I’ve really enjoyed the simplicity of life at sea. Being underway is a lot of fun—everyone spends time together, and there’s something amazing about being out in the middle of the ocean. I’ve learned so much already, and it’s been great to apply what I learned in the classroom to real shipboard tasks.
It’s also been nice to take a break from the “real world” and focus on the job in front of me. Life on board the Kennedy has helped me stay present, work hard, and appreciate the routine and teamwork that keep the ship running smoothly.
MIDM Brielle Hodgkin
Marine Engineering Technology
Latest 2025 Summer TSSOM Cruise
- From Celestial Navigation to Food Grinding: Embracing Every RoleAs we’ve embarked on our journey aboard the Kennedy, it’s been a great experience watching everyone settle into shipboard life. As a junior, I’ve been focusing on celestial navigation, taking on senior-level watches, and experiencing significant personal growth as a leader. These experiences have helped unite the Maine and Texas communities on board. A few […]
- From Hesitation to Hands-On Learning: Life at Sea on the KennedyMy experiences on the Training Ship Kennedy have been phenomenal so far. I came onto the ship with adverse thoughts, with the ship being from the 1960s, and cruising with another maritime academy. However, the Kennedy proved me wrong! I have met a lot of new people with different experiences and shared different aspects that […]
- From Engines to Charts: An Unexpected Journey Into NavigationSo far, the most memorable part of this experience has been standing night watch. There’s something incredibly peaceful and almost surreal about being out on the open ocean after dark. The calm of the water paired with the vastness of the star-filled sky creates a sense of stillness and wonder that’s hard to describe and […]
- Out at Sea, It All Starts to ClickAfter spending the past year in the classroom, it feels amazing to finally be out at sea. I didn’t really know what to expect when I first stepped onto the Kennedy, but I was relieved to find that everything we learned in class actually connects to what we’re doing out here. Seeing it all in […]
- All Parts Seamlessly Working TogetherThough I’m a sophomore on my freshman cruise, this experience has already become one of the most meaningful parts of my time at the Academy. There’s something about being out at sea that brings people together in a way that’s hard to describe. I’ve enjoyed the strong sense of community and camaraderie that’s grown among […]
- Ready to Get UnderwayAfter nearly two weeks of preparation and training in port, cadets and staff aboard the TS Kennedy are ready to set sail from Galveston, Texas as part of Summer Sea Term 2025. Since arriving on May 5, the crew has been hard at work conducting drills, stowing supplies, and getting the ship ready for departure. […]
