3rd Company Commander: 1/C James Anderson
My name is James Anderson, and I will be serving as the Third Company Commander for the upcoming year. I’m from Duxbury, Massachusetts, and I study Facilities Engineering. My time at the Academy has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the value of leadership and learned firsthand how dedication and hard work lead to long-term success. As Company Commander, I look forward to welcoming the incoming freshmen, helping them adapt to the regimental lifestyle, and supporting their growth throughout their time here.
I have a twin brother who is the Fourth Company Commander, and a younger sister who attends Salve Regina University. The three of us share a strong commitment to hard work and take pride in making our family proud. I’m deeply grateful for their support and for all those who have stood by me during my journey at the Academy.
Orientation Day 1
Today, third company cadet candidates arrived on campus to begin their journey at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. After moving into their rooms, they were escorted to the football field to witness the Cadre Oath, where academy leaders officially entrusted them into their care. In the afternoon, cadet candidates were issued the uniforms they will wear throughout their time at the Academy.
Throughout the day, they were introduced to basic marching movements and tested on their youngie knowledge. As orientation progresses, expectations will continue to increase, with third company squad leaders guiding and supporting the cadet candidates to ensure their development and success.
Orientation Day 2
Today marked the first full day of orientation for the cadet candidates. The morning began with “Meet the Cadre,” where Third Company squad leaders and senior staff formally introduced themselves to the candidates. After breakfast, the group traveled to Bridgewater, Massachusetts, where they received hands-on training in basic firefighting. They learned how to properly operate a fire hose, wear a respirator, and perform other essential fire safety tasks.
Upon returning to campus, the cadet candidates headed to the baseball field for a spirited game of ultimate frisbee against Fourth Company. After falling behind 6–2 early, Third Company rallied to secure a hard-fought 9–8 overtime victory.
Before dinner, candidates were quizzed on youngie knowledge that will be reinforced throughout orientation. The evening concluded with basic drill instruction and training on uniform standards, continuing to build the foundation for their time at the Academy.
Orientation Day 3
Today marked the first day of physical training for the freshmen, beginning promptly at 0545. Cadet candidates were assessed with a timed mile, along with push-ups and sit-ups. Congratulations to Mr. McNulty, who recorded the fastest mile on campus with an impressive time of 5:02.
Following PT, cadet candidates completed uniform fittings and attended an academic meeting. Before lunch, they were quizzed on their Youngie knowledge, showing noticeable improvement from the previous day.
In intramurals, Third Company once again competed in ultimate frisbee, securing a decisive 16–8 victory over Fifth Company. The evening concluded with drill practice and additional instruction about the Academy before lights out.
Orientation Day 4
Cadet candidates participated in physical training again this morning, which will continue daily throughout orientation. Today, Third Company ran a mile together in formation—a strong start to the day.
After breakfast, candidates attended a global engagement meeting and continued with uniform fittings, followed by another round of Youngie knowledge testing.
Due to rainy weather, afternoon intramurals were canceled. Instead, cadet candidates received instruction on how inspections are conducted and the standards their rooms are expected to meet.
In the evening, they practiced drill and received guidance on the Academy’s chain of command, continuing to build their foundation for success.
Orientation Day 5
Cadet candidates began the day with physical training, participating in field exercises that brought plenty of energy which was a strong start to the morning. After breakfast, Third Company received a ship tour to help familiarize themselves with the vessel ahead of the upcoming mini cruise.
Candidates were once again tested on their Youngie knowledge, reinforcing the importance of mastering this material for the school year. Later in the afternoon, Third Company faced Fourth Company in dodgeball, narrowly falling 2–1. The cadre then took the court for their own game, where Third Company’s cadre came out on top.
In the evening, cadet candidates attended a series of important meetings in preparation for the mini cruise before turning in for the night and another full day of orientation completed.
Orientation Day 6
The day began with cadet candidates participating in a one-mile run as part of their morning routine. Following PT, the morning schedule focused on room preparation standards, where candidates received instruction on maintaining proper room appearance. They were also introduced to the fundamentals of shoe shining, an essential aspect of uniform presentation.
As the day progressed, cadet candidates received training in more advanced marching techniques in preparation for the upcoming marching competition. In the afternoon, Third Company engaged in a spirited water polo match against Fifth Company, though ultimately they were decisively defeated.
The day concluded with evaluations of the cadet candidates’ foundational youngie knowledge followed by a series of informational meetings. After a full day of training and development, cadet candidates were dismissed for the evening and sent to bed.
Orientation Day 7
Cadet candidates started the day strong with a one-mile run during morning physical training, setting a high morale and a positive tone for the day. After breakfast, they attended meetings on watch standing and the customs and traditions of the Academy. Watch is a vital responsibility at Massachusetts Maritime, as there is always at least one cadet on duty to ensure proper operations both in the dorms and aboard the ship.
Following lunch, candidates participated in additional meetings covering the conduct system and the Student Government Association, two important aspects of Academy life. These sessions highlighted the opportunities for cadets to join the wide variety of clubs offered on campus and the steps that will be taken should candidates get themselves in trouble.
In the afternoon, Third Company faced Fifth Company in dodgeball, earning a hard-fought 2–1 victory that kept morale high. The cadre followed with their own game, also securing a win.
That evening, candidates practiced drill, learning new marching movements in preparation for the upcoming marching competition. Later, the Regimental Staff formally introduced themselves to the candidates before squad leaders addressed the company and dismissed them for the night.
The company has made significant progress since day one—growing as a team, improving daily, and holding one another accountable. It has been impressive to watch their development and camaraderie take shape.
Orientation Day 8
Today was one of my favorite days of orientation—Pond Day. Since it was Sunday, there was no physical training in the morning. Instead, cadet candidates were given time to practice their religious beliefs if they wished, offering a moment to decompress and bring a sense of normalcy back into their routine.
After breakfast, the candidates and senior staff, myself included, headed to the pond. Squad leaders were given a well-deserved break from the long and demanding days of orientation. At the pond, candidates learned how to sail, row, and work as a team aboard the monomoys. The day served as an excellent opportunity to build morale and strengthen teamwork, and many candidates shared with me that they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Once back on campus, the regimented lifestyle resumed. I marched the company to continue preparing for the upcoming marching competition. Before dinner, candidates were tested on their Youngie knowledge and delivered their best performance to date—proof of the camaraderie and teamwork they’ve been building.
In the evening, candidates and staff attended a meeting on the upcoming mini cruise, as we board the ship tomorrow night. Before lights out, candidates were also given time to clean their rooms and prepare for the daily inspections that will continue throughout their freshman year.
Orientation Day 9
Today, cadet candidates were given a second opportunity to take the physical fitness assessment first thing this morning. Many improved upon their scores from just a week ago, driven by determination and the encouragement of the cadre, who cheered them on and pushed them to get just one more rep. On behalf of all the Third Company cadre, I can confidently say that we are proud of the individuals our candidates are becoming.
After breakfast, the candidates participated in water survival training at the pool. There, they learned how to board a life raft, tread water, and form large group formations to increase visibility for emergency responders at sea—an essential skillset, especially as we prepare to depart for Mini Cruise tomorrow.
Later in the afternoon, the company boarded the Patriot State II. Candidates were escorted to their rooms and began setting up for the days ahead. Both an evacuation drill and a fire and emergency drill were conducted before the candidates were sent to bed.
Everyone is excited and ready to depart for New York in the morning.