FTV February 18

It is often said that the friendships you make at the academy last a lifetime. Nowhere is this more apparent than when the Kennedy stops in a port and opens its gangway for a reception. All week preparations were being made for the reception in Miami. Our alumni and friends in the South Florida have been invited to attend. The original guest list had had 134 names on it, the biggest reception of its kind that I can recall.  Once we docked in Terminal J and cleared customs we were ready to relax with our friends.

The reception was planned by for the Florida Alumni Chapter.  Coordinated by Advancement team’s Vice President, Holly Knight, but before we knew it the guest list grew to include friends of the Academy, local cadet parents, and local business leaders that have MMA employees. In addition Vice President Elizabeth Stevenson welcomed guests from a local High School, who will participate in a new High School visitation program.

We had nearly 200 people under the tent on the Helo Deck and as usual Chartwell’s food service served delicious hors d’ourves grouper nuggets and carved Tenderloin that were awesome!
Foundations Trustees Richard Hurley (1954) and Gerry Scannell (1955) were recognized for their service, as well as MMA Alumni Association President Steve Zilonis and Florida Chapter (outgoing President Chuck Gilmor – who introduced the new Florida Chapter President, John Pardi (1979).  I think the oldest alum here last night was Bill Soares from 1951, and the youngest was Mike Opalnick, one of our assistant engineers aboard, from the class of 2013.

As Regimental Commander, my fellow seniors and I enjoyed meeting alumni in shipping and other industries down here in South Florida.  As a result of our new contacts 20 First Class Cadets will visit the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Oasis of the Seas and the corporate offices, hosted by Mark Curtis (2000).  Never know what will happen at an alumni reception – besides sea stories and fun!

Here is a just one example of how the MMA Community stays in touch:

"Thank you for a beautiful reception aboard the T.S.Kennedy.  Here is a picture from the evening, my past present and future.... with students Diana Kurek (2014), Dan Schildt (2006), Michaela Garrity (2014) and Ronald Cellucci (2006), at the reception. Both Ron (Bunge Latin America) and Dan (Seacor) are doing very well in the maritime business sector." 
- Dr. Bani Ghosh, International Maritime Business - Department Chair.

Technology Tuesday:
As in all walks of life, communications keep people
in touch across the miles, seas, and continents.

How do we communicate with each other?
How do we communicate with people who are close by?
How do we communicate with people who are far away?



You will explore the role of communications and how satellites help people communicate with others far away and in remote areas with nothing around (i.e., no obvious telecommunications equipment).  In this lesson you will learn about how engineers design satellites to benefit life on Earth. 

We stay connected with your friends using a variety of technologies such as social networking, texting, e-mailing, and cell phones. Most students grew up with these technologies but do you actually know what technology is working in the background in order to stay connected? Try this activity to learn more. 

Today, wireless technology—used in smartphones and tablets–is designed for much more than making a phone call, enabling us to communicate, learn, connect, explore, and be entertained, anywhere, anytime–even in the classroom.  In this activity, Wonders of Wireless–you can explore the endless possibilities of mobile devices.

Phone communication involves many aspects of science, math and engineering, and this activity conveys how these technologies help people to stay better connected.  Use this activity to understand communication options.