MMA Cadet experience

The Cadet Experience: More Than Just Sea Days

By 2/C MIDN Odegaard Fields, Marine Transportation Operations ‘26

This past summer I sailed as a cadet aboard the M/T American Pride, a Jones Act petroleum product tanker operating in the waters once known as the Gulf of Mexico. I was fortunate to join the vessel with a fellow MMA cadet, stepping into the maritime industry with the foundation of our education and training thus far. Even more fortunate was the opportunity to sail with officers who prioritized mentoring and saw value in investing time in the next generation of mariners.

We spent the summer sailing between ports in Florida, Texas, and along the Mississippi River, participating in every operation expected of a tanker mate. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the crew’s practical advice on how to manage our responsibilities on board while maintaining a balance as people.

The American Pride ran a demanding schedule, often completing cargo in Florida within twenty-four hours only to embark on another fifteen-hour transit upriver. As cadets, we were constantly on call for pilotage, anchoring, pre-cargo operations, mooring, cargo transfers, deck maintenance, inspections, loading stores, or wherever an extra set of hands was needed. As cadets, we weren’t assigned cargo or navigational watches, meaning we technically had no designated job, which made us available for every job.

Once the crew recognized that we understood the gravity of tanker operations, we were welcomed as part of the team. We matured quickly from the training grounds of Castine and the State of Maine to the professional arena of commercial shipping. In this rapid development of trust between crew and cadets, my friend and I had to find the balance between diligently working the task at hand and positioning to effectively contribute to the next one.

Eager to contribute meaningfully and gain the crew’s trust, we proposed a structured work schedule to the Chief Mate. With his approval, we built space into our routine for healthy activities like talking with crew, playing cards, or going to the gym.

We’d complete a full day of work—securing hoses, conducting inspections, and more—then cool off or tackle academic projects. I initially worried this might come across as lazy or soft, especially compared to the saltier sea stories often told in the industry. But instead, the crew respected our initiative. They knew that we would show up safe, rested, and ready to go when needed.

When I returned to Castine, I discovered that effectively advocating for oneself while maintaining professionalism was a skill many of my peers had also developed during their cadet shipping experiences.

Having recently completed my junior year, I’ve had the chance to step into leadership roles within my curriculum and the Regiment of Midshipmen. The application process created the opportunity to appreciate the strong personal growth of my peers and I during our time here.

My friends and I have come a long way in this program, and we are honored to help create that same transformative experience for our underclassmen and those yet to join us.

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