The Solid 28

By: Philip J. Adams 1943-1

Being a member of the first class was truly a most unique and rewarding experience. We went to Castine when there was no Academy. We weathered critical events that had to be resolved for the Academy to survive and prosper. Let the record show the solid 28 were up to the task in every case. No other class in maritime or U.S. Navy history has ever come to grips with what has been described as both the Castine Court Martial and Castine Mutiny.

The heritage of MMA goes back to 1935 when the Portland Propeller Club was seeking an appropriation to establish an institution of nautical science. Through the efforts of Senator Ralph A. Leavitt, in an act of the Maine Legislature during ·March 1941, an appropriation was made of$15,000. Arrangements for classrooms were provided at the Eastern State Normal School in Castine. The Maine Maritime Ship of State was launched. All she needed was a crew. The crew arrived on October 9, 1941, the birthday of MMA. Events in Castine rapidly accelerated with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Arrangements were made for the 28 to visit the high schools from which they had graduated. The purpose was to explain to the senior classes what Maine Maritime was all about and to answer any questions the senior students might ask. This resulted in an avalanche of applications for admission to the second class, more than the Academy could accommodate.

The next thing which became apparent was that additional fimds were needed. Three of us (Cousins, Smith and Adams) accompanied Admiral Dismukes to Augusta. We first visited with Governor Sewall before being interviewed by the Legislative Finance Committee. Each of us were asked and responded to a few questions. The subject of changing the name of the institution was discussed. We liked and agreed with the designation, Maine Maritime. The long and short of our trip was that the request for additional funds was granted and the name was changed to Maine Maritime Academy, both effective January 24, 1942.

Perhaps the most lasting impression the solid 28 bequeathed to the alumni membership involved selection of the Academy ring. The Ring Committee was chaired by Dick Economy with Edgar Pearson and Don Stewart as committee members. They developed three or four renderings from manufacturers. By far, the most professional was provided by the Balfour Company. Balfour designed the West Point as well as the Annapolis rings. While contemplating our decision, we received an unsolicited offer from a jewelry store in Portland. It was embarrassingly unprofessional. George Jennings observed: “Its ship looks like a raft in distress with a bed sheet for a sail.” It had, however, something no other offer had-political muscle. We were “encouraged” to give it serious consideration. Nonetheless, we informed Balfour that we selected their product. Balfour informed us they needed official approval from the Academy. I notified Cmdr. Oehmke. Several weeks passed but nothing happened. I again inquired whether or not approval had been given. Several days later I received word to meet Cmdr. Oehmke in front of the Admiral’s residence at 8:00a.m. on the following morning, a Saturday. We were ushered up to the Admiral’s bedroom. He was in his “PJs”-not an especially formal gathering.

The Admiral asked me what was happening with the rings. I answered that we had selected the Balfour product. He asked if we had considered the ring from the jewelry store. I said we considered it to be the least attractive, and the only product we were willing to purchase was the Balfour ring. I’ll never forget his response: “Carry on.” Suffice to say, we were dismissed.

We received our rings during the Fall of 1942 while aboard the training vessel. I showed my ring to Lt. Peterson. He said it was not a ring but rather a work of art. I asked him if he noticed the squirrel on the pine tree displayed above the ship. He took my ring over to the porthole, held it up to the light and said: “Female, isn’t it?” That attests to the advanced technology and design sophistication that ring manufacturers have made during the past century.

So, once again, the first class prevailed. Being a member of the first class of Maine Maritime was not only a unique and rewarding experience but also a privilege. The record shows we were clearly up to the task. Let’s give credit where credit is due. As Admiral Dismukes said to us, we say to you: “Carry on.”