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 have developed a tenuous affinity towards it, the action itself is frankly unappealing to my poor roommate.
Anyway, why I, as well as many of my fellow midshipmen, woke up excited was to finally gaze out our portholes and see anything else but the Castine waterfront. It felt good to be underway briefly to the Searsport anchorage. We were supposed to set sail again today, however, due to a lifeboat mishap we will remain at anchor for longer than expected.
Yesterday, Lifeboat #4 malfunctioned during the lowering process. Everyone was alright and it was no one’s fault. Boat Squad, which consists of more than 10 midshipman per lifeboat, are responsible for raising and lowering the lifeboats. As a member of Boat Squad and assigned to Lifeboat #4, I was present for the incident. During the event all midshipman in Boat Squad handled the situation with grace, poise, and professionalism. Our behavior amidst the emergency demonstrated our training and development we have received over the course of the year.
Due to the mishap with Lifeboat #4, we will remain at anchor outside Searsport until the problem has been fixed. It is essential to have all four lifeboats working properly for our safety if an emergency shall occur. While it is disheartening to hear that we will stay here and be delayed bunkering in New York, all crew members understand this is part of the shipping industry! Despite the bad news, all midshipmen have had positive attitudes. Alpha is on Utility, cleaning our beloved TSSOM in high spirits; Bravo is in the classroom, learning information pertinent to their future careers and present success; Charlie is in maintenance, ambitiously fixing problems onboard; and Delta is on watch, tending to and observing the current state of our ship!
Post by: Aimee Sala, 4/C, MTO, Alpha Company
Latest 2024 Summer TSSOM Cruise
- Day 13: It’s Not a Friday!Well, we have seen a lot more of Penobscot Bay than we ever thought we would! Circling Islesboro has given us a new perspective of the area. Seeing the mountains juxtaposed with the ocean from our lovely TSSOM racing at a whopping 10.6 knots is a unique opportunity. Coming back into our beloved Searsport Anchorage, […]
- 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 […]
