Proving Once Again That Sea Scouts We Make Boating Fun!

Transcription

1 THE Proving Once Again That Sea Scouts We Make Boating Fun! 36th Annual Northeast Region BSA Bridge of Honor and Sea Scout Ball On March 24, 2018, the Holiday Inn Select in Swedesboro, NJ, saw a sold-out crowd of 262 Sea Scouts from 42 Ships, representing 12 States, from coast to coast and from overseas. Past Regional Commodore Noel Guzman, National Sea Scout Director Keith Christopher, National Outdoor Program Specialist Robert Kolb, National Commodore Charlie Wurster, Regional Commodore Ben Feril, Outgoing Regional Boatswain David Tarantino, National Boatswain Mercedes Matlock, Regional Boatswain Taylor Martin-Graham, and Regional Boatswain s Mate Matthew Parsons. The annual event kicked off with the standing room only afternoon Skippers Information Meeting facilitated by Regional Commodore Noel Guzman, Regional Commodore Elect Ben Feril and the NER Sea Scout Executive Committee, where highlights of the region were presented as well as comments from honored guests National Commodore Charlie Wurster, National Sea Scout Director Keith Christopher and National Outdoor Program Specialist Robert Kolb. At this session, several adult Area Sea Scout Leadership Awards were presented to Deidre Buchner (Area 2, Liberty Flotilla), Ben Feril (Area 5), Jim Graney (Area 3, Erie Canal Flotilla), Steve Nichols (Area 6, Chesapeake Flotilla), and Doug Yeckley (National Capital Area Council SSLA), Noel was also presented by Wayne Stacey with a brightwork oar given to exceptional Sea Scout leaders in the Region. During the afternoon timeframe, a separate Quarterdeck Meeting was chaired by the Regional Boatswain David Tarantino and Regional Boatswain s Mate Taylor Martin-Graham, and special guest National Boatswain Mercedes Matlock. Here the youth discussed key topics of information among the region. It was announced that Matt Parsons is the Regional Boatswain s Mate Elect. During this session, several youth received the Sea Scout Leadership Awards including Matt Parsons (Del-Mar-Va Council), Michele Noyes (Area 3), Emily Newell (Area 1, New England Flotilla Boatswain), and David Tarantino received the youth Regional Sea Scout leadership award and Taylor Martin-Graham received the Area 1 Sea Scout Leadership Awards.

2 Interested Sea Scouts also participated in a casual Sextant Class, outside in the hotel parking lot, led by Mate Rags Buchner, Ship 228 NJ. In the evening, a more formal class was held to locate the North Star! During the evening s Bridge of Honor ceremonies, crews from Ship 39 NJ, 911 NJ and 1908 NJ performed the Land Ship Ceremony, and they did a great job under the direction of their Skipper Jim Loosse and OOD Jim Ferioli. Bravo Zulu! Mate Buchner and Liz Prestia, Ship 2037 NY Our Keynote Speaker, National Sea Scout Director Keith Christopher, shared his message and reminded all in attendance that the Spirit of Sea Scouting is truly alive and well within each of us. He also asked us to take a brief moment and reflect on a favorite scouting trip and the fun you had, lessons learned, and the smiles and laughter of friends. Keith also reinforced what lies ahead as we enter this new century, what we have done already, and how much more we can do to make the program even better, reaching more youth, and still having fun with boats! At the Bridge of Honor, we recognize our Sea Scouts, adult and youth alike. Here is a listing of those honors: Land Ship Ceremony Keynote Speaker National Sea Scout Director Keith Christopher. The Longstreth-Carey Sea Scout Leadership Service Award was given to James Zatwarnicki Jr., Skipper, Ship 228 NJ, in recognition of the outstanding coordination of the Liberty Flotilla Training Day at the SUNY Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, NY. Through his efforts, the doors to this great facility were opened again to Sea Scouts after a four year absence. This year youth attendees of the training day will be allowed to partake in the college s Ship s Bridge Simulator. James grew up in the Sea Scouting program and continues to pay it forward to the youth of the Region. James Zatwarnicki accepts his award Sarah Wong, Regional Sea Scout of the Year This year, the Northeast Region was proud to acknowledge two members of our National team with the Regional Commodore s Distinguished Service Award. These awards recognize the support these individuals have given to the Region through their exceptional dedication, service and outstanding leadership. Noel Guzman presented these awards to Keith Christopher and Charlie Wurster. Keith Christopher accepts his award Charlie Wurster accepts his award

