1st Company Commander: 1/C Henry White
My name is Henry White, and I will be serving as the First Company Commander for the 2025–2026 academic year. In this role, I am the senior leader of over 200 cadets within 1st Company. My responsibilities include overseeing daily operations and leading a team of cadre members during a three-week summer orientation, where we teach incoming freshmen the discipline, knowledge, and leadership skills they need to succeed at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. I chose to take on this challenge not only to grow as a leader but also to have a positive impact on the lives of others.
A little more about me: I’m from Plymouth, Massachusetts, and I’m currently pursuing a degree in International Maritime Business. I’m fortunate to have a strong support system of friends and family, and in my free time, I enjoy spending time with them and pursuing my passion for physical fitness.
Orientation Day 1
Today, over 80 cadet candidates officially joined First Company at the prestigious Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a pivotal first step in a long, challenging, and rewarding journey. If completed, this path will shape them into future leaders of the maritime industry, with skills and experiences that will benefit them for life.
After heartfelt goodbyes with friends and family on the football field, candidates marched down Academy Drive to begin their day. Lunch was followed by an introduction at the gym, where Squad Leaders taught basic facing movements. Some candidates received haircuts and underwent drug testing as part of the onboarding process.
Later, each cadet received their seabag, filled with essential uniforms and gear. Throughout the day, they began learning foundational “youngie” knowledge, starting with the structure of Academy Staff and First Company leadership.
Dinner was shared as a unit, and the evening concluded with a medical briefing and a firefighting lecture, critical components of their safety and preparedness training.
It’s inspiring to see so many new faces in First Company. Individuals who will grow together, face challenges side by side, and form bonds that can only be forged at a place as unique and transformative as MMA.
Orientation Day 2
The morning began early for cadet candidates with a 0545 wake-up. They were quickly moved out of the dorms, mustered, and marched to the football field. Instead of the usual physical training, they participated in the “Meet the Cadre” ceremony, a long-standing tradition where each company is introduced to its leadership team. This includes the 03 Platoon Leader, ten Squad Leaders, the Training and Retention Officer, Executive Officer, and Company Commander.
After the introductions, candidates headed to the mess deck for breakfast before beginning the day’s main event: Pool Day. From 0800 to 1500, First Company cadets received hands-on training in essential maritime survival skills. They learned how to properly wear a lifejacket, use a survival suit, and operate a life raft. These lessons are critical for anyone pursuing a life at sea, and they also helped cadets begin forging strong relationships with their shipmates.
Following the training, cadet candidates had the chance to compete against 6th Company in water polo. First Company came out on top, winning both games. Known as an intramural powerhouse, First Company seems poised to continue that legacy this year.
After showering, the group gathered on the patio where their “youngie” knowledge was tested by the regimental staff. While the performance wasn’t perfect, the team is starting to come together and show signs of cohesion.
The evening continued with a drill period, followed by lectures from the Company Commander and the Training and Retention Officer. These presentations covered general expectations, academy goals, available awards, and reinforced the message that cadre members are there to support and guide every candidate toward success.
To close out the night, cadets experienced their first playing of Taps on the MMA campus. After a small snack, they headed to bed, ready to take on the Physical Fitness Test in the morning.
Orientation Day 3
The day began early at 0530 with the Physical Fitness Test. Cadet Candidates tackled a one-mile run, followed by two minutes each of push-ups and sit-ups. Motivation came from both the Cadre and their shipmates, showing how their bond as a unit continues to strengthen.
After breakfast, the group headed to Great Herring Pond in Plymouth, MA for Pond Day—one of the most popular events during orientation. Candidates rotated through three stations: sailing, crew boat, and monomy rowing. With senior staff leading the activities and Squad Leaders stepping back, the cadets had a chance to relax, learn new water skills, and build camaraderie in a fresh setting. By 1430, buses returned to MMA. Instead of intramurals, candidates went to the gym for a uniform session, exchanging any gear from their seabags that didn’t fit properly. A quick group study session followed, leading into another round of patio testing. First Company performed exceptionally well. Candidates demonstrated strong knowledge and sounded like a unified team.
