Tuesday, 02 February 1999
As of 0800, the Empire State was located at 15 degrees and 41 minutes North latitude, 069 degrees and 38 minutes west longitude, steering a course of 090 degrees true, at a speed of 10.2 knots. The air temperature is 74 degrees F, with a forecast high of 78. Water temperature is 80 degrees. The sky is partly cloudy with a strong breeze out of the northeast at 25 knots, sea state 4 (10 feet). Water depth is 13,200 feet. Barometric pressure is 1016 millibars and steady.
CAPTAIN'S LOG:
Today we conducted our post port critique. Our primary port goal for Aruba was met: we have all cadets aboard and, with the exception of some scrapes and an additional sunburn or two, all are just fine. The cadets continue to talk favorably about liberty in Aruba and all agree that it was definitely a great place to visit. I continue to hear descriptive reports about clubs with names like Cobalt, La Habana, and Senor Frogs. I can only imagine. We continue to rehash the Super Bowl game. The losers are grousing but I say, "Congratulations Denver". Maybe the "dirty birds" will learn to fly before next year.
Beach volleyball topped the list of activities in Aruba. It was cheap and the beach was beautiful. Iguanas and chameleons were as common there as birds, so watching, chasing, and trying to catch them proved to be another game for the cadets that was fun and expended no funds. I overheard two cadets talking about their visit to one of the island's most luxurious resorts. I wondered how cadets could afford such opulence and knew that they were well out of their league financially. Then I realized that they had sneaked in! Apparently, they were well received and had a great time. Never underestimate the power and resourcefulness of a cadet. These animated discussions will last at least until we anchor in Saint John. Then Aruba will be just another "sea story".
Getting to Saint John may prove to be some fun. The weather has freshened a bit and we are contending with large northeasterly swells in the 10 to 15 foot range. Fortunately, they are breaking off the port bow rather than on the beam. We have time in the schedule to adjust our course for a better ride and I will do it if necessary. Unlike merchant ships, often on tight schedules to deliver their cargos, we are out here for the experience and the training. Our cargo is cadets and a smooth ride can make a big difference when you are in a class trying to focus on a moving blackboard or in a windowless room studying for a final engineering plate exam. Time is a nice luxury to have particularly, if the sea gets very rough.
I devote a great deal of time to describing the places we visit and the equipment we use. I would like to briefly tell you a little more about the people who make this voyage a success.
The Deputy Commandant of Cadets, Commander Joe Domingos of East Falmouth, and his Department are integral to every aspect of the operation. For example, the Deputy Commandant is responsible for discipline within the Regiment. That duty is sometimes unpleasant but our world runs on discipline and responsibility, therefore, personal accountability is essential. Everyone fully understands the rules but not everyone obeys them and some always believe that it is far easier to get forgiveness than permission. He conducts "confessions" ( Class II mast) after every port visit to address conduct deficiencies and awards "penances" to teach the appropriate lessons with the hope they will avoid a repeat of the "sin".
The Commandant's Department, or COMCAD as it is known to cadets, also provides individual counseling on a "anytime, anyplace" basis. With over 450 young people in the middle of the ocean, often away from home for the first time, guidance and direction become very important. This critical function is carried out by the four Company Officers aboard. They know the cadets as individuals and are the keys to much of the success these young people enjoy on cruise.
The Medical Department and Library staff are also an important part of the Commandant's team. We could not survive without the doctor and nurses. Nurse Sharon Sylvia of East Falmouth heads the department and the cadets regard her as an angel of mercy. We are also blessed with two terrific surgeons who are part-time employees of the Academy and split the sea term duties. Dr Biagio Conte of Falmouth took the first half and was relieved in Aruba by Dr Louis Anastasia of Natick. Down in the bowels of the ship, we have the library. This is the first trip for Arlene Cardoza, our librarian. A resident of Bourne, she managed to bring every imaginable reference book and stacks of books for recreational reading. (Somehow reading Moby Dick at sea is more exciting than when it was assigned in High School.) I don't know how she managed to store everything in the small space available.
The final person I want to mention is the Ship's Purser, Julie McMichen from Sagamore. MA. , a crucial member of the Captain's Staff. She maintains all legal documentation for the ship, including Crew Lists and Customs Declarations. Just try to return home without them.
People make Empire State run and we have a bunch of good ones.