2025 Summer Training Cruise

From Celestial Navigation to Food Grinding: Embracing Every Role

Posted on: June 3, 2025

As we’ve embarked on our journey aboard the Kennedy, it’s been a great experience watching everyone settle into shipboard life. As a junior, I’ve been focusing on celestial navigation, taking on senior-level watches, and experiencing significant personal growth as a leader. These experiences have helped unite the Maine and Texas communities on board.

A few nights ago, many seniors gathered to take sunset azimuth readings and observe evening stars using sextants. Having practiced celestial navigation in the northern hemisphere before, identifying new stars presented a fun challenge. While this trip has introduced plenty of new experiences, like giving helm orders as conning officers, some tasks remain familiar, such as food grinding in the scullery on the TSSOM. It’s a routine task that’s essential despite its less glamorous nature, and I find satisfaction in it.

Meadow Hughes
Marine Transportation Operations