Cadets aboard the TS Kennedy spent the past 10 days underway, sailing between New York City and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Students enjoyed calm seas for most of the leg but were stuck under overcast skies, much to the chagrin of the upper-class deck cadets who are actively trying to complete their celestial navigation project.

This longer at-sea passage created stronger ties between both academies. Maine and Texas cadets work hand-in-hand while standing watch, performing maintenance tasks, and cleaning the vessel during utility days. Some highlights of this leg included evening cornhole and pickleball tournaments on the flight deck, along with several movie nights. Additionally, multiple data buoys were dropped on behalf of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. These buoys will drift in the Atlantic Ocean’s currents for seven years, periodically transmitting vital data, such as ocean salinity and temperature.

On June 10th, the Maine Maritime freshmen switched departments. Half of the class spent the first 35 days of Summer Sea Term in the engine department with the other half in the deck department. Experiencing both sides of the ship’s operation is an important step in creating well-rounded mariners. After rounding out our stay in Belfast, TS Kennedy will sail for Halifax, NS on June 15th.

MIDN 2/C William Sherrill
Cadet Master