TRUMPET TALES How their music shaped the lives of two alumni - HOMECOMING - Maine Maritime Academy
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2016 - ISSUE 3 TRUMPET TALES How their music shaped the lives of two alumni HOMECOMING Memorable moments PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS Under rainbow, stars and sail
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Content
IN THIS ISSUE MARINER STAFF
Director of College Relations
8 Jennifer DeJoy | jennifer.dejoy@mma.edu
Managing Editor
Billy R. Sims | billy.sims@mma.edu
Designer & Production Editor
Deanna Yocom | deanna.yocom@mma.edu
Ad Representative
Julie Adley | julie.adley@mma.edu
ADMINISTRATION
President
Dr. William J. Brennan
Provost & V. P. for Academic Affairs
As a young midshipman on a training cruise stopover in New Orleans, John T. Page ’68 visited Preservation Hall and Dr. David M. Gardner
was inspired to play the traditional jazz he still performs today.
V. P. for Advancement
Christopher J. Haley, MBA
FEATURES
V. P. for Student Affairs & Enrollment
8 Trumpet Tales Management
Dr. Elizabeth True
19 Homecoming Highlights
V.P. for Financial & Institutional Services
26 MMA #PhotoContest 2016 Petra Carver
Director of Alumni Relations
Jeff Wright
DEPARTMENTS & OTHER NEWS
5 President’s Watch 28 Athletics Postmaster: Please send change of address notice to Alumni Relations, Maine
6 Alumni President’s 34 Class Notes Maritime Academy, Castine, ME 04420.
Message 39 Commandant’s Desk Sent free of charge to all MMA alumni. Letters to the editor may be edited for
length. Opinions are those of the authors, and no material may be republished
7 Alumni News 40 Chapter News without the editor’s written consent.
11 Alumni Profile 44 Eight Bells Printed by Franklin Printing, Farmington, Maine
12 Castine Current 47 Annual Giving
24 People Report
On the cover: Continuing a proud tradition of MMA highlighted by others in this
issue, Midshipman Matthew Cook ’19 plays trumpet for the academy band. mainemaritime.edu 3
Robert Somerville ’65 Jason Oney ’96
Chair Falmouth, Maine
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Strategic Maintenance Solutions
American Bureau of Shipping Owner
Chairman (Retired)
Board of Trustees
Capt. Robert J. Peacock II ’71
Earle Cianchette ’77 Eastport, Maine
Quoddy Pilots, USA
Vice Chairman Captain & Pilot
Saco, Maine
John F. “Dugan” Shipway, Anne Marie Samway
Hampton Falls, New Hampshire
RADM, USN (Ret.)
Phillips Exeter Academy
Treasurer Administrator (Retired)
Bath, Maine
Bath Iron Works
President (Retired) Hon. W. Tom Sawyer, Jr.
Dedham, Maine
Sawyer Environmental Services
Morten Arntzen President & CEO (Retired)
New Canaan, Connecticut
Chairman & Managing Director
Team Tankers International, Ltd. Miles Theeman
Bangor, Maine
Carolyn Brodsky
Scarborough, Maine Arthur “Kitt” Watson
Sterling Rope Company New Canaan, Connecticut
President Watson Enterprises Incorporated
President & CEO
Matthew Fendl ’17
Ellsworth, Maine J. Douglas Wellington, J.D., LL.M.
Student Trustee Castine, Maine
Husson University
Gregory S. Fryer Associate Professor
Cumberland, Maine
Verrill Dana, LLP
Partner
Katherine Greenleaf
Yarmouth, Maine
Emeriti
Capt. Wendy Morrison ’85 William Bullock
Dickinson, Texas
Galveston Texas City Pilots
Ward I. Graffam, Esq
Captain Richard J. Grosh
William E. Haggett
MMA thanks the Trustees Walter E. Travis
for their service.
4 MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 3
MMA President’s Watch
reach into your memory bank. I consider myself that they also credit for helping to shape them
lucky to have been the recipient of many letters into the people they are today. As one exam-
and stories that you shared as you connected ple, we share with you in this issue a few vivid
back to your history with MMA. memories from Timothy D. Keefe, Class of 1966.
Wonderful stories came to light during this Tim was the band leader during his years as a
anniversary year, along with all sorts of connec- deck student at MMA. Of his visit to Castine for
tions that were re-kindled. At Homecoming, we the ’66 reunion last summer, Tim said, “Many
welcomed more alumni and guests than at any thanks again for my chance to turn back the
other Homecoming in recent memory. Alumni clock, to dream one more time, to hear my bugle
came to campus for all of the regular attractions calls…”
as well as a few that were planned just for the Of course, I credit MMA for having a big
MMA President 75th. On Friday, we invited alumni to partici- influence on me, having grown up on campus.
DR. WILLIAM J. BRENNAN pate in morning muster, attend classes, and play My connections to the college and to Castine
a round of golf at the Castine Golf Club. That have been a constant in my life for more than 50
evening, we held a Welcome Reception, the Hall years. The 75th anniversary gave us all a chance
T
ime seems to race faster each year, and of Fame Ceremony, and the Alumni Banquet, to reflect, to reach out to old friends, and to link
August came more swiftly than ever as the followed by an entertaining show with comedian ourselves back to the MMA community.
sounds of Regimental Preparatory Train- Jimmy Dunn. On Saturday, the MMA vs. MIT With this third regular issue of the magazine,
ing, athletes practicing on Ritchie Field, and a football game was very well attended, as was we will close out what has been a very eventful
full dining hall signaled the excitement of the the March On, with alumni representing every and celebratory 2016, but our memories endure.
transition from summer to a new academic year. honor year. The barbecue and street dance at Please keep in touch, or consider reaching out
By now, you have received the special 75th the town waterfront drew a crowd of nearly 300 to someone you may have been missing from
commemorative issue of Mariner. My hope is people and culminated with cake and a fireworks your years at MMA. We are all the richer for the
that you enjoyed the publication, and perhaps show out in the harbor. connections that MMA has helped us to create
learned something about Maine Maritime Acad- The stories I heard from alumni echoed the in our lives.
emy that you didn’t know before. We heard from pride and genuine affinity they have for a place
many of you that the articles prompted you to that challenged them in more ways than one, but
mainemaritime.edu 5
Alumni President’s Message
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Mary Hutchins ’11
PO Box 125
Joe Cote ’82
Grantham, NH 03753
32 Locksley Lane
maryesc18@yahoo.com
Brewer, ME 04412
jcote@cianbro.com
Alumni President
Rylee W. Knox
JOE COTE ’82
204 S Livermore Road
Vice President Turner, ME 04282
Capt. William S Full ’76 rylee.knox@mma.edu
3 Balsam Dr Dear fellow alumni,
Cumberland Center, ME 04021 M. Shawn Longfellow ’86
I
bill@ecys.com 1008 Rosea Ct hope you’ve enjoyed a wonderful summer and fall. Where I live in
Leland, NC 28451 Brewer and Brooklin, Maine, they have been among the best seasons
Treasurer shawn.longfellow@gmail.com I can recall.
