Good morning, Cruise Blog fans.

Today, the State of Maine made its arrival in Portland. It was a peaceful transit from Boston to Portland. We moved slowly under the power of the electric motor, supplied by 3 of our diesel generators. As far as I know, this has been the first time it has been used this cruise, but there was a noticeable decrease in both noise and speed during our transit. The seas were incredibly fair, especially with our cruising speed of 6 knots.

Once we finally arrived, Alpha company, myself included, were on our last training rotation, including the presentation of our final cruise grades, course evaluations and a final lecture on troubleshooting. Fortunately for us, this meant we got out of the full day of arduous labor of unpacking the ship before we send it away to a holding company to maintain it during its ready reserve service for the US government.

After the workday was done at 1600 (or 4 PM for you landlubbers!), we were given liberty. Many chose to go and meet up with their parents, unload gear or just to explore Portland with their friends. If Boston didn’t deliver the feeling already, with only one and a half days left, everyone finally feels like they’re home.

Post by: MIDN 4/C Cooper Parlee, MSE-5.