting for the morning tide to enter the Cape Cod Canal. Sometimes she is visible from the small beach at the east end of the Canal (where the "Hemisphere" http://www.hemispherecapecod.com/ restaurant is located now) so we will let you know if that happens.
At approximately 0530 on Sunday 19 February she will enter the east (Sandwich) end of the Canal and begin her transit towards Buzzards Bay. There are many well wishers who leapfrog along the canal, stopping at each rest stop to flash the lights, beep the horn and wave to the cadets and crew who line the rails waiting for that first glimpse of home. For those who would rather wait here on the campus, we will have the Pande Dining Hall open with refreshments so that you can stay warm.
By 0645, Kennedy should be under the Railroad Bridge and will make the turn into the slip (with assist from the tugs) at about 0710. They will then put all of her lines over, rig the gangways and get ready for the exodus of officers, cadets and crew. That will take at least 45 minutes. Feel free to visit the MMA Parents Association tables at Blinn Hall (the only campus building on the canal) for Equator Crossing certificates, Panama Canal certificates and sea term mugs plus their usual supply of clothing and gifts (ALL proceeds go to cadet scholarships!) or you can warm up in Pande Hall.
Typically, the officers and crew are given liberty first (rank has its privileges and they have lees stuff to carry off), then the 1/c (senior) cadets, then the 3/c (sophomores) and finally the 4/c. All cadets may pick up their new spring semester room keys in the Fantail and move their gear directly from the ship to their dorm room.
Just because the ship is in the slip does not mean we can just turn off the key and have everyone leave. She is a highly complex machine that needs a lot of work to put into a safe layup condition so there will be officer and cadet watches aboard for about three days as Captain Bushy and Captain Laffan (the Chief Engineer) get the ship cleaned and ready for her sleep. All of the cadets knew their watch and duty (cleaning) duty before they arrived in St. Thomas. They were told to communicate that to their families while in port in the Virgin Islands so if you haven't heard yet, check with their girlfriend or boyfriend - we do not have that information here on the campus.
All cadets must report back for the spring semester in accordance with the following schedule: 4/c 1300 on Sunday 26 February with the 3/c at 1400 and the 1/c and 2/c at 1500 on that Sunday.
This has been a wonderful voyage and I am very proud of all of the cadets, officers and crew who have worked so hard to make it so successful. Nothing this expensive, complicated and difficult just 'happens'. There is a tremendous amount of planning, hard work and experience on display as Kennedy rides down the Cape Cod Canal for her "Victory lap" this Sunday so I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone - the faculty, the officers and the senior "Rates" and Cadet Officers who toiled long and hard to teach the underclassmen the trade that they each know and love so well.
Regards,
Rick Gurnon
The Kennedy is homeward bound! During this last week the Academy phones light up with many questions about what will happen when the ship returns to her berth, when the cadets will be free to go home and when they will have to return to the campus to start the spring semester. Here are the details as we know them today.
T. S. Kennedy will time her northern voyage to miss any storms and arrive in Cape Cod Bay on Saturday, 18 February. Depending on the time (which is a function of weather and waves - the Captain tries to keep it from rolling and pitching as the cadets take final exams and clean the ship) she may anchor in the Bay or steam off the Boston coast while waiting for the morning tide to enter the Cape Cod Canal. Sometimes she is visible from the small beach at the east end of the Canal (where the "Hemisphere" http://www.hemispherecapecod.com/ restaurant is located now) so we will let you know if that happens.
At approximately 0530 on Sunday 19 February she will enter the east (Sandwich) end of the Canal and begin her transit towards Buzzards Bay. There are many well wishers who leapfrog along the canal, stopping at each rest stop to flash the lights, beep the horn and wave to the cadets and crew who line the rails waiting for that first glimpse of home. For those who would rather wait here on the campus, we will have the Pande Dining Hall open with refreshments so that you can stay warm.
By 0645, Kennedy should be under the Railroad Bridge and will make the turn into the slip (with assist from the tugs) at about 0710. They will then put all of her lines over, rig the gangways and get ready for the exodus of officers, cadets and crew. That will take at least 45 minutes. Feel free to visit the MMA Parents Association tables at Blinn Hall (the only campus building on the canal) for Equator Crossing certificates, Panama Canal certificates and sea term mugs plus their usual supply of clothing and gifts (ALL proceeds go to cadet scholarships!) or you can warm up in Pande Hall.
Typically, the officers and crew are given liberty first (rank has its privileges and they have lees stuff to carry off), then the 1/c (senior) cadets, then the 3/c (sophomores) and finally the 4/c. All cadets may pick up their new spring semester room keys in the Fantail and move their gear directly from the ship to their dorm room.
Just because the ship is in the slip does not mean we can just turn off the key and have everyone leave. She is a highly complex machine that needs a lot of work to put into a safe layup condition so there will be officer and cadet watches aboard for about three days as Captain Bushy and Captain Laffan (the Chief Engineer) get the ship cleaned and ready for her sleep. All of the cadets knew their watch and duty (cleaning) duty before they arrived in St. Thomas. They were told to communicate that to their families while in port in the Virgin Islands so if you haven't heard yet, check with their girlfriend or boyfriend - we do not have that information here on the campus.
All cadets must report back for the spring semester in accordance with the following schedule: 4/c 1300 on Sunday 26 February with the 3/c at 1400 and the 1/c and 2/c at 1500 on that Sunday.