Charles (Cal) Lechman ’65 And among the best events of the fall season was this year’s Home-
6 Sweet Haven Lane Troy Malbon ’89 coming, celebrating 75 years of the academy. Those who made the trip
Harpswell, ME 04079 69 Anthony Avenue to Castine enjoyed a variety of events suited for all ages. Jeff Wright and
H: 207-729-6644 Topsham, ME 04086 Karen Cukierski deserve a grateful thank you for helping coordinate
callechman@comcast.net troy.malbon@ubs.com events and activities, and thanks also to everyone who contributed long
hours to help with the countless details that made the celebration such
Clerk Chet T. Manuel ’67 a success.
Michael X. Savasuk, Esq. ’74 51 Crescent Street I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the incoming
Troubh Heisler, PA Skowhegan, ME 04976 President of the Maine Maritime Academy Alumni Association. It is
26 Stony Ridge Rd cxcmanuel@gmail.com with great pleasure and honor that I accept this role to represent the
Cumberland, ME 04110 academy, but most important, to represent all of us who are graduates
B: 207-780-6789 Steve Rendall ’96 of one of the finest schools in the country and the world.
msavasuk@troubhheisler.com 1 Squire Lane Over the past 20 years, I have served in many capacities to support
York, ME 03909 MMA, including President of the Bangor Seadogs Chapter, organizing
Past President rendalls@gmail.com fundraising activities, participating in social events and contributing
in various ways to the academy. However, through the years my efforts
James Proulx ’85 Stephen “Jack” Spratt ’93 have focused primarily on bringing alumni and friends together— es-
5 Coach Road 577 Castine Road pecially networking with alumni by making acquaintances or seeking
Stratham, NH 03885 Castine, ME 04421 possible employment opportunities.
B: 603-659-7011 sejackspratt@gmail.com As we move forward over the next couple of years, I would like
jimproulx@proulxoilandpropane.com
to continue to bring us together in support of the academy and one
Capt. Ralph Staples ’71
another.
299 Oak Valley Lane
John Gillis ’72 I ask our MMAAA Board of Directors to join me in achieving our
Escondido, CA 92027-5338
PO Box 127 strategic goals and mission as we participate in fundraising events and
rstaples@epsilonsystems.com
Norway, ME 04268 with local chapters. I also respectfully request that together as alumni,
Andrew Strosahl ’05 we all give back to the academy. It has provided each of us a wonderful
jdgglobalenergy@comcast.net platform from which to grow as individuals that has guided us through
770 P St NW, Apt. 317
Washington, DC 20001 the many challenges and opportunities life brings our way.
Dr. Marc E. Gousse ’82
acstrosahl@gamil.com I look forward to representing us and seeing you over the coming
PO Box 45
years. Thank you for your continued support, and I welcome your
Mt. Dessert, ME 04660
Timothy C. Winters ’86 thoughts and suggestions on how we can all become more involved in
marc.gousse@mdirss.org
29 Fieldstone Drive the organization.
William M. Guerette Dover, NH 03820
1 Green Street tcwints@comcast.net Best regards,
Castine, ME 04421
Dave Witherill ’76
207-518-1588
5 Candlewick Lane
william.guerette@mma.edu
Cumberland, ME 04021
penbaydw@gmail.com
6 MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 3
Alumni News
Alumni Association Elections
T
he MMA Alumni Association held tegic planning committee. Prior MMA/Alumni tative) is a sophomore and Vessel Operations
elections this year for all officer po- activity includes participation in the Casco Bay and Technology major. Working for a decade
sitions and six director slots, as per Chapter and a term as President, chairing the An- in the hospitality industry before enrolling
the MMAAA bylaws. Compared to the last nual Fund auction for three years, serving on the in MMA, Guerette adds a unique student
election held in 2012, there were three times steering committee of the last capital campaign perspective to the board as a non-traditional
as many candidates and six times more ballots and assisting the chair of the student endowment student.
cast for Board Member positions. segment on the 1987 capital campaign. Due to resignations and vacated board
“It is exciting to see the level of interest Charles (Cal) Lechman ’65 continues as Board positions, there were three seats open. Per the
from our alumni across the decades,” says Jeff Treasurer and Michael X. Savasuk, Esq. ’74 bylaws, those seats were filled by a Board of
Wright, Director of Alumni Relations. “Want- also serves another term as Registered Agent Directors vote. These new members include:
ing to perpetuate alumni participation and (Clerk). Troy Malbon ’89 was employed by BIW as
draw from their passion, energy and expertise, Results for the six four-year member seats a Project Planner. Malbon left BIW and went
we will reach out to all the candidates on the include incumbents John Gillis ’72, Marc to sea for 6 years before rejoining BIW as an
ballot and ask if they have an interest in assist- Gousse ’82, Shawn Longfellow ’86 and Chet Engineering Manager. In 2004, he received his
ing the board with committee work that takes Manuel ’67. MBA and is now a financial advisor with UBS
place throughout the year.” New board members include: Financial Services. Malbon has been President
Joe Cote ’82, will serve a two-year term as Mary E. Hutchins ’11 is a graduate of the of the MMA Casco Bay Alumni Chapter for
the new Alumni President. After graduating Small Vessel Operations program, who sailed for five years.
from MMA, Cote received his MBA degree from Hornbeck Offshore Services as a Navigational Stephen Rendall, Jr. ’96 has held positions
Husson University. Throughout his career, he has Bridge Officer in the offshore oil industry. with American Bureau of Shipping, Amer-
supported the academy in many capacities. Cote Capt. David Witherill ’76 spent a 34-year ican Maritime Officers Union, PenPower/
joined Cianbro in 2008 and is Vice President and career with ExxonMobil in their tanker fleet, GE and then joined Strategic Maintenance
General Manager, Industrial and Manufacturing including 18 years as Master and five as a moor- Solutions, Inc. He became a partner at SMS
Group, working with their flagship module yard ing master at an offshore facility in Angola. He Cloud Services, LLC, Gorham, Maine, in 2002
located in Brewer, Maine. currently operates Pathfinder Compass Service where he is now Senior Director and Principal
Capt. William S. Full ’76 is the new Vice and is the author of From Sea of Life to Sea of Consultant.
