Thursday 14 January 1999
As of 0800 this morning, the Empire State was located at 21 degrees 53 minutes North latitude, 074 degrees 40 minutes West longitude. That puts her approximately 370 nautical miles southeast of Miami and 15 miles south of Crooked Island. She is heading 103 degrees true, (SE) doing 13 knots. The depth of water under the keel is 2500 meters. The weather at her position is mostly cloudy, wind out of the East @ 8 kts, sea state 2 (3 feet), air temp 76 degrees F, water temp 82 degrees F. Barometric pressure 1020 millibars.
CAPTAIN'S LOG
At 0300 this morning the T.S. Empire State arrived in the Caribbean and was immediately greeted by gentle seas. The easier ride was welcomed relief for all on board. At the same time, wonderfully cool air began to permeate the ship, reversing the temperature increase. Thank goodness for the engineers and their air conditioning machines.
I spent some time recently asking cadets about their training. 1/C Diane Morris from Boston, spends a good part of her day tracing plates in the engine room. That means that she is involved in the tracing of blueprints and all the piping and components that make up the engineering systems. When she has free time she enjoys reading and working out in the gym. Meanwhile, 4/C Brian O'shaugnessy has adjusted well to the rigors of sea. In fact, he found the rough seas and the accompanying rolling- RELAXING! He said it reminded him of sailing with his grandfather in Maine when he was a boy. The need to stay physically sharp and fit while at sea is important, of course. So last night 1/C Stephanie Lyons kicked off her 'step aerobics' class in the gym. This is a popular program and allows both cadets and crew to remain in-shape while at sea.
Excitement about entering port, even without liberty, is already beginning to grow and I am looking forward to it also.