Samuel B. Pearson, an assistant professor at Cal Maritime, provided graphics for the New Edition of “American Practical Navigator: An Epitome of Navigation”, a comprehensive reference for marine navigation published by U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) . This publication continues to evolve with updates to reflect advances in navigational technology and techniques.  Pearson revealed, “Bowditch has always been an invaluable navigational reference throughout my maritime career as an educator, content creator, and ship officer. As such, I have always wanted to give back. In 1994, when I started teaching celestial navigation (arguably the most challenging of all the courses required for deck officers), I quickly realized that some of my students were struggling to understand complex abstract concepts that form the foundation of the course. Available references at the time, while informative, were confusing for some students. I decided to teach myself computer graphics, animation, and video creation, in order to expand on available navigational references to increase understanding. My digital content proved productive as the overall pass rate for my celestial navigation classes jumped from about 75% to over 98%.”

Antonio C. Salguero was featured in a story called “Repairing Alabama Masts Is Journey of a Lifetime.” His recent project has been the schooner Alabama, repairing the masts of the tall ship that remains in the care of the Douglas family. At 68 feet long and over 16 inches in diameter, each of Alabama’s masts are much larger than telephone poles. This summer Salguero replaced over half the length of both the fore and the main. “I’ve built a lot of masts, but never any so big,” Salguero said.

“From Vernon, CT Police Department facebook page: After over 22 years of service, Sergeant Todd Thiel has officially signed off from the Vernon Police Department. Thiel’s presence will have a lasting impact, and he will be irreplaceable. Thiel began his career on February 25th, 2002, and has served the town of Vernon since then. In 2007 Thiel was the department’s Officer of the Year. In 2008 he was named the Tolland County State’s Attorney Officer of the Year. Thiel was also a Field Training Officer before he was promoted to Sergeant in 2008. He has served as the Detective Division Sergeant and in his most recent role, the Training and Planning Sergeant. Thiel was also one of the founding members of our department’s drone program. It is safe to say that he will be greatly missed by all of us here at the VPD. Please join us in wishing Thiel a long and healthy retirement!”

Daryl B. Boyington was featured in a recent article in Maine Biz about work he’s doing for SomicAmerica (Brewer, ME) with new automated equipment for the machining and assembly of automotive suspension components. Boyington is an Equipment Procurement Engineer/Designer.”

Thomas J. Harvey and his wife celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary this year. They currently live in Arcade, NY. Harvey is in his 20th year sailing as Chief Engineer Unlimited HP motor with most of his time spent in the oil & gas industry. Harvey has had the pleasure of working with at least 100 MMA alumni in the past 30 years and still chooses MMA engineers when given the opportunity. Maine engineers handle business …but he might be slightly biased!

Jason Alley reports that he is “still catching Lobsters out of Jonesport U.S.A.!”