President. Full has served one term on the Dreams, 2016. Andrew Strosahl ’05 sailed with Military
Association Board during which he led the stra- William M. Guerette ’19 (student represen- Sealift Command for about six years and
earned his Masters license for ships of any
gross tonnage. He graduated from University
of Maine School of Law with a focus on ocean
law and policy. He is the Vice President, Gov-
ernment Relations with the Transportation In-
stitute where he advocates for the U.S. flagged
Merchant Marine in Washington, D.C.
Feel free to contact the members if you
have any questions, issues or concerns regard-
ing the Alumni Association.
mainemaritime.edu 7
Trumpet
t a l e s
By Timothy D. Keefe ’66
Keefe was assistant bandmaster as the group marched along the streets of Bangor in 1965.
I
like to think I was the normal midshipman in the mid-1960s. I remember some of
the upheaval, but quite frankly, I was too busy studying and trying to keep out of
the way of the upperclassmen to really take much of the politics aswirl at the time
to heart.
Sure, there were tough days then and following graduation, but the lingering memo-
ries of my time at the academy are good, real good.
Even though I was reduced to tears on one of my first ships as an AB, the academy
had made a man out of me, shaped me without me knowing it, gave me pride and confi-
dence to last a lifetime.
Perhaps the regimental staff cadets felt the pressures more, but I found a niche for
myself in Castine. I babysat for Cmdr. Philbrick’s daughters, I dated Adm. Rogers ’ oldest
daughter, I cut grass for the Breene’s and the old dentist across the street, and was support-
ed in my musical efforts by Lt. Jordan.
I inherited a large marching band when I became bandmaster after Lou Dunlay ’64
and, it’s noteworthy, we quickly integrated new music and drums into our repertoire. I
absolutely loved to spend the Friday drill marching the band around town and playing our
music.
8 MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 3
An alumnus recalls his MMA
days as band leader and stirring
Tim Keefe in 1966
memories of playing “Taps.”
During a trip to Washington D.C., a performance on the Capitol steps.
One of my fondest memories is taking the regiment from Leavitt Hall, rudder command and stop dead on the new heading or range at night. The
where we had formed up, and bursting into “Anchors Away” when the captain and the pilot knew I had it nailed. That confidence carried me through
athletic field grandstand came into view on my right at football games. all the ups and downs, all the years that followed.
How proud we all were in our dress blues, to be in step, looking sharp and I can and did do whatever the hell I set out to do. It wasn’t inherent talent, it
taking in the sight of the grandstand full of our parents, girlfriends, visitors was Maine Maritime Academy.
and others. I often wondered what the whole show looked like from the During our class reunion this past summer, the skipper of the training boat
grandstand. Susan J. Clark let me take the wheel for our trip around the bay just for old
I remember playing “Taps” each evening my freshman year from the time’s sake. I kept offering it to others but no one wanted/needed it as badly as I
Leavitt front porch at 2200 hours. The music rolled down over the hill— did. To say the least it was nostalgic. I was a little rusty, but still, not too shabby.
sad, lingering, echoing— along its way to the water and the bay. The school looks alive and well. Thanks to MMA leadership for keeping
One of my last mornings at school, I remember James Ling ’67, the watch over my Academy for so long, keeping it thriving, changing, growing,
assistant bandmaster, taking the band down the hill without me, and I funded, staffed and challenging.
felt an aching and joy at the same time. And thanks for my chance to turn back the clock, to dream one more time,
Each of us found something in our four years at the academy and to hear my bugle calls and to see my band as it marched away without me.
traveling the world on our training ship—something redeemable and
meaningful. After graduating from MMA and shipping out for three years (including “through
I wasn’t the only one to do so, of course, but I remember being just a or around five hurricanes”), Keefe has worked in various areas of the real estate
20-year-old, coming up to the bridge and taking the wheel of TS Ancon during business for 47 years and lives in Palm City, Florida.
a Panama Canal transit. I could make that ship stand on end after a 20-degree
mainemaritime.edu 9
Page’s band plays venues across Maine.
On that note
Another former MMA trumpeter keeps traditional jazz alive
I
n 1966, then-midshipman John T. Page ’68 was ashore in New Orleans, acting as Head of Project Development and ISO Quality Management for the
where the TS State of Maine was docked during its annual training cruise. American Maritime Officers Union in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
As Page was taking in the sights of the French Quarter, he happened upon In 2014, following a 45-year maritime career, he and his wife Ann retired to
Preservation Hall, home of the world-famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Maine where he resumed playing jazz full-time as the leader of the State Street
from inside he heard music that so captivated his soul it continues to inspire Traditional Jazz Band, which he founded in 1989 and based in Portland.
him to this day. Over the years, he continued to visit New Orleans where he observed and
Page had been playing trumpet since age six. That magical night at Preserva- studied the techniques of the old master musicians. He attended tour perfor-
tion Hall, and many others over subsequent years, gave him a deep appreciation mances of Preservation Hall Jazz Band, befriended musicians in the band and
for traditional New Orleans jazz. learned the techniques of playing the music.
The music dates to the birth of jazz that occurred in New Orleans in the early The State Street Traditional Jazz Band consists of standard New Orleans
1900s. “Wherever the music is heard, its joyful beat still delights people of all songs of the early 1900s. Many of its musicians are longtime friends and musical
age groups,” says Page. “Musicians such as Louis Armstrong, the Preservation colleagues going back to the 1970s. The songs they play are familiar— “Bill
Hall Jazz Band and other jazz greats who play the music of that time have been Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home,” “Saint Louis Blues,” “Has Anybody Seen
my inspiration over the years.” My Gal” and more than 100 other songs.
While at MMA he was in the band for four years, but also had the “collateral “The Saints Go Marching In’ is the first song I learned from the New Orleans
duty waking up the entire senior dorm residents when I was a freshman,” he repertoire,” Page says, “and it’s the final number of every concert we perform,
says, “blowing reveille on the trumpet to wake the seniors up at 0600, and then the one every audience demands!”
getting out of there as fast as I could.” The band has played in many concert and private party venues as well TV
Following graduation, Page shipped out of the Port of New Orleans, as well appearances. They recorded a CD last year and recently filmed a DVD of a
as the ports of New York and San Francisco, as a deck officer on cargo ships for live performance, both of which are for sale at concerts and via their website:
23 years. statestreettraditionaljazzband.com.