Dinner was hearty and well-earned—chicken, ham, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. The evening wrapped up with knowledge reviews, studying, and group drill focused on facing movements and platoon marching. Snacks were handed out, laundry was collected, and the day came to a close. A milestone was reached today: the first Cadet Candidate Platoon Leader (CCPL) was named. This rotating role goes to the cadet who stood out through consistent effort, focus, and mastery of youngie knowledge.
All in all, a solid Tuesday for First Company. Tomorrow brings firefighting and another opportunity to grow.
Orientation Day 4
The day kicked off at 0530 with the usual wake-up call for cadet candidates. It was their first official morning of group physical training. First Battalion, including 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th Companies — tackled the one-mile loop around campus. Candidates encouraged each other to finish strong, keeping pace with cadences shouted by squad leaders to boost morale and unity.
After PT, everyone headed to the mess deck for breakfast, then returned to the dorms for showers and a quick recovery. Dressed in boiler suits, candidates boarded buses to Bridgewater for Firefighting Day. Professional firefighters led hands-on training sessions, teaching the basics of fire safety and emergency response. Drills with hoses, extinguishers, and breathing masks gave candidates practical experience in handling fire emergencies, a vital skill for every major at the Academy.
Rain greeted the group upon their return to campus, unfortunately canceling the scheduled dodgeball match against 4th Company and the patio session before dinner. Despite the weather, spirits stayed high. Dinner featured meatloaf in the mess deck, followed by an evening focused on building knowledge and discipline. Candidates practiced how to properly lay out inspection drawer items and assemble their racks — essential skills for passing daily room inspections during freshman year. These inspections reinforce cleanliness, organization, and attention to detail.
The night wrapped up with candidates filling out their nightly notecards, answering questions from their Training and Retention Officer. A snack capped off the day, offering a small reward for their effort and focus.
It was a productive day, and everyone is looking forward to better weather and more hands-on learning tomorrow.
Orientation Day 5
Cadet Candidates began their day with a 0530 reveille, heading straight out the door for morning physical training. Today’s field exercises included sit-ups, planks, push-ups, mountain climbers, burpees, and flutter kicks. Motivation came not only from shipmates but also from senior staff and members of the regimental staff, reinforcing the sense of unity and shared purpose.
After a quick shower and breakfast, candidates transitioned into a more academic day—without the large-scale activities like water survival or firefighting. At 0800, they gathered in Admirals Hall for two important sessions. Mrs. Murphy led a discussion on SASH and Title IX, followed by Dr. Craighead’s presentation on academic planning. Both sessions were informative and addressed many questions cadets had as they prepare for the year ahead.
Next, the group headed to the gym for a three-hour uniform fitting session. Each cadet tried on every item in their seabag to ensure proper fit before tags were removed and exchanges were no longer possible. Midway through, they paused for lunch patio, where they were tested on their youngie knowledge. The questions were tough, and performance was below expectations—prompting extra study before the evening patio.
At 1500, 1st Company faced off against 6th Company in a classic game of ultimate frisbee on the baseball field. 1st Company dominated with an 8–1 victory. It’s inspiring to see a group of strangers beginning to come together as a cohesive unit, working toward shared goals.
After another shower and study session, candidates returned to patio at 1735, where they were tested on topics like Shipboard Emergency Signals, the 16 Traits of a Leader, and Academy Staff structure. The performance was solid, showing signs of progress. Dinner followed, a hearty veal meal in the mess deck, before the final presentation of the day. Mrs. Murphy returned to lead a SOCP/SASH training session, which is essential for cadets preparing to embark on next week’s mini cruise aboard the Patriot State II. The evening wrapped up with notecard reflections and a light snack before lights out.
Tomorrow brings a tour of the vessel—an exciting moment as cadet candidates get their first look at the ship where many of them will train over the next four years.
Orientation Day 6
Today began, as always, with PT. First Company charged through the campus run with determination, finishing in good time and strong form. After a brief drill period, cadet candidates attended their first session of Going Global with the Paul Cuffe Institution—an inspiring kickoff to the day’s learning.
