Thursday, 11 February 1999
As of 0800, the Empire State was located at 25 degrees and 59 minutes North latitude, 076 degrees and 52. 8 minutes West longitude, steering a course of 207 degrees true, at a speed of 11.5 knots. Grand Bahama Island is 70 nm to the northwest. The air temperature is 72 degrees F. Water temperature is 76 degrees. The skies are partly cloudy with northeast winds at 5 knots, sea state 1 (4 feet). Water depth is 16,014 feet. Barometric pressure is 1022.5 millibars and rising.
CAPTAIN'S LOG:
We continue to skirt the Outer Bahamian Islands with the knowledge that we are truly, homeward bound. We awoke to a pleasant rain which cooled and refreshed.
Everyone not on watch began the final preparations for entering Miami. Although we are MORE than ready for the final port call of the '99 sea term, just to be sure, Captain's Inspections begin at 1300 in main deck rooms and the statutory Fire and Boat Drill goes at 1600. Then, after the Captain's pre-port briefing at 1900, the curtain rises on the annual Sea Term Talent Show. It is a perennial favorite because a wallflower or two always steps up and surprises us with incredible talent. We have singers, musicians,comics, and, believe it or not, an occasional poet vying for the prizes; ($100) for win, ($75) to place, and ($50) to show.
As I walked about this morning, I was impressed by the remarkable condition of the ship. Empire State has undergone a major facelift. The cadets have needle-gunned everything that can't move from the Upper Deck forward to the Aft Boat deck. The newly applied paint simply sparkles. While in Aruba, the tireless maintenance teams repainted the entire outer hull, a huge task. Areas not requiring such extreme action have been thoroughly scrubbed, waxed, and buffed. The old girl looks like a new ship and the cadets are justifiably proud of their accomplishments.
I often speak of deckies or engineers because I am most familiar with their work but there is another very important component on Sea Term, The Marine Safety Environmental Protection Department (MSEP). One third of the freshman aboard at any one time are assigned to MSEP. Their education is an introduction to the oceanic, atmospheric, and political environment of the countries that we visit. The laboratory portion of the course covers concepts in physical oceanography, biological oceanography, meteorology, and personal protective equipment used to protect against noise, fumes, and industrial gasses. Lectures target the politics, cultures, and lifestyles of the peoples and countries that we visit. The MSEP curricula are another additive to the unrelenting intensity of Sea Term.
We are entering the Providence Channel now. It lies between Abaco Island to the north and Eleuthera to the south. As we proceed westerly, we will pass north of Andros Island, the largest island here. It is most famous for the Great Barrier Reef (world's third largest) that lies just offshore and is home to the elusive bonefish. All of the Bahamian islands have quite a history. The surrounding waters are perfectly suited for plunderous activities. Unwary vessels were lured into the shallows, restricting maneuverability and making them easy prey for experienced henchmen. Consequently, infamous pirates such as "Blackbeard" called it home during the "Golden Age of Piracy" (late 1600 early 1700's)
We have been informed that our berth in Miami (pier 6) is a relatively good one- readily accessible and close to transportation. LCDR Antonangeli has organized a number of intriguing things to do. At the top of the list; Walt Disney World. The trip departs at 0500 and returns at 0200 the next morning. Talk about tired! That coupled with every imaginable tourist trap makes Miami a favorite stop. We'll have a wonderful time.
Before I forget. I know that many parents and friends live in the dark because loving cadets negligently fail to pass the word. For your information, the Buzzards Bay off-load schedules and watch bills are posted throughout the ship. Cadets have been urged to call home from Miami and let their loved ones know when they will be available for liberty upon the ship's arrival in B-Bay. We will see.
So long - tomorrow Miami.