Eventually he came ashore holding a Coast Guard license as Master, Steam “Carrying on my passion for playing the old jazz comes out when we see the
and Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons, Oceans. smiles on the faces of the audience,” Page says. “When they tap their feet and
He then earned a graduate degree from Florida International University and clap along with the music, we know it is touching their souls and lifting their
became a maritime training instructor, and later a maritime executive spirits. That’s the payoff and what makes it worthwhile.”
10 MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 3Alumni Profile
PROMOTING PARTNERSHIPS
Chosen as an Outstanding Alumni, Cmdr. Jason Smith ’96 emphasizes the value of “connecting” people on the job and through MMA.
Cmdr. Smith received a 2015 Outstanding Alum- Guard, other government agencies and industry way to link these current maritime leaders with
nus Award, which was presented at the 2016 partners to accomplish goals. Cooperation and future leaders at MMA.
Homecoming Banquet to coincide with his 20th understanding the assets each member brings to I encourage any current student or recent
class reunion. the table will always produce the best results. graduate to engage with the alumni office and
contact active alumni with a successful career
What is your present career position? What led you to MMA? path in line with what you want to do. The life
I’m a Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard and My dad was in the Coast Guard for a few years long relationship you may gain will be well worth
currently lead the Coast Guard’s Liquefied Gas and always spoke highly of going to sea and the the initial investment.
Carrier National Center of Expertise in Port camaraderie that is associated with it.
Arthur, Texas, a specialized unit that trains and What are some of the highlights of your experience
assists field inspectors and industry representa- at MMA?
tives on regulatory aspects of the liquefied gas Like most MMA graduates, cruise and cadet
industry, from large-scale liquefied gas carriers shipping top the list. Having the opportunity to
to vessels that use liquefied gas as a fuel. get hands-on training and see the world can’t be
beat by any college. I will never forget the shared
What are highlights of your progress from MMA to experiences and friendships I gained at MMA.
your current job?
I’ve had an enjoyable career with the Coast When you first graduated could you envision where
Guard, which actually started while I was at your career might lead?
MMA. I was an enlisted reservist since I was Well, I continue to ask myself that question, and
a sophomore and continued to serve upon still don’t know where my career might lead.
graduation. I have been at units in Washing- Even though the Coast Guard career path is
ton, Oregon, Netherlands, Washington, DC, quite linear and predictable, it is also competitive,
Massachusetts, and now in Texas. so I never knew if I would be able to make it a
Although my primary role has been with career. I always hoped it would lead to 20 years
the inspection of vessels, I’ve had the opportu- Cmdr. Smith at the Panama Canal Vessel Traffic Center for retirement, and now I can say I accomplished
nity to be involved in incident management on at least that goal.
major oil spills and security incidents. One of the When I was looking for college opportunities, I have had amazing assignments, from being
most memorable assignments was as a liaison to I met Jeff Wright (then Admissions Director) at an overseas inspector in Rotterdam with respon-
the International Maritime Organization where a college fair who explained all that MMA had to sibility for inspection of U.S. vessels throughout
I served as a U.S. delegate on the development of offer, much of which sounded similar to what my Europe, Africa and the Middle East to serving
international policy. dad had described. A combination of these two as U.S. liaison to the International Maritime
influences made for an easy choice. Organization.
What personal philosophy has guided you through the One of my mentors once told me, the
years? Who are your mentors? proof you love your job is if you can say every
I’ve always relied on the fact that I can’t do it I have many from various aspects of my career assignment you are in is your favorite, and I am
alone and need others to obtain mission success. and still, maybe even more so now, rely on them fortunate to be able to say that.
Realizing this, I have found it’s most important for guidance and direction.
to network and build partnerships inside and I stay in touch with my advisor from MMA, In your present job, safety and protection of the envi-
outside the Coast Guard. Dr. Shashi Kumar who set me in the right direc- ronment are major concerns. What are your thoughts
tion from the start. about how the Coast Guard and merchant mariners
What did you learn at MMA that has served you as a Since leaving MMA, some of my Coast Guard can better cooperate along these lines?
Coast Guard officer? supervisors and colleagues have taken me under The Coast Guard alone cannot ensure safety
The maritime profession and teamwork. From a their wing and mentored me along the way. at sea; it needs support from the mariners who
technical perspective, the training I received at Finally, I found that the MMA alumni network work and live at sea. Collaborating with the Coast
MMA to be a mariner allows me to relate to those serves as a form of mentorship. I consider many Guard should be thought of as a mutually bene-
I now serve to protect. This insight provides not fellow alumni to be mentors, such as Capt. Steve ficial arrangement. The same goes for the Coast
only the understanding of maritime operations Palmer ’72, who has supported and advocated Guard, establishing an open and close relation-
and processes, but also the limitations and chal- for me in many ways. ship with mariners and maritime representatives
lenges mariners face. I’ve recently attended a few alumni events, is a must to accomplish our mission.
From a leadership perspective, the emphasis and each time I’ve looked around the room to see We rely on teamwork with those from within
on teamwork and how we cannot succeed alone some of the most successful maritime profession- the industry and all concerned citizens to keep
has allowed me to work together with Coast als in the field. It would be great if there was a our waters and mariners safe.
mainemaritime.edu 11Castine Current
ART WORKS FOR THE ABS BUILDING
Installations by three Maine artists brighten and inspire.
I
nspired by the ocean, Clint Fulkerson’s painted All three Maine-based artists have received
mural Coastal Strata begins at the ground critical acclaim. Among other notable work,
level of southwest end of the ABS Center for Fulkerson recently completed a mural for the en-
Engineering, Science and Research, sweeping and gineering department of Facebook in New York
swirling upward adjacent the stairwell in brightly City. A solo exhibit of Charland’s images in New
hued stripes that crest and roll as they reach the York “…show us that disciplined experimentation
top floor. Fulkerson also painted a mural on the can lead to magical results,” stated the Wall Street
third floor, Blue Nebula #3, inspired by maps, Journal. Eric Hopkins is one of America’s eminent
biology, fluid mechanics and technology. artists, best known for his aerial perspective
Caleb Charland and a detail from his installation that uses handprints to create star points of light. (Photo, right, by Billy Sims)
In the ground level central corridor, Caleb paintings of sea, sky and islands.
