Monday, 18 January 1999
As of 0800 this morning, the Empire State was located at 18 degrees 55 minutes North latitude, 074 degrees 21 minutes West longitude. That puts her approximately 12 nautical miles south of Haiti. She is heading 120 degrees true (SSE), doing 11 knots. The depth of water under the keel is 2100 fathoms. The weather at her position is clear, wind out of the East @ 3 kts, sea state 1 (1 foot), air temp 80 degrees F, water temp 80 degrees F. Barometric pressure 1017 millibars.
CAPTAIN'S LOG:
Guantanamo Bay is abaft now but the short 32 hour visit allowed nearly everyone the opportunity to regain their land legs and enjoy the US Navy's hospitality. I am keenly aware that not every cadet went ashore and I am sorry about it. Thirty-five Third Classmen stood watch on Saturday and then completed lifeboat training on Sunday. I will take steps to give them some extra time on the beach when we anchor at St. Johns.
Five crew members departed T.S. Empire State. Among them, the Cape Cod Times folks, Keven Dennehy, the writer, and Vince DeWitt, the photographer. They went directly from the ship to the air terminal and home. I suspect that the Cape Cod Times organization is somewhat upset that Kevin and Vince were unable to file reports from the base, but the Navy has their rules. According to the Base Commander, Captain Larry Larson, "The Department of Defense is continually asked by journalistic entities to visit bases throughout the world. Opening the door to one would establish a precedent for all."
It is funny how a ship's crew, naturally protective of their ways, opens up to "non-seaman". This often happens in the merchant industry when additional personnel are aboard. It was especially true for Keven and Vince on Empire State. It was a pleasure to have them. Both are excellent seamen and absolutely wonderful guests. I know they have grown closer to our sea going ways of thinking as a result of the trip and they are now particularly dedicated in the areas of safety and training. If they conveyed even a small part that to the Cape Cod Times readers, then their voyage was successful. I would welcome either of them back at any time.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the Gallo family of Sagamore . Two of Jon-Jon's first cousins are aboard as are many others who knew him. Regrettably, they are unable to return home. Their sorrow is shared by the entire crew. We'll look after our shipmates. You all, at home, take care of the rest of the family.