We were greeted by the best weather of the voyage this morning. Sunrise revealed clear skies and the wind was blowing at 15 knots. As fate would have it, the swells out of the NE were in perfect contrast to the winds from the SW which allowed the mate to head into the seas and reduce the wind across the deck for the ceremony.

All hands not on watch turned out as a few words were said about the loss of our shipmates, including Captain Davidson, Danielle Randolph, Mitchell Kuflik, Michael Holland, and Dylan Meklin. Captain Eadie read from John Masefield’s “Sea Fever.” After the poem, the order to “present arms” was given and all hands rendered honors as the wreath was eased over the rail and lowered to the water by the Cadet Masters & Cadet Chief Engineers.

As the wreath floated free, the mate on watch gave a long blast of the ship’s whistle to signal our farewell and the ceremony concluded. Afterward, many students remained at the rail to watch as the wreath passed from sight in what was a beautiful but somber morning.

After the ceremony, President Brennan reflected, “All were truly inspired and connected. The ceremony was somber yet cathartic, well done, and appropriate. I was moved before it began, when I went out on deck at about 0700 and saw the American flag flying at half-mast and signal flags flying to represent the last names of the MMA El Faro crew: D-R-K-H-M.

We wish peace to all.

DISCLAIMER: Due to the Training Ship’s limited connectivity to the Internet, blog postings are delayed and are not intended for real-time communication. To communicate with your student, please send messages to his or her issued ship e-mail address.

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