Charland’s dark blue aluminum panel installa- As part of the process for creating his installa-
tion Community Constellations, Maine Maritime tion, Charland visited the academy and involved
Academy with LED lighting that evokes stars in 90 members of the MMA community to create
the night sky, comes to life when triggered by a handprints by placing “small dots of ink on their
motion sensor as you approach the area. hands anywhere lines crossed,” he says. “I then
Along the second floor front hallway, Eric scanned their hands to make the images. In
Hopkins’s Passages, mixed media works of paint- post-production, I made the images into nega-
ed wood, some of which are from the schooner tives. So the black dots become white like stars.
Bowdoin deck, will represent the exchange of The skin color and lines appear to transform into
energy between land, water and sky from dawn a night sky.”
to dusk. The goal for selecting the artists and their
To be completed and installed by May 2017, installations is to expose students and others to
the three installations were selected from more “modern art in a modern building,” says Susan
than 50 proposals by a committee of MMA staff, Loomis, Academic Dean, professor of humanities
arts professionals and the building architect, and communications and one of the committee
and fulfill the 1979 Maine Percent for Art law, members.
which requires an amount equal to one percent “We sought artwork that is innovative and
of the construction budget for new and renovated complements the work in science and technology
buildings that receive state funds be used for at the heart of the building’s purpose. It weds
art purchases (or $50,000 for state schools and content and form in a stunning manner.”
colleges).
Art by Clint Fulkerson dramatically enlivens two locations in
the building. (Top photo by Chase Davidson)
12 MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 3Castine Current
90 DAYS, 17,186 MILES AT SEA By CMDR. PETER STEWART
2016 training cruise delivers new and practical experiences
2016 PORTS
Cruise A Cruise B
Portsmouth, NH Portsmouth, NH
Charleston, SC Cobh, Ireland
Tampa, Florida Antwerp, Belgium
Galveston, Texas New York City
TS State of Maine steaming by the New York City skyline. (Photo by Stanley Konieczko ’05)
O
ur initial cruise plans had us leaving exposed to the training components of fire
Charleston, South Carolina and heading suppression, life boat, pool work and rescue
to France, but we were unable to acquire boats at the college. The training was first-
diplomatic clearance for the training ship there, class and all were impressed.
so our trip then turned toward Tampa, Florida. Another European port, Antwerp,
Alumni, led by David Knapp ’86 and Eric Belgium, provided the cadets a great deal of
Smith ’88 treated the ship to first-rate service history. Many took advantage of the tours to
in port. We were required to extend our stay for WWII sites and the old city. Finally heading
mechanical reasons, and even though the weather home, TS State of Maine made the final
and hospitality were outstanding, all were ready stop in New York City. Docked in the heart Elliot Grindle & Trent Lloyd-Rees at work during the training cruise.
to head back to sea. of Manhattan, many took advantage of the provided the opportunity to travel to places I had
Our next stop was Galveston, Texas, home to cultural activities that abound in the city that never been, experience different cultures and
Texas A&M Maritime. This was notable since we never sleeps. meet new people.
had 20 Texas cadets on board for training, a first The return to Castine was highlighted by the “The cruise also presented me with opportu-
for Maine Maritime Academy. annual parents cruise. All 2/C parents are invited nities to learn and lead,” he says. “It was a new
There were ten, 4/C and 10 2/C doing the to join the ship from Searsport to Castine. More challenge to be away from friends and family for
90-day cruise. They were disappointed about not than 300 parents and friends took advantage of so long, but it’s one I’m excited to face again.”
traveling to France, but seemed quite happy to this awesome opportunity. 1/C Midn. Cmdr. Elliot Grindle adds, “The
see home again. We then left for the 2/C switch in Students got a firsthand look at what life at sea real-life training we do on board the TS State
Portsmouth, New Hampshire. is like. Many memories were made and relation- of Maine is unparalleled. I enjoyed all aspects
With the Cruise B crew aboard, including a ships were forged that will last a lifetime. of summer cruise, especially navigating around
2/C cadet from Mass Maritime, we headed across “Cruise was a fun, exciting and challenging Northern Ireland. I’ll always remember the
the Atlantic to Cobh, Ireland and the National experience that always kept me busy and on breathtaking views.”
Maritime College of Ireland. All cadets were my toes,” says 3/C Midn. Trent Lloyd-Rees. “It
COAST GUARD DEMO
T
he campus community enjoyed a search and
rescue demonstration by a U.S. Coast Guard
helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod and a
47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Station Rockland on
October 13. Both arrived mid-morning and later
conducted training together in the harbor, includ-
ing demonstration of rescue swimmer capabilities.
Photo by Lance Bishop
mainemaritime.edu 13Castine Current
PLANK OWNERS
NROTC midshipmen “nail it” at Ranger Challenge
A
plank owner is a sailor working the maiden voyage of a ship: a
person who starts something new, leaves a legacy, and makes it
his/her own. Ten MMA and University of Maine midshipmen
were the first non-Army unit to compete in the Army ROTC Ranger
Challenge held annually at Fort Dix, New Jersey in October.
For 22 years, this simulated combat competition has been exclusive to
Army ROTC units from the Northeast United States. But this year was
different because of the effort and motivation of the team of midshipmen
who accepted an invitation from the 2nd Brigade, Army ROTC Unit’s
Commanding Officer, Col. Mintz, to join in their competition, meant
only for the elite.
With only a few weeks of training and preparation, the team of volun-
teers consisting of six Navy and four Marine Corps midshipmen showed
their opponents they would not take the challenge lightly, despite the fact
that they faced units 10 times their size, some of which had held tryouts
for the competition.
It began with a 10k loaded march through woods and swamp, plus a
25-meter low crawl across gravel-laden earth with the team carrying 40-
lb rucks, rubber rifles and two wooden machine guns
After completing the first stage, they competed in events such as in-
dividual tug of war; two different team combat operations lanes through
more wooded terrain, while carrying their simulated wounded warrior,
“Private First Class Underfunded,” an 80-pound mannequin; a team-on-
team paintball war; and the final event of the day, a warrior haka dance
and King of the Ring.
The day was filled with challenges but ended with a victory in the
King of the Ring.
The following day brought more trials: another 10k march with their
rucks and an added 10 pounds, rifles and PFC Underfunded. But the
loaded march and casualty evacuation was not the end of the road; they
faced a 100-meter low crawl under simulated combat conditions to
ensure their PFC was brought home safely.
The team’s “No Excuses” determination earned them the respectable
ranking of 19 out of 44 teams.
These motivated midshipmen earned the distinction as “Plank Own-
ers” with what is a challenging first step. Eventually, the goal is for Army,
Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force ROTC units to be fully represented at
nationwide events such as this Ranger Challenge, and this goal can come
to fruition if other units follow in the footsteps of these young leaders
from MMA and University of Maine.
