Today’s Fourth of July celebration aboard the TSSOM exceeded everyone’s already high expectations. For most of us, the day began with our normal responsibilities–maintenance, watch, or studying in the classroom. For days now, the juniors had been teasing that we only work half of the day for the Fourth and fortunately their rumor came true!

Once our abbreviated work day was complete, students took advantage of their free afternoon to practice for the Inaugural TSSOM Fourth of July Cornhole Tournament, take a much-needed nap or otherwise prepare for the festivities of the evening. When these festivities were upon us, cadets, faculty and crew alike flooded to the fantail to enjoy some mid-Atlantic R&R. The events of the day consisted of a highly-competitive cornhole tournament, a barbeque, a sunset game of hacky sack and an opportunity to socialize with friends. While the food on this cruise has been great, the steward’s department certainly outdid themselves in preparing for this celebration. The hotdogs, hamburgers, and potato salad were no substitute for mom’s homemade cooking, but they did offer us a taste of what our counterparts at home were enjoying, as bittersweet as that may be. As could be predicted, morale on the TSSOM is doing great.

From all of us on the TSSOM, happy Independence Day!

Post by: MIDN 4/C Cooper Parlee, MSE5