This has been a wonderful voyage and I am very proud of all of the cadets, officers and crew who have worked so hard to make it so successful. Nothing this expensive, complicated and difficult just 'happens'. There is a tremendous amount of planning, hard work and experience on display as Kennedy rides down the Cape Cod Canal for her "Victory lap" this Sunday so I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone - the faculty, the officers and the senior "Rates" and Cadet Officers who toiled long and hard to teach the underclassmen the trade that they each know and love so well.
- Fuel cost of the 2012 Sea Term Semester: $931,758
- Food cost for the 2012 Sea Term Semester: $865,000
- Transit cost for the Panama Canal: $171,463
- Having the ship and all of the cadets home safe: Priceless!
Regards,
Rick Gurnon
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Captain's Blog 2/14/12
Happy Valentine's Day to all the Moms, girlfriends and significant others out
there! We'll be there before you know it!
Click here for Valentine's Greetings
St. Thomas is in the rear view mirror. You can't leave St. Thomas without some mixed emotions. It is time to go home to our families, back to the studies oncampus but the weather and beaches are so unbelievable in the Virgin Islands. I bet about half the crew and cadets took a boat over to St. John which is one of the true gems of the US National State Park Service. Thanks to the Rockefeller foundation for giving us all a piece of heaven on earth.
So, three days of training to wrap up. We have one exam day and one field day before we turn the Kennedy into the West slip at 0730 on Sunday. However, beforethat we have 1600 miles of North Atlantic seas and weather ahead of us. Right now we are just coming out of Virgin Pass and we are already dipping into apretty good swell. The wind is moderate but the developed swell is running 9-12 feet. We'll rock and roll a few aboard before the day is out.
More tomorrow...
Click here for Valentine's Greetings
St. Thomas is in the rear view mirror. You can't leave St. Thomas without some mixed emotions. It is time to go home to our families, back to the studies oncampus but the weather and beaches are so unbelievable in the Virgin Islands. I bet about half the crew and cadets took a boat over to St. John which is one of the true gems of the US National State Park Service. Thanks to the Rockefeller foundation for giving us all a piece of heaven on earth.
So, three days of training to wrap up. We have one exam day and one field day before we turn the Kennedy into the West slip at 0730 on Sunday. However, beforethat we have 1600 miles of North Atlantic seas and weather ahead of us. Right now we are just coming out of Virgin Pass and we are already dipping into apretty good swell. The wind is moderate but the developed swell is running 9-12 feet. We'll rock and roll a few aboard before the day is out.
More tomorrow...
Sunday, February 12, 2012
FTV 2/12/12 Nautical Charts
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Thanks to modern technology, we have new electronic ways to help us with navigation; this picture shows the GPS and electronic charts that help the bridge navigators stay on course. Because of Coast Guard Rules, in addition to the GPS and electronic charts, we are required to have paper nautical charts as a backup, in case of a power loss. For that reason all MMA marine transportation major are trained to navigate both electronically, and using the paper charts and hand tools of navigation that have been used throughout history.
Here is some background for Today's Activity
For as long as anyone in his family could remember, Francis Beaufort wanted to make scientific observations from the deck of a ship. In 1789 at the age of fourteen, he set sail as a sort of officer-in-training aboard the Vansittart, an East India Company tradesman bound for China and the Indies. A central goal of the Vansittart's journey was to survey the Gaspar Strait, where sister ships of the East India Company had been lost on dangerous and poorly charted shoals. The Vansittart found the shoals...by running hard aground, and taking on water so rapidly that the crew was forced to abandon ship on a tiny reef in the Java Sea. The waters were filled with pirates, so the crew threw thirteen treasure chests overboard, hoping to return later to reclaim them. But when they eventually made their way back aboard two British ships, Malay pirates had burned and pillaged the Vansittart and the crew managed to recover only three of the treasure chests.
~ based on Defining the Wind: The Beaufort Scale, and How a 19th-Century Admiral Turned Science Into Poetry by Scott Huler, 2004
The sinking of the Vansittart provided dramatic evidence of the value of an accurate nautical chart, and Francis Beaufort later became one of history's premier hydrographers. Today, NOAA's Office of Coast Survey produces accurate nautical charts and many other navigational aids that help mariners navigate safely in and out of U.S. ports and along the U.S. coastline as far as 200 nautical miles from shore. How important is ocean navigation? You may be surprised to know that even in the 'space age' over 98% of the nation's cargo is carried by waterborne transportation.
Here's a chance to try your hand at coastal navigation using a modern nautical chart. Watch out for shoals!
Captain's Blog 2/12/12
We arrived at St. Thomas this morning. Once a port we were unable to call at
due to the large cruise ship industry, we now are able to call at it because
they converted an old Navy base at Crown Bay into a passenger ship terminal. We
dock at the West Indian Company dock - WICO at it is called. But it is still a
funny port because the whole tourist atmosphere is based upon the cruise ships.
On any normal day there are five ships docked here - and that amounts to over 10,000 passengers. Every ounce of energy given by the local business goes toward them. But today, we were the only ship in town, and you'd think there wasn't any one here. Many shops and restaurants are closed - it looks like a ghost town.
We'll be out of St. Thomas on Tuesday morning, taking the pilot at 0545 - ugh. Another early day for us. But it'll be the last departure for some time as we head north toward Buzzards Bay. A little colder, but home nonetheless.
On any normal day there are five ships docked here - and that amounts to over 10,000 passengers. Every ounce of energy given by the local business goes toward them. But today, we were the only ship in town, and you'd think there wasn't any one here. Many shops and restaurants are closed - it looks like a ghost town.
We'll be out of St. Thomas on Tuesday morning, taking the pilot at 0545 - ugh. Another early day for us. But it'll be the last departure for some time as we head north toward Buzzards Bay. A little colder, but home nonetheless.
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