Team Participants:
Midn. 2/C Russell Wilson, Team Captain, UM
Midn. 2/C Andrew Lochowski, Fire Team Leader, UM
Midn. 4/C Mark Talvacchia, Machine Gun Assistant Gunner, UM
Midn. 4/C Andrew Marchi, Machine Gun Assistant Gunner, UM
Midn. 4/C Joseph Baumann, Alternate Team Member, UM
Midn. 2/C Tristan Albert*, Machine Gun Gunner, MMA
Midn. 3/C Harrison Clark*, Fire Team Leader, MMA
Midn. 1/C Matthew Fendl*, Team Member, MMA
Midn. 4/C Kristen Gier*, Team Member, MMA
Midn. 1/C Jared Hall*, Machine Gun Gunner, MMA
(* coauthors of this article)
14 MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 3Castine Current
Midshipmen of NROTC Unit MMA participate in a Unit Log Run. The training run fosters fortitude while stressing the importance of teamwork along a 2.5 mile course through Castine. The
MMA unit is composed of 58 students. (Photo by Billy Sims)
LIFEBOAT LESSONS
MUGS row to victory
By LT. ALLISON M. SMALL
T
eamwork, physical stamina, esprit de corps
and friendly rivalry are the hallmarks of the
lifeboat race at the culmination of MUG
Month. A longstanding tradition at Regimental
Induction Weekend, held on October 8, the life-
boat race involved Midshipmen Under Guidance
(MUG’s) from each of the four main companies.
Under the leadership of their Strykers, lifeboat
MUGs hone their rowing skills, create company
identities through costumes, and race to victory
and MUG Honor Company points.
“ Our group came together
as a team with a desire
“ fierce, with Alpha Company, led by boat captain
2/C Stryker Bob Euiler, claiming the hard-fought
Winning Crew:
4/C Michael Carnevale
Photo by Morgan Andrews
to win for each other... victory. The refrain of the rock band Queen’s We 4/C Spencer Snow
Are the Champions could be heard from Alpha’s 4/C Ryan Holdgate
Families, friends, and fellow midshipmen boat, and camaraderie was shared across all of the 4/C Dana Ouelette
viewed this year’s event from TS State of Maine, companies as they welcomed their rowers ashore. 4/C Tyler Glynn
cheering their MUGs to the finish line at the ves- “Our group came together with a desire to 4/C David Ramage
sel’s stern. Despite the strong current, breeze and win for each other,” says Euiler, “and have a good 4/C Matai Martin
cool autumn temperatures, the competition was time.”
mainemaritime.edu 15Castine Current
CELEBRATORY FINAL SALUTE
Lauded for his 38 years of service, Gardner retires from Coast Guard
of Staff for the First District in Boston, and
finally senior Coast Guard officer attached to
the Navy’s Expeditionary Combat Command.
Gardner’s academic and educational back-
ground show another important side of his life
and career. He received his Ph.D. in Develop-
mental, Cell and Molecular Biology from Duke
University, a bachelor’s degree in biology from
Trinity College, coursework from the US Joint
Forces Staff College, US Naval War College,
MIT, Cornell and more. He was an Associate
Professor of Biology and Biochemistry at Ro-
anoke College, and later, Dean of Pre-Medical
Programs for Mount Holyoke College before
throwing his anchor ashore at MMA.
At his retirement ceremony, Gardner
reflected on his career, saying, “If I have
accomplished anything it is because I have
had good role models and been entrusted with
mentoring smart, enthusiastic shipmates who
were assigned with me. I’ve emulated great
leaders and learned from true professionals.
I’ve been privileged by unfailing support from
(Left-right) Seaman Benjamin Gardner, USCG, Capt. Gardner, Dr. Bridget Gardner, and Airman First Class Nathan Gardner, USAF my employers, my colleagues and most impor-
M
tantly, my family. There were times it was really
ost of the MMA community know Dr. senior Captain in the Coast Guard Reserve.
tough on my family to have me away, or to have
David Gardner as Vice President for His assignments were far-ranging. He served as
me here, but still gone…my mind somewhere
Academic Affairs and Provost, a position a navigator aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisen-
else, on watch. I have made great friends, gone
he’s held since 2014. hower, the only enlisted man in the Navy at the
places and done things of which some people can
Few know of his long and meritorious service time to qualify as a conning officer on an aircraft
only dream. Of all the experiences, being a part
in the Coast Guard from which he retired as Cap- carrier. Ultimately, he served as a deck watch
of saving lives at sea has been the highlight.”
tain at a ceremony held on October 15 at Coast officer on five different ships over the course of
At the ceremony, Gardner’s sons, Nathan and
Guard Base Boston. 12 years, with duty ranging from the Persian Gulf
Benjamin, both in military services, read the
Gardner began his military career in 1977 during the Iranian hostage incident to migrant
poem The Watch, ending with: “Today we re-
when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman interdiction operations in the Caribbean. Shore
spectfully gather here to say, ‘Shipmate, the watch
Recruit. He accrued eight years of enlisted duty assignments included Search and Rescue
stands relieved. Relieved by those you have led,
service, first in the Navy and later in the Coast Mission Coordinator for the Atlantic Area com-
guided, and trained. Captain Gardner, you stand
Guard, promoting up to Quartermaster First mand center, Chief of International Operations,
relieved. We have the watch.”
Class. Gardner then earned a commission and Deputy Chief of the Seventh District Contingen-
served 30 years as an officer, finishing as the most cy Preparedness Branch in Miami, Reserve Chief
16TH ANNUAL CAREER FAIR
T
he 16th Annual Career Fair was held at MMA on Thursday,
October 20th. The Career Services Office reported 69 com-
panies exhibited and 829 students and alumni attended.
Attendance was up from last year, and the diversity of companies
was also notable: there was something for everyone.
Photo by Cristin Wright
16 MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 3Castine Current
9/11 REMEMBRANCE
MMA alumnus shares little-known maritime story of historic evacuation
C
apt. Robert H. Pouch NYNM/ the largest maritime evacuation in history,
USNR (Ret.) ’62 presented an according to several sources. [Their story
account of the role played by Mer- is chronicled in a 10-minute YouTube vid-
chant Mariners, including MMA alumni, eo, Boatlift narrated by Tom Hanks, which
during the hours and days following the Pouch shared with the audience.]
