My 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 differ in each state academy. In an effort to enhance cadet experiences, Texas A&M Maritime Academy hosts a variety of entertainment for our free time after 1600, too! Some of which include yard games on the helo deck, karaoke night, trivia nights, and even a ping pong tournament that Commander Christian participated in! I remember coming onto the ship on 5 May at around 1800, thinking, “What did I just get myself into?” The first few days were a little tiresome, getting the ship into shape for sea, and lots of cleaning. But I soon realized that this experience has been one of the best parts of my life, actually getting hands-on education as to what I am going to be doing for years to come. Sailing on one of the last steam-powered ships in the world for its last ever voyage is an incredible experience that very few people will ever get to say. I cannot wait for the remainder of Summer Sea Term 2025, learning about new experiences from different cultures around the world and continuing my education at sea; it is only just beginning.
MIDM Braeden Cunningham
Marine Transportation Operations
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 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 […]
- The Job in Front of MeI’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 […]
- 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. […]
