All incoming midshipmen are issued a flashlight and knife during indoctrination. The requirement of a \u201cmoonbeam,\u201d as it is traditionally called, at all times aboard ship predates the memory of anyone we could find on campus.<\/p>\n
(Maybe you know? If so, send a note to billy.sims@mma.edu<\/a>)<\/p>\n Not having one on your person can yield a Class 3 infraction.<\/p>\n \u201cYou never know when the lights can go out on a ship,\u201d says current Cadet Master Austin Gamache. \u201cHaving a flashlight is essential. There are hazards to be spotted and avoided, especially in an emergency. And it seems a lot of things you need to access for repair or inspection are hidden in some dark nook or cranny.\u201d The current moonbeam issued is a Night Stick, 120-lumen LED dual flashlight \/ floodlight.<\/p>\n The knife is a more recent, but also sensible, sea-going requirement. The Gerber Swagger is a one-handed opening, partially serrated 3 1\/4\u201d edge, tactical knife that has a 1,001 uses, some of which can be life-saving.<\/p>\n Both items are available for purchase from the MMA Bookstore.<\/p>\n As old as the moon, as sharp as can be, that is how traditions come to be for mariners.<\/p>\n Photo: Billy Sims<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A Mariner\u2019s Best Friends<\/p>\n All incoming midshipmen are issued a flashlight and knife during indoctrination. The requirement of a \u201cmoonbeam,\u201d as it is traditionally called, at all times aboard ship predates the memory of anyone we could find on campus.<\/p>\n