3 Immediately following, the Northeast Region acknowledged Noel Guzman, outgoing Regional Commodore, for his accomplishments over the past seven years with the Regional Commodore s Distinguished Service Award presented by Ben Feril, incoming Regional Commodore. He also received the adult Regional Sea Scout Leadership Award. And during the Regional Change of Watch, Noel was also presented with a new flag. Lastly, we pinned the outgoing Regional Boatswain David Tarantino and the incoming Regional Boatswain Taylor Martin- Graham with their Seabadge tridents after they successfully completed their Course Rutter s (SB-34-NY-2017).They are the only Regional Boatswains to achieve this at the same time. We also provide several annual recognitions that are nominated by the attending Sea Scout Ships, including: Sea Scout of the Year (21): Noel Guzman accepts his medal Noel Guzman accepts his flag Amber Murdock -SSS Empress - Ship 1 NY Christopher DeLage - SSS Spear - Ship 25 NY Megan Miller - SSS Yorkshire - Ship 25 PA Ruben Michael Rios - SSS Integrity Ship 30 NY Nick Schuessler - SSS Ranger Ship 39 NJ Alexander F. LaRuffa - SSS Nobska - Ship 40 MA Haley Kent - SSS Nauset Sea Scouts - Ship 72 MA Alexander McDonald - SSS Dominion Ship 100 VA Matthew Lee Parsons - SSS Eagle - Ship 198 DE Michael Ferry - SSS Slayer - Ship 201 PA Martin Szypulski - SSS Sea Dart II - Ship 228 NJ Brandon Fontanes - SSS Sea Horse Ship 243 NJ Megan Quesnel - SSS Columbia Ranger Ship 361 MD David Bollinger - SSS Sea Eagle - Ship 548 MD Sarah Wong - SSS Cricket - Ship 876 NY David N. Tarantino - SSS Remembrance Ship 911 NJ Jonathan Kaufman - SSS Chesapeake Osprey Ship 1808 MD Jesse Lintao - SSS Redhawk Ship 1908 NJ Romulus Sena - SSS Ship 1909 RI Cecilia Schenking - SSS Dragon Lady - Ship 1942 VA Sophia Cabrera - SSS Ship 2037 NY New Sea Scouts of the Year The Northeast Region was proud to acknowledge one youth as the first ever Regional Sea Scout of the Year, a recognition created this year in memory of Bob Ellis. The recipient was chosen from the 21 SSOYs nominated by their Ships. And this year the award, which consists of a certificate, medallion and $100 cash prize, was given to Sarah Wong, Ship 876 NY. (See photo above.) 3

