Today the ship raised anchor in the afternoon, which involved the maintenance company (Delta) having a small crew running two hoses to spray down the chain to remove mud as it was raised through the hawsepipe. Around that time as well, a few cadets assembled the pilot ladder as a Penobscot Bay pilot boarded the ship to help navigate us back to Castine (which we departed from 12 days prior).

Two tugs assisted us in docking back in Castine, this time starboard to the port. I believe this marked the first time the TSSOM has been docked in this orientation in Castine. Delta Company being the maintenance company meant a group of students got to perform line handling for the first tie-up of cruise. Under the watchful eye of the licensed officers they guided us in the process of throwing the heaving lines and using the winches to tie up the lines. The consensus among the 4/C was that this was one of the more fun and best learning opportunities we have had on a maintenance day so far.

Offerings for dinner last night were a little marginal, being pork loin and some sort of fish. Perhaps I am just bitter though, as when I went to put Feta Italian dressing on my salad the lid wasn’t attached completely (either by fault of the student on scullery detail or one of the galley staff) and the lid ended up falling off and pouring half the container all over my tray, the salad bar, and the floor. Needless to say, I had to depend on some excellent Oreo rice crispy treats made by the baker to meet my calorie intake for the night.

Tomorrow being back in port the main objective is to offload trash that has accumulated onboard and to begin loading stores for the next leg of our journey, that rumor has it is to begin at the end of the week.  We are all excited to get some liberty, get to Bangor and restock our snacks.

Post By: Harrington Sauer, 4/C MTO Delta Company