9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade This rescue operation was sponta-
Center. A gathering in Delano Audito- neously coordinated and carried out by
rium marked the 15th anniversary of experienced mariners with expert local
9/11/2001. knowledge; colleagues who instinctively
Pouch shared a unique perspective. knew what had to be done. They grasped
At the time, he served as a captain in the the urgent task at hand. They took full
New York State Division of Military and responsibility, and they took immediate
Naval Affairs/New York State Naval Mili- action.
tia, and Deputy Commander, Operations. No one sent a bill. There was never any
His presentation, a summary of which discussion of compensation.
follows, offers the exceptional role of the Even today, emergency response ex-
New York Harbor maritime community perts and planners cannot grasp the scope
and merchant mariners: and success of the 9/11 rescue mission. It
is difficult for some people to comprehend
Chaos and Courage the bonds and value system of mariners in
Dawn at Pilot Station New York on such circumstances.
September 11, 2001 presented a spectac- However, the spirit of mutual aid and
ular sight— a cloudless, bright autumn volunteerism amongst mariners is legend-
morning. As the sun rose, the city skyline Colleges across the U.S. created memorials using 2,977 American flags to remember ary among the public and private sectors
turned a shimmering golden spectacle, the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Members of SGA produced a silent memorial in the Port of New York, and throughout
including the iconic World Trade Center on campus that was viewable from September 10-18. (Photo by Janice Folk) the world. We are honored to recognize
and the Statue of Liberty. their distinguished service, which sets an
Then at approximately 0830, without New York for “All Available Boats.” example for others to follow.
warning, the terror attacks on the World Trade The maritime industry immediately responded Among his career achievements, Pouch has held
Center commenced with the two commercial with all of its personnel and equipment, and what senior management positions at Pouch Terminal,
passenger jet flying into the upper floors. The en- followed was a spontaneous and unified response. Inc.; Medalist Industries Inc., Holland Division;
suing fires and explosions caused both buildings Tug boats, high-speed ferries, dinner boats, char- Hapag Lloyd-United States Navigation Inc.; Barber
to collapse and fall to earth by mid-morning. ter boats, fishing boats, excursion boats, police Steamship Lines, Inc. and Barber Ship Manage-
The Pentagon was also attacked, and another launches and pilot boats approached the sea walls ment Inc.; and as U. S. General Agent for the U.S.
hijacked passenger jet was commandeered by of southern Manhattan to evacuate an estimated Maritime Administration and U.S. Navy Military
heroic passengers and crashed into a Pennsylva- 500,000 survivors to places of safety in nearby Sealift Command.
nia farm field. Nearly 3,000 people died from the Brooklyn, New Jersey and Staten Island. It was
combined attacks with thousands more
injured.
In lower Manhattan, the disaster
scene was chaotic. After both planes had
crashed into the buildings, there was
initial confusion. Some victims were told
to stay in place in their offices and await
further instructions. Others evacuated
via stairwells.
The scene at street level was traumatic.
Tens of thousands of people were fleeing
for safety, but were trapped in lower
Manhattan with no escape route avail-
able, some with serious injuries.
Faced with these conditions, the U.S.
Coast Guard issued an urgent radio call
on VHF to all mariners in the Port of (Left) Capt. Pouch (Right) The catasrophe summoned an unprecedented response from mariners.
mainemaritime.edu 17Castine Current
SCHEUCHZER AND LANGFORD RECEIVE
PORT EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATIONS
Photo by Billy Sims
A
laina Scheuchzer ’05, Asst. Professor opportunity to maintain a strong and continu- and an external professional association review-
of Management, Loeb-Sullivan School of ously updated link to the Maritime Port Industry. ing our program curriculum. More important-
International Business and Kirk Langford, “I am honored to be the first educator to ly, after completing the online or on-campus
Asst. Professor at LSS, recently received the receive the Accredited Marine Port Executive graduate programs, our students are granted the
International Association of Maritime and Port (AMPE) Professional Certification, and to then Maritime Port Manager certificate. Essentially,
Professionals (IAMPE) Accredited Port Executive provide our graduate students with the training in addition to receiving a master’s degree, our
Professional Certification. to receive their Marine Port Manager (MPM) students receive a professional certification. To
Scheuchzer and Langford are among 16 others Certification from the IAMPE.” date, approximately 35 LSS alums have earned the
recognized in 2017 with this industry-wide Dean and LSS Professor Donald Maier signed MPM certification.”
professional accreditation for port and maritime the MOU with IAMPE and
professionals who have achieved notable industry notes “IAMPE certification
experience, professionalism and who have is an exceptional oppor-
completed a formal certified course of study in tunity for our faculty to
executive port management. stay connected to industry
Langford appreciated working with port direc- professionals and trends.
tors from across the U.S. “They have their feet on We are able to network with
the ground,” he says, “and therefore have timely executives and not only dis-
and critically important perspectives that I can cuss trends but also provide
take back to the students at MMA.” direction to the industry.
Scheuchzer, a member of MMA faculty since “The relationship with
2014 says, “Our partnership and memo of un- IAMPE provides our faculty
derstanding (MOU) with IAMPE provides great with relevant course content,
18 MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 3M M A
HOMECOMING ’16
SEPTEMBER 22 - SEPTEMBER 25
We Are MarinersWe Are Mariners
M M A
HOMECOMING ’16
A great crowd of Alumni came back to campus
this September for a special Homecoming to include
75th Anniversary festivities and celebrations for fifteen
honor-year classes. Accommodations in Castine and
Bucksport were sold out prior to the events, and pre-reg-
istrations poured in to the alumni office as the weekend
drew closer.
Early Friday morning, a handful of alumni joined
morning muster and then attended classes and labs open
to visitors. As more alumni checked in for the weekend,
groups congregated and started to catch up with one an-
other. An afternoon reception was held at Wyman House
and then alumni moved to the Hall of Fame ceremony and
the alumni banquet. Evening entertainment included a
comedy show with Jimmy Dunn at the Field House.
There was a hum on campus early Saturday as the
Alumni Fun Run started, and groups of alumni and their
families made their way to the bleachers. Members of the
honor classes gathered for photographs while waiting to
March On to Ritchie Field. Hundreds of alumni carried
blue cups with the signature 75 mark, received as a gift
when they checked in.
The game didn’t yield a win against MIT, but the crowds
were boisterous and supportive of the Mariners, as usual,
and many stayed to catch the men’s and women’s soccer
games that followed.
As other spectators made their way to the waterfront
for the barbecue and street dance, the town parking lot
and tent filled with the sounds of Whoopy Kat, a local 80s
cover band that wailed Bon Jovi, Led Zeppelin, and The
Beatles, and got people up and dancing after they had their
fill of burgers and slaw.