4 Additional awards include: Regional Commodore Ship Award of Excellence (13): SSS Spear - Ship 25, Ithaca, NY SSS Yorkshire - Ship 25, York, PA SSS Ranger Ship 39, Edgewater, NJ SSS Nobska Ship 40, East Falmouth, MA SSS Eagle - Ship 198, Milton, DE SSS Slayer - Ship 201, Jenkintown, PA SSS Columbia Ranger Ship 361, Marriottsville, MD SSS Vigilant - Ship 441, Queens, NY SSS Cricket - Ship 876, Syracuse, NY SSS Remembrance Ship 911, Carlstadt, NJ SSS Chesapeake Osprey - Ship 1808, Abington, MD SSS Redhawk Ship 1908, Montclair, NJ SSS Dragon Lady - Ship 1942, Arlington, VA We also recognized Sea Scouts who had achieved an advance rank in the program over the past year, as shared by their Ships. We acknowledged: 5 new Quartermasters, Matthew Ferioli - SSS Ranger - Ship 39 NJ Michael Ferry - SSS Slayer PA Addison Lash - SSS Chesapeake Osprey Ship 1808 MD Brian Murphy - SSS Touche - Ship 104 NJ Samuel Lee Parsons - SSS Eagle - Ship 198 DE 13 new Eagles, Demetrius Boone - SSS Empress - Ship 1 NY John Ferry - SSS Slayer Ship 201 PA Robert Giasi - SSS Ship 1909 MA Peter Graney - SSS Spear - Ship 25 NY Doug Isanogle - SSS The Dreadnoughts Ship 37 MD Matthew Krebs - SSS Spear - Ship 25 NY Alex Lynch - SSS Sea Dart II Ship 228 NJ Gavin Mayes - SSS Sea Horse Ship 243 NJ Ryan Mayes - SSS Sea Horse Ship 243 NJ Paul Schmid - SSS Cricket - Ship 876 NY Martin Szypulski - SSS Sea Dart II - Ship 228 NJ Manny Theodosiou - SSS Vigilant - Ship 441 NY Nevan Valla - SSS Spear - Ship 25 NY and 4 SEALs who attended the course in 2017 from the Northeast Region. Michael Ferry - SSS Slayer Ship 201 PA Matthew Lee Parsons - SSS Eagle - Ship 198 DE Cole Smith - SSS Dragon Lady - Ship 1942 VA Evelyn Smith - SSS Dragon Lady - Ship 1942 VA Bravo Zulu to each and every one of you for the dedication, time and effort required to achieve these ranks and recognitions. The Liberty Flotilla also took a moment on the Land Ship to recognize Deidre Buchner, Ship 228 NJ, their current Flotilla Commodore, retiring at the end of March after ten years at the helm supporting the Sea Scout Ships of Area 2. She was presented with an engraved wooden cutting board and a nautical desk lamp. Deidre Buchner accepts her recognition 4

5 Special thanks to Mike Thomas, Ship 178 PA, who set up a green screen studio and provided free photos to the Sea Scouts in their dress uniforms or fancy ball wear. In addition, with the help of Donna Thomas, Ship 178 PA, they posed group photos of full ship s complements using the stairs in the lobby. He provided photo prints for each scout to take home and, if the Skippers provided a flash drive, he gave them copies of all scouts shots for future use. This year he also set up a Photo Booth with props for funny photos, given on a strip of poses, free to any RBOH attendee. He promises to return next year! Another highlight is the semi-formal Sea Scout Ball. Almost 100 Sea Scouts joined in the fun on the dance floor, enjoying the non-stop tunes from Rock Your Body with DJ Alex Robles. The sound of laughter and stomping feet from the ballroom was a good indication of the fun and playfulness of our youth. For this year s Ball, we crowned: 2018 Sea Scout Ball s Royal Court: King: Alex Byrley, Ship 361 MD Queen: Maddie Saldana, Ship 1808 MD Queen: Jewel Montgomery, Ship 1 NY Prince: Nolan Shelmidine, Ship 1 NY Princess: Sarah Sdordone, Ship 1727 MD Jester: Matthew Paglio, Ship 25 PA We also had several Sea Scouts learning about the importance of family and remembering loved ones with Coco or completing a craft jigsaw puzzle on a lobby table as well as enjoying some quiet conversation in the seating area. And everyone enjoyed mid rats of bagged snacks, brownies, crudities and soda. All were quickly devoured! At the conclusion of the Regional Bridge of Honor, all attendees each brought home a coffee mug emblazoned with the new NER logo, a blue tote bag promoting Sea Scouts, and one participant per table got a ceramic nautical-themed centerpiece keepsake. They also got a copy of the latest edition of Points East, a maritime magazine which supports some of our Ships in Massachusetts. Looking Ahead Mark your calendars now. The 37th Northeast Region Bridge of Honor and Sea Scout Ball will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Select, Swedesboro, New Jersey. The Boarding Manual is posted on the NER Website at Watch for more details as we finalize our plans for the RBOH where we will celebrate Sea Scouts: Adventure Around, In, On, and Under The Water! Please be sure to take a moment and complete the feedback survey which was sent to all participating Ships. Your input helps us make next year s RBOH even more enjoyable for everyone. Lastly, thanks for the photos, provided by our official RBOH Photographer Franklin Garcia. Sea Scouts assemble for the RBOH Banquet

