At 0800 Atlantic Standard Time, 0700 Eastern Standard Time, and 1200Z, the Training Ship Empire State was moored at Admiral Byron Wharf, in Willemstad, Curacao, taking various services and repairs from the pier. The weather: air and water temperature was 78 degrees Fahrenheit, skies were cloudy; winds were from the East at 02 knots; barometric pressure was 1014 millibars. Relative humidity was 70%.

CAPTAIN'S LOG

The day began quite well. Juventino Mateus, the ship's baker produced another batch of his masterpieces. And nothing beats excellent pastry, fresh from the oven, and good coffee; unless of course, one is eating these delicacies while sitting on the bridge wing, far at sea. That enjoyment will come.

The machine shop reports that the turbine repairs are progressing as planned. If watching and wishing improved the time line, the machine would leap from the bench and return to the ship on its own. When the rotor is returned it will be fitted into the cleanest, hand rubbed casing in the free world. I saw an engineer crouching next to the machine last evening. He was furiously rubbing the casing and mumbling something about a genie and his second wish. Maybe too much sun?

We have spoken of this turbine for days and it struck me that many of my readers might not understand what the turbine does, or how. Not to be confused with a Moslem headdress, we're talking about a ton of turning steel built with more precision than a wristwatch.

Turbines are excellent illustrations of Newton's third law: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. But Sir Issac Newton (1642-1727) was a latecomer to the turbine business. The earliest known turbine was built by a Greek named Hero, in 75 AD. His turbine was a hollow ball with simple nozzles on it. He put water in and applied heat. Steam hissed out through the nozzles, which caused the ball to spin; walla...a very basic "reaction" turbine that evolved to become the center of modern jet engines now.

Many at MMA are familiar with Hero's Turbine because our Facilities and Environmental Engineers are identified by collar devices made to resemble it.

More complex "impulse" turbines drive our generators. They are a rotating contraptions that convert the kinetic (motion) energy of moving steam, into mechanical energy and electricity. The steam is directed to the rotor (wheel) where it strikes a series of blades, making the rotor spin. (Machinists are replacing some of these blades on our turbine right now.) The rotor shaft is geared to the generator, so steam spins the turbine, the turbine turns the generator, and the generator produces electrical energy. The turbine and generator combination is called the Ship's Service Turbo Generator (SSTG). Now you know everything that I know. Any questions?

Speaking of precision, the deck cadets experienced some of that, too. Since every berth in Willemstad is reserved well in advance, we had to "change rooms" yesterday afternoon. So, we stowed our stuff and moved down the passageway to the "suite" on The Admiral Byron Wharf.

Cadets began the pre underway checklists early and were ready to begin the fun when the Pilot boarded at 1600. Tugs made up and maneuvered Empire State cautiously along. The ship and tugs must be in line to transit the very narrow channel and that alone, requires extraordinary skill. But the plan went well and the first line went over at 1635. We pulled forward and stopped, opened the astern throttles, shifted the rudder, and began slowly backing into the space. Our parallel parking skills were excellent, however, as we rediscovered, it is impossible to park a Cadillac in a Civic space. So, there we sat; lines out aft, anchor out forward, twisting at half throttle. There was no doubt that the British Cable layer ship directly astern would have to move aft to make room.

The British crew was enjoying afternoon tea, which they cheerily abandoned to accommodate us. They worked quickly but the evolution took more than two hours to complete and we finished with engines at 1854. I know the Brits didn't mind. I heard them say how much they bloody loved the practice, and they waved at us a lot. They said other things too, but with the wind and the accent, I had trouble understanding. Probably just more British humor.

Once again, difficulty converted to opportunity. Problems changed into learning opportunities. We are here and settled into our new quarters. I wonder if we get the weekend special rate?

Well, folks I must go. The Super Bowl is upon us and preparations must be made. Let me see, the Direct TV dish is enroute, and speaking of dishes, cookouts are planned for tonight and all day Sunday. Let the pre game shows begin...See you tomorrow.