To top off the evening’s festivities, President Brennan
gave a short speech—a tribute to MMA’s 75 years—thank-
ing all who were there for being part of the college’s suc-
cess. The crowd enjoyed an amazing fireworks show, and
then feasted on birthday cake set aglow with sparklers. The
rest of the night was left to parties and large congregations
of people at Danny Murphy’s (aka The Reef).
We plan to build on the enthusiasm of this year for
Homecoming 2017, so save the date on your calendars:
September 15-17, 2017!
21Homecoming
Feedback
by Jeff Wright, Director of Alumni Relations
In an effort to host an enjoyable and memorable experience during Homecoming, the Alumni
Relations Office sent 3,645 emails to survey MMA alumni regarding their Homecoming 2016
experience. There was a 12% response rate to the 3,101 recipients that received the email survey.
Number of Classmate and Friend Contacts: 78%
overall satisfaction Interaction with MMA Students: 78%
Number and Variety of Events & Activities: 99%
Of those that attended Homecoming 2016,
those “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with: MMA Dining / Menu Options and Service: 80%
Condition of MMA: Facilities and Vessels: 95%
Reasons alumni did
not attend:
(more than one response)
top events
attended 6
1 Football Game
43% - not an “honor class” year
2 Waterfront Barbecue
30% - work conflict
3-4 (tie) March On, Tailgating
55% - distance/expense/health
5 Fireworks
11% - never attended a homecoming
6 Reception and Banquet
100%
One hundred percent of those surveyed said they will
return, 33% of them noting that for various reasons it
will be on their “honor class” years. Understandable.
What activities would you like to
maintain or add to Homecoming?
Comments included: ideas
Some constructive
“Would be hard pressed to suggest anything better. suggestions included:
Just a perfect homecoming for someone like myself
from Class of 1943.”
“Find a way for classmates to
“Thanks to all of the academy personnel who made
communicate and encourage
it happen. I didn’t know that I could be any prouder
each other to attend.”
as an MMA Alumni, but definitely feeling like I’m
part of a very special, tight-knit community after “More timely notification.”
participating in this year’s Homecoming.”
“More opportunities to go
out on the Bowdoin.”
“The boat rides are great. They are small enough to get
crowds to talk and interact together and let you feel the “A small 9-hole golf event.”
pride of belonging to something so much bigger than
yourself. Having the students on board also promotes “The street dance was a great
a participation/interaction and conversation that is idea but it ended so soon.”
worth the travel to MMA itself.”
“Continue to offer the
waterfront dining option.”
“I think this year’s Homecoming events were ideal.
Not too many, but always something to do!”
Photos by Tony Llerena and Dee Yocom75
M A R K I NG A M M A M I L E STON E
by Capt. Scott A. Lund ’84, VP
Penobscot Bay Alumni Association
The Mariners football team was assembled on Richie field playing
MIT on an unseasonably warm day for Homecoming. At half-time,
I would present the Penobscot Bay Chapter Scholarship Award to a
deserving underclassman.
As the time drew near, our hosts at the academy approached the
tents bordering the playing field to find the presenters for the awards.
I was dining with William F. Brennan, former Commandant of
MMA. His son, Dr. William J. Brennan and various academy officials
were already assembled in front of the grandstand.
As we marched onto the field, I could not help but reflect on the
passage of time and the passing of the torch from father to son. From
when our class graduated in the mid-80s until 2016, more people have
graduated from the academy than had previously from its inception
until our graduation. Yes, a lot of water has passed under the keel, and
the academy and the world are a very different place today.
After spending nearly three decades at sea, I thought of how the
volume of U.S. American Flag trade has declined along with the
number of billets available for graduating cadets. Back in my day, the
emphasis was on a seagoing career afloat. Today, Maine Maritime
has become a maritime college with emphasis on the global market,
logistical support, business management along with the traditional
seagoing curriculum in order to adapt to an ever-changing market.
MMA marked its 75th anniversary with a nostalgic celebration that
was both welcoming to the alumni and inclusive to the community of
Castine.
The four-day event included dinners, commemorative speeches,
sporting events, live entertainment and a fantastic fire works display
that the whole town could enjoy from the town landing.
Thank you, Maine Maritime for all your efforts behind the scenes
and your welcoming presence, celebrating this waypoint in the life of
the academy, as well as our own.
23People
CRUISING TALE THAT TEMPTS
Vicariously step aboard a Bahamas bound boat
I
n the opening pages of a new book by Dave Witherill
’76, From Sea of Life to Sea of Dreams, he recounts
being on the bridge as Captain of the 987-foot tanker
S/R Long Beach in 1998 in the middle of the North
Pacific Ocean with a full load of crude oil bound for
Tokyo Bay.
“At that point I had been at sea professionally for
22 years, 10 as a captain,” he writes. “…as I studied
the weather maps it appeared we were sailing into the
mouth of a cannon that was firing one storm after an-
other in our direction.” What normally would have been
a 9-day run turned into a 15-day challenge with winds
sometimes 60 knots and wave heights more than 45 feet.
“A voyage such as this makes a person dream of bet-
ter days,” writes Witherilll, “of white sand beaches and
palm trees that seemed a million miles away.”
In 2011, he retired and with his wife Gail, the “Ad-
miral,” began plans for a voyage to the Bahamas aboard
their 34-foot sailboat.
“I had a hip replacement and was stuck in the house
for February and March during recovery,” says Witherill.
“A friend started a blog with photos from cruising the
Exumas, and that planted the seed.”
What follows is a pleasurable account of the couple’s
cruise from their homeport of Portland, Maine along
the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) more than 2,000 miles
to the aqua blue waters (with white sand beaches and
palms) of the southern Exumas, Bahamas, and their
return home eight months later.
Highlights of the book include making the run along
the ICW and then hunkering down in Norfolk, Virginia
as Hurricane Sandy passed, crossing the Gulf Stream
and Grand Bahama Bank on the way to cruising the
Exuma and Abaco Cays, and reflections on Witherill’s
career at sea “with a few of my better sea stories!,” he
notes.
Whether you’re a working
mariner or an armchair sailor,
Witherill’s book is a good read
when you’re tucked in warm
on a stormy winter night and
thinking what your next port of
call might be.
The book can be purchased
at fromseaoflife.com, or the
Maine Authors Publishing web-
site, and bookstores in Maine,
including MMA’s.
Witherill weathered his share of storms as a merchant mariner (right)
before making a memorable cruise to the Bahamas on his sailboat.
24 MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 3You can also read