6 National News The National Sea Scout Support Committee announces the selection of Jack Otto of Houston, Texas as the National Sea Scout Boatswain. He is a member of Ship 468, chartered by the St. Andrews Episcopal Church, of the Bay Area Council, Galveston, Texas. He sees the Sea Scouting program as strong and it teaches youth more leadership and life skills than any other program. He wants to expand the outreach that this organization has. Sea Scouts has changed his life and he wants to let it change other s lives. He also wants to eliminate that pesky question, What is Sea Scouts? Jack wants Sea Scouts to be known nationwide, by old and young. He also would like to have a greater new ship retention rate and provide them with the appropriate resources for success. Join us in congratulating and assisting Jack to reach his goals to grow Sea Scouting as the National Sea Scout Boatswain! Bravo Zulu!! Boats US 2018 National Flagship Sea Scout Ship 1, SSS Unique has been honored with the Boat US and the Sea Scouts, BSA 2018 National Flagship Award! Boat US created the award in 2002 to mark the 90th anniversary of Sea Scouting. It is presented in recognition of excellence in program quality, youth achievement, and adult commitment. It is because of these attributes, as reflected by the SSS Unique s exemplary program of seamanship and youth development, that they have been honored with this award. Ship 1 hails from Palestine, Texas, and is part of the East Texas Area Council. Well done, Skipper, Mates and Crew! Ship 1 is one of the only all girls unit! National Sea Scout Director replacing Keith Christopher has been announced It has been officially announced that Janice Downey will be appointed as the next National Sea Scout Director. Janice will take over those duties from Keith Christopher at the end of the National Annual Meeting in May. Janice comes to our program with a great reputation for getting things done and an eagerness to work on the important initiatives that will carry Sea Scouts forward into our second century. National Commodore Charlie Wurster shared that Janice s first reaction to the news was: I m so very excited for this new opportunity to get to better know Sea Scouts and the National Committee members. I look forward to being your biggest champion and supporting you to grow the best kept secret in BSA!

7 United States Power Squadron-America s Boating Club 104th Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida Awards the Raymond A. Finley Award This past February, the United States Power Squadron recognized two top Sea Scouters, honoring them with the Past Chief Commander and Sea Scout Quartermaster Raymond A. Finley, SN, award. This award recognizes members and Honoree members of the United States Power Squadron who are involved with the Sea Scouts BSA. The Finley medal is presented to individuals who have provided outstanding civic service, educational proficiency and leadership roles to both the Sea Scouts and United States Power Squadrons. Receiving the award at the National Meeting were Sea Scout National Commodore Charlie Wurster and Northeast Region Commodore Noel E. Guzman. Noel is a member of the Hempstead Bay Power Squadron and District 3 Sea Scout Liaison. He also has staffed the USPS exhibit at the National Jamborees. Robert Kolb and Noel Guzman manning the Sea Scout Expo table Charlie and Noel Receiving the Finley Award Charlie and USCGAUX Commodore Rick Washburn Charlie and USPS Chief Commander Luis Ojeda Signing the MOU