Next came an exciting milestone: boarding the Patriot State II for an official tour led by ship staff and senior cadets. Candidates explored the new training vessel and began learning the ropes of shipboard navigation and operations.
The afternoon brought ID photos and a spirited game of ultimate frisbee against 7th Company. First Company emerged victorious once again, showcasing their teamwork and competitive edge.
Evening patio time was smooth and enjoyable, capped off with a well-earned chicken dinner. The night concluded with a meeting featuring the staff of the Patriot State II, giving cadet candidates a chance to meet the faces behind the ship’s operations and understand the mission-driven culture that powers it.
Notecard time and snacks wrapped up the day, marking another successful chapter of growth, unity, and momentum in Buzzards Bay.
Orientation Day 7
Cadet Candidates kicked off the day with a stunning sunrise along the canal as they marched to morning PT at 0545. The energy was high as First Company tackled field exercises with grit and determination, encouraging shipmates and cadre to push beyond their limits.
After breakfast, the team gathered for company time followed by two key presentations. The first covered Watchstanding Procedures, and the second focused on Customs and Traditions. First Company showed exceptional discipline and engagement throughout, setting a strong example for others. The drive to win the Admiral’s Cup is fueling every moment. It’s been years since First Company held the title, and the team is determined to bring it home.
Lunch was followed by a detailed session on the Regimental Manual, reinforcing the rules and expectations that guide cadet life. Later, candidates learned about the Student Government Association and the Academy’s history, deepening their understanding of the institution they now represent. The afternoon brought a tough loss in ultimate frisbee to Sixth Company. It stung—but it also revealed the team’s character. Instead of fracturing, First Company rallied. They dominated evening patio and celebrated with a well-earned chicken parm dinner.
The evening wrapped up with drill practice, a Q&A session with the Company Commander, and introductions from the Regimental Staff. Cadets then returned to the dorms for ironing, snack time, notecard prep, and taps.
First Company is growing stronger by the day. The setbacks are just fuel. The goal is clear—and the team is locked in.
Orientation Day 8
This morning broke from the usual routine. Wake-up was at 0600, and instead of PT, cadet candidates had time for personal reflection and room preparation. At 0700, they headed to the mess deck for breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead.
Today marked our final full day in the dorms before boarding the Patriot State II tomorrow to begin the mini cruise. After breakfast, candidates returned to continue prepping their rooms for Thursday’s regimental inspection, which will take place once we return.
At 1000, First Company gathered near the canal for a scenic company photo, capturing the cadet candidates and cadre who will represent the company this academic year. LT Cargile, our Company Officer, joined us for about an hour before lunch patio. Her relaxed introduction and Q&A session gave cadets a chance to connect—and even led to her being invited to help with marching later in the day.
Lunch patio was a success, with our platoon going 4 for 4 on questions. A well-earned lunch followed. The afternoon was spent drilling for two hours, focusing on movements for the graduation marching competition. We then faced off against 2nd Company in dodgeball, bouncing back from yesterday’s loss with a 3–1 win, including a Cadre victory.
Evening patio was solid, though there’s room to improve. Dinner featured salmon, and the night wrapped up with an all-hands safety briefing for mini cruise. Cadet candidates learned key details about shipboard life and expectations. After snacks and notecard reflections, they headed to bed after a full day of hard work and progress.
Tomorrow, we board the Patriot State II. First Company is ready to take the next step.
Orientation Day 9
Cadet Candidates kicked off the morning with their second PT Test — a chance to improve on their initial scores and showcase the grit they’ve built through daily training. Many rose to the challenge, pushing themselves and motivating their shipmates, proving growth isn’t just physical, but mental too.
After breakfast and drill, we boarded the Patriot State at 1000 to prep for mini cruise operations. Two hours of focused preparation later, we returned ashore for lunch and dove into an afternoon of marching drills. Company staff led intensive sessions to sharpen formations ahead of the upcoming competition.
Evening hours were dedicated to Coast Guard drill practice — the final hurdle before tomorrow’s departure from Buzzards Bay. It was an administrative-heavy day, but the energy is high and the mission is clear: we’re ready to move forward.