Today, I woke up with zeal and tenacity. Though I was energized to start the day, I fumbled getting out of my rack. I have yet to figure out the proper strategy to effectively emerge from the lowest bottom bunk! Lately, I have been executing a loose roll. While this method works well and I have developed a tenuous affinity towards it, the action itself is frankly unappealing to my poor roommate.

Anyway, why I, as well as many of my fellow midshipmen, woke up excited was to finally gaze out our portholes and see anything else but the Castine waterfront. It felt good to be underway briefly to the Searsport anchorage. We were supposed to set sail again today, however, due to a lifeboat mishap we will remain at anchor for longer than expected.

Yesterday, Lifeboat #4 malfunctioned during the lowering process. Everyone was alright and it was no one’s fault. Boat Squad, which consists of more than 10 midshipman per lifeboat, are responsible for raising and lowering the lifeboats. As a member of Boat Squad and assigned to Lifeboat #4, I was present for the incident. During the event all midshipman in Boat Squad handled the situation with grace, poise, and professionalism. Our behavior amidst the emergency demonstrated our training and development we have received over the course of the year.

Due to the mishap with Lifeboat #4, we will remain at anchor outside Searsport until the problem has been fixed. It is essential to have all four lifeboats working properly for our safety if an emergency shall occur. While it is disheartening to hear that we will stay here and be delayed bunkering in New York, all crew members understand this is part of the shipping industry! Despite the bad news, all midshipmen have had positive attitudes. Alpha is on Utility, cleaning our beloved TSSOM in high spirits; Bravo is in the classroom, learning information pertinent to their future careers and present success; Charlie is in maintenance, ambitiously fixing problems onboard; and Delta is on watch, tending to and observing the current state of our ship!

Post by: Aimee Sala, 4/C, MTO, Alpha Company

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