8 reserve on three sides. 12th Annual Delaware Valley Flotilla Presidents Day Training Weekend By Ann Newman, Area 5 NER Commodore Delaware Valley Flotilla has completed the 12th Annual Presidents Day Training Weekend in February The facilities of Pine Tree Environmental Center are part of the Garden State Council. Pine Tree has six selfcontained heated cabins and a conference center in addition to the dining hall. It is situated in a remote area of the beautiful Pine Barrens with a nature The Pine Tree event had a total of 14 Ships from PA (6), NY (3), NJ (2), MD (1), DE (1), and from VA (1). We appreciate Ships making the effort to travel so far. Two brand new Ships attended for the first time and hope that their experience will enhance their program and have them returning again next year. The training weekend strives to introduce basic skills to new sea scouts as well as more advanced challenges for the seasoned sailor, with hands-on instruction. Josh Warner brought the youth to attention at Basic Drill. Thanks to Cheryl Hamm for jumping in to lead the Advanced Knots class due to scheduling conflict with Ordinary Marlinspike being taught by Rags Buchner. Youth instructor Gabi Backus also led a large group of both Sea Scouts and visiting Boy Scouts from Troop 37 in Basic Knots; a lot to handle and she did a fantastic job. As always Safety first. Michael Thomas provided Basic and Advanced Safety including how to use that fire extinguisher and flare. Ray Tessing s Electricity class and Mike Thomas s Engine class equip the youth to help prepare their boats for the season. Ship 198 DE continues to instruct drivers on how to maneuver their trailer once the vessels are ready to sail. This year Troop 37 NY joined us to complete camping requirements. They were treated to the expertise of Rags Buchner Friday night to determine their location through Celestial Navigation. They were able to come within 1 degree of their actual position. Rags wants to continue to offer this exciting introduction to navigation for those arriving Friday night. The sextant challenge offered even more hands on to Rags Introduction to the Sextant class. Ken Reichner explained the Leadership positions and duties and Boating 101 to those who are new to the program.

9 Special thanks go out to Joel David and Wayne Stacey for stepping in for Doug Yeckley in teaching the very important Navigation, Compass and Piloting course. Joel also spoke to those interested in the SEAL program. Many adults and youth contributed their experiences in a lively discussion to encourage SEAL participation. Also appreciate the continued support of the Power Squadron for providing the Boating Simulator which is a huge contribution to our program. Thanks to Ed Phillips for transporting the equipment needed to present the opportunity to our scouts and Tom Ballew for helping to man the station. We continue to refine our course selection and were fortunate to be able to offer Code Flags courses taught by Bill Sharp. We will be reviewing next year s courses to incorporate any new changes to the Sea Scout Manual requirements. Any suggestions for courses are encouraged. Both youth and adult leaders provide exceptional course instruction. Their dedication and willingness to give both their time and expertise to the training is very much appreciated. We look forward to having them return and encourage the youth to consider being instructors, especially those going for their Quartermaster award. Providing leadership training helps both youth and adults to have successful programs. ILSS for the youth and SSALBT for adults was presented. Special thanks to Andrew Crowles for teaching SSALBT for Tim Wiles who had the flu. Rounding out the class selection to enhance the boating experience, participants were able to attend: Navigation Rules (Joel David); Meals Afloat (Henry Berk); Whipping (Joe Bell); Ground Tackle and Splicing (John Grauvogel); Environment (Bob Gabage); Weather (Tom Ballew); Practical Deck Seamanship (Bill Sharp and Al Herman); Bo sun Pipe, Customs & Courtesies (Wayne Stacey). 1 The Galley crew - Steve Thomas, Brandon Schwartz, Ray Tessing, Henry Berk and Father Paul - again provided delicious meals. Always high praise comments by participants. All in all it was an excellent training weekend. Feedback has been most positive. Mark your calendars for next year s training: February 15-17, Photos courtesy of Cheryl Hamm, Ship 178 PA - Special thanks from the DVYBA!

10 It is with great sadness that we report that Bob Gabage passed away March 28, Bob s dedication to Scouting and instilling the Scouting values is well known. Bob was a major figure of the Presidents Day Training Weekend, serving as Commodore of the Delaware Valley Youth Boating Association, and Ship 201 PA Skipper. He kept the event committee on task, served as the go-to person for the success of the training, and he was also our excellent instructor for two very important courses offered at the training weekend: Religious Awards and ILSS-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships. His sudden passing was a shock to all of us and he will be deeply missed. Catoctin 2018 Blows Scouts Away By Skipper Todd Skiles, Ship 100 VA Sometimes even the most daring sailors have to reef the sails. This year s Chesapeake Flotilla March 2-4 Training Weekend was cancelled due to very windy, hazardous weather. We will return next year. Keep an eye on the website for further details. Just for Fun... FLAG TALK The K (Kilo) Alpha Flag means I wish to communicate with you. If you add a Numeral Fag as well, you indicate how, by: 1) Morse signaling by hand-flags or arms; 2) Loud hailer (megaphone); 3) Morse signaling lamp; 4) Sound signals.

11 SHARING A RICH AND LIVELY CULTURE Submitted by Deidre Buchner, Liberty Flotilla Commodore Ret. Glorious sunny weather greeted the students at the annual Liberty Flotilla Sea Scout Training Day held on April 21, 2018, at SUNY Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, New York. Course organizers Skippers James Zatwarnicki, Ship 228 NJ, and Jan Rose, Ship 460 NY, ensured all logistical details were squared way and provided the best environment for a great day of learning and networking, which saw 112 scouts representing 18 Ships from NJ, NY, CT, MD and MA. Several were in attendance for the very first time. We had instructors from the U.S. Power Squadron Hempstead Bay, from Ships within our Flotilla, from the SUNY staff, and scout-friendly vendors like Whitworth Marine Services and KMX Chemical. Enthusiasm ran high for our extended program on Navigation and Piloting, as well as Sextants, Ground Tackle and Weather. We also offered sessions on Marlinspike Seamanship, Engine Maintenance, Electrical Maintenance, Boat Handling, Radio Communications, a Campus Tour, and Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training (for those recently recruited or preparing for Seabadge). This year we also were able to gain access to the college s proprietary Bridge Deck Simulator and feedback from the youth has been a resounding positive. The Sea Scouts were able to pilot a tugboat or ocean-going MT, as well as maneuver using radar data in deep water and shallower shipping channels. Thanks to Adjunct Professor Richard Robeson for making this hands-on instruction so enjoyable and informative. Lunch was spent in the Mess Deck at Vander Clute Hall where SUNY Cadets and Sea Scouts shared a buffet meal which ran the gamut of soup, salad, burgers, sandwiches, fresh made omelets, hot entrees, fruit and delicious desserts. This year we also had assigned Cadet Docents who helped answer one-on-one questions about the museum, college life, and escorted the group to lunch. During our discussions, we learned that Bethany was a classmate of a Sea Scout from Ship 5 NJ and Skipper Gayle Horvath will be following on this connection! In the afternoon, our Docent Joseph took a moment to join the Sextant class outdoors and remarked that he gained a better understanding of the subject! He was impressed by the Sea Scouts. Plans are in the works to return in April 2019 so watch for more details and the Boarding Manual on the NER Website. Photos courtesy of Noel Guzman, Ship 441 NY

12 2018 TRAINING DAY CLASSES Navigational Rules of the Road (Instructors: Anne Wellander & Sam Goodman, both members of USPS HB and Ship 441 NY) Basic Navigation (Instructors Anne Wellander & Sam Goodman) SEAL Piloting and Navigation (Instructors: Ann Wellander & Sam Goodman). Marlinspike Seamanship (Instructor: Rags Buchner, Ship 228 NJ) Engine Maintenance (Instructor: Nobby Peers, Whitworth Marine Services) Electrical Maintenance (Instructor: Nobby Peers, Whitworth Marine Services) Boat Handling (Instructor: Jerry Moran, KMX Chemical) Ground Tackle (Instructor: Jim Loosse, Ship 39 NJ) Radio/ Communications (Instructor: Uche Akwuba, Skipper Ship 272 NY) Weather (Instructor: David Tarantino, Ship 911 NJ) Sextants (Instructor Ragnar Buchner, Mate, Ship 228 NJ) Bridge Deck Simulator (Instructors: Prof. Richard Robsen & James Zatwarnicki, Ship 228 NJ). Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training (SSALBT) (Instructor: Jan Rose, Ship 460 NY & Lois Goodman, Ship 441 NY)

