5th Company

5th Company Commander: 1/C Caleb Griffin

My name is Caleb Griffin and I am the 2025 Fifth Company Commander. I grew up right here in Buzzards Bay and never thought I would be here at this academy. I transferred here two years ago chasing my potential and looking for opportunities to grow as a person. The role of Company Commander is very unique and I plan to make the most of this opportunity. I look forward to developing my team of Squad Leaders as well as leaving a lasting impression on the incoming class of freshmen.

Orientation Day 1

Good morning everyone, my name is Caleb Griffin and I am the 5th Company Commander. Over the next two weeks I will writing a daily blog highlighting the successes, challenges and achievements of your cadets in 5th CO. These cadets will be challenged day in and day out, as well as rewarded for their efforts and courage. The goal of orientation is for these cadets to return to you with discipline, intensity and a drive to be the best they can be.

After the dust of the morning settled, and the company’s were sorted we received all of our cadet candidates at lunch. Following lunch they were formed up and taught basic marching movements. Left face, right face, about face and how to properly stand at attention; breaking the platoon up into groups to teach more efficiently, they picked up drill fast. Along with facing movements they also studied their “youngie knowledge” starting with their company staff onto the Honor Code and other Academy and Cadet staff.

My team and I have high standards for this group. We have faith they will exceed them. We are excited to see how the days progress and to watch their growth into shipmates, cadets and future leaders

Caleb Griffin
5 Company Commander

Orientation Day 2

Welcome back!

All of your Cadet Candidates have made it through the first and second day! With many measurable improvements! Today began with the classic maritime wake up followed by a double time march ( light jog ) to the football field where they experienced ‘Meet The Cadre’ a tradition here that allows Company Senior Staff and Squad Leaders to introduce themselves and the expectations they have for Cadet Candidates. A key moment in orientation and an introduction to the pace and standards of the next week and a half.

After that they were double timed to breakfast because we had places to be! Today was pond day! An opportunity for Cadet Candidates to get off campus, bond with ship mates and enjoy what Great Herring pond has to offer. Throughout the 6 hours they were there, they all were able to sail, row and compete in a monomoy race which counts towards the Admirals Cup. The day started out a bit cold and cloudy but by late morning it was sunny and still quite windy which made for a great sailing experience with some hiccups (flipping boats).

Following their time at the pond they also went through their first patio. Patio takes place before lunch and evening meals. Cadet Candidates are marched before the regimental staff and quizzed on their knowledge, ability to be in step as well as a personal inspection. This tests their ability to perform under pressure and work as a team. They all must answer in unison; correctly and loudly. I must say this group of kids is damn loud and it’s impressive to see that day one. Patio also is a critical part of winning the Admirals Cup.

Another day of hard work and determination for your freshmen. My team and I are excited to see where they will be in the next few days as their bonds to each other and determination to reach their potential grows.

Orientation Day 3

Hi again,

Another day complete for the Cadet Candidates. The day started with a Physical Fitness test comprised of a timed mile, push-ups and sit-ups. There are minimum required reps in a time period of two minutes and they all performed well. Motivating their shipmates and pushing beyond their comfort zones or what they thought they were capable of. I would like to highlight C/C Gonzalez who had a personal best mile time of 7:50 followed up by a personal best 72 push ups in two minutes. As well as C/C Hicks who had our overall best scores. Both of these Cadet Candidates did their best, efforts they were and should be very proud of.

After the Physical Fitness test they had breakfast before changing into their Boiler Suits and getting on the bus headed towards the Fire Fighting Academy in Bridgewater MA. Today they were taught basic fire fighting skills necessary for any license major Cadet Candidate who will all be first responders during their time at sea in the future. They are taught how to man a fire hose, use fire extinguishers as well as SCBA equipment. This is another one of the graded criteria contributing to Admirals Cup as well as an opportunity to bond and grow as shipmates.

In Fifth Company we all push them to become