- Day 12: Another lap around the BayLike yesterday with permission of the Coast Guard, the TSSOM was allowed to raise anchor and sail within Penobscot Bay. This allowed the upperclassmen time at the helm as they made laps around the island of Islesboro under the pilotage of the ship’s Chief Mate. Unlike the day before, today we sailed out to a […]
- Day 11: We are Underway…We are underway!* At around 0950 this morning we weighed anchor and set off to do some laps around the Penobscot Bay. It’s a refreshing sight to look out on the horizon and see the land go by after a week at anchor. With lifeboat parts another week away, and our stop at St. Thomas […]
- Day 10: Trapped in Maine…Maine refuses to give up her beloved TSSOM. With the part for the lifeboat 4 davit enjoying a vacation in Norway the TSSOM is expected to remain in Maine for a little longer. The delivery date of 23 MAY 2024 has the whole crew hoping for an early delivery. Fortunately, due to USCG witnessing a […]
- Day 9: Life does not start and stop at your convenience…Yet another day at anchor has passed. Today, at Quarters (our morning muster, meeting at 0710 everyday), we heard news regarding Lifeboat #4 from Captain MacArthur. A replacement part has been found in Norway! Further, he explained that if we left on Saturday then we would be able to still make it to the U.S. […]
- Day 8: High Spirits not High Seas…Well… we’re not in Florida yet, but that won’t stop our Midshipmen from enjoying a sunny day. The end of the work day rush is always a beautiful sight, as chairs are set up and the cornhole boards brought out. I reckon there will be plenty of practicing for this weekend’s upcoming cornhole and ping-pong […]
- Day 7: Mother’s Day at AnchorHappy Mother’s Day! Our day began with muster at 0710, as always. Captain Mac announced the source of the malfunction with lifeboat number four: a sheared shaft that had formerly been one piece was now two. Unfortunately, this means we will stay anchored outside Searsport for a little longer. A possible stop back in Castine or […]
- Day 6: A Geomagnetic Storm…!!I woke up last night to banging on my door. It opened gingerly and there was another cadet, “Come out and see the lights!” I rolled out of my rack so fast I nearly smashed my face into the desk. Still half trapped in my sleeping bag, I geared up in warm clothes as fast […]
- Day 5: Anchored in SearsportToday is Friday, May 10th, 2024, day 5 of our planned tropical cruise to the Mediterranean. We are still anchored in Searsport, however, morale is high. As I woke up to my alarm at 0550 this morning, I was greeted by an orange sunrise lighting up my stateroom. This is the first time we have […]
- Day 4: Training at Anchor…Today, I woke up with zeal and tenacity. Though I was energized to start the day, I fumbled getting out of my rack. I have yet to figure out the proper strategy to effectively emerge from the lowest bottom bunk! Lately, I have been executing a loose roll. While this method works well and I […]
- Day 3: Departure Day is Here…This morning began with reveille at 0600, followed by breakfast and muster at 0700. After muster everyone reported to cleaning stations and then each company turned to their assignment for the day. Alpha had classes, Bravo on utility, Charlie on maintenance, and Delta on watch. Morning operations were interrupted for a fire drill and abandon […]
- Day 2: Stores, Stores and More Stores…Today, on Tuesday, May 7th, Alpha company was on utility. Usually, this means that cadets spend a few hours cleaning before getting a day of much-needed rest. This was not the case today because TSSOM was taking on supplies, which we call stores. Stores were met with mixed anticipation in the Alpha berthing because although […]
- Day 1: Drills, Drills, and More Drills…Today, May 6th, marked our second day on the ship and our official start of the cruise. The TSSOM is docked in Castine, preparing to set sail. We began with a morning muster followed by thorough cleaning and maintenance tasks. The highlight of our day was conducting three drills. First, an abandon ship drill where […]
- Cruise Departure and LivestreamThe TSSOM will depart Castine Harbor on May 8, 2024, with the lines beginning to be taken between 11:15 and 11:30 am. Please join us in wishing all aboard a safe and successful training cruise either in person or via the livestream. The event will begin at 10:30 am with remarks from leadership. The livestream […]
- Day 0: Cruise 2024 Has Started!Alpha Company Report: Today, Sunday, May 5th, 2024, marked the start of the 2024 TSSOM Training Cruise. Alpha company began boarding at 0800, starting with check-in with LCDR Gualtieri and LT Willette. They were the first to move into their respective berthing spaces and commenced watch at 1000, which they will maintain until 0800 on […]
- 2024 Cruise Ports AnnouncedThe 2024 ports have been announced and include: Port Everglades, Florida; St. Thomas, USVI; Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Spain, Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Oporto (Leixoes), Portugal; Newfoundland, Canada; Portland, Maine. Review dates on the Port Information page.