13 Reflections Onboard the USCG Barque EAGLE by Sea Scout Michelle Riley, Ship 1942 VA All the excitement. All the planning. None of it really prepares you for Day 1. I remember getting to the Barque feeling like Maine was more beautiful than I could ve imagined yet, when I finally got on the ship, and the cadre leadership were already addressing me in military garb and expecting the same in return (which I did, respectfully) it was overwhelming, especially after being left to fend for myself without any further guidance and there still being some expectations you can't quite pinpoint. Welcome to a quick moment of panic of wondering why you wanted to do this of being grouped with the swabs (entering Freshmen to the Academy) who just finished boot camp summer, and while they have each other's backs, question every move you make yeah, daunting but that only lasts a minute, maybe an hour if we're getting technical. At the end, all I wanted to say was--wow! I'm still trying to think of ways to get back on that training vessel. The range of activities that I was able to partake in that week seemed endless: from climbing to the tops/trees to douse the sails in the heavier seas we faced, to learning new ways to navigate in conjunction with new considerations for plotting on the charts. It was humbling to be able to hear so many stories about how/why the Coast Guard became a part of the lives of those on board. It was so cool to learn about why we needed to bring a pilot on board in delicate narrow channels and learn about the inner workings of how to trim and direct the sails, the mess, the engine rooms (which I'm told have since been completely changed with the replacement of the engine), etc.! Every task and every training seemed equally as essential to the smooth running of the Barque and this phase of training. I felt honored to be allowed to explore as many components as I could during the allotted time and overjoyed by the approachability of the crew members (both temporary and permanent)! Since the Sea Scouts only had the privilege of a week onboard, I tried to fill any downtime with more learning, including trying to gauge what the life of an officer or enlisted member could really be like. During the last night, anchored next to the Statue of Liberty, I asked a member of the crew, I vaguely recognized, if he would be willing to help me to use the radar and teach me to use other tools on the bridge. He gladly stopped what he was doing and took the time to really talk to me and answer all my questions. When I asked how he d like to be addressed, he said Captain is fine. (I promise you, my face must ve been priceless in that moment; I really didn t recognize him out of formation!) His encouragement and his sincere belief that every member on the crew was there to teach us: the swabs, exchange students from other Academies, Sea Scouts, and even a JROTC crew! I also owe LCDR Millard, the XO, further gratitude for encouraging me and I hope that I can prove her right in the upcoming years. A JAG lawyer for the Army that we brought on to escort into New York slipped me her business card, and even the Captain made jokes that I needed to transfer and start over at the Academy. Their words were encouraging and humbling and affirming above all else. Though I wish we could've done more sailing during this leg, I still left completely impressed with this one segment of Coast Guard. Aside from all of that, I will never forget the sunrises and incredible locations I got to encounter (having liberty in Portland and New York City)! Once cell phone use was again permissible, I got a ton of photos! I can only hope that the other scouts and trainees were just as satisfied, and that we fully represented ourselves well to the permanent crew, cadres and swabs, adding to the camaraderie and strong work ethic incredibly present from day one. I strongly encourage every other Sea Scout to try and secure a spot on a 2018 cruise and take advantage of this great opportunity! (Applications are available on the National Website 3

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15 Just for Fun... Test your knowledge of Basic Nautical Terms: Here are the answers. How did you do? 1. Port 2. Anchor 3. Hull 4. A tall upright structure or tower that supports the sails 5. Knot 6. Capsize 7. Head 8. Starboard 9. Bow 10. Mutiny 11. Stern 12. Steers a ship, sailboat or other maritime vessel. 13. A sudden, violent wind often accompanied by rain. 14. Lines Ahoy Captain! You managed to commandeer this quiz with great ease. Clearly, you know the ropes! You displayed a great deal of nautical knowledge without blinking an eye. Congratulations on proving you got your sea legs! Submitted by Skipper John Grauvogel, Ship 178 PA Courtesy of MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!! The Northeast Region will be hosting the Seabadge Conference on October 5-7, 2018 at the Delaware National Guard Training Site, Bethany Beach, DE. Seabadge SB-38-DE-2018 is intense leadership and management training focused on the how-to aspects of managing a successful youth led Sea Scout program. While Seabadge was developed as an advanced leadership training program for experienced Sea Scout adult leaders, the driving theme for the training is Focus on Youth which makes the course especially valuable for any Scout leader dealing with older youth. The curriculum includes interactive sessions with established objectives that are presented in a motivating and informative forum. All registered Scouters are invited to attend this awesome training opportunity. For more information, contact Seabadge SB-38-DE-2018 Course Director Skipper Wayne A. Stacey at #(302) (work/cell) or by at n3qji@mchsi.com. The Application is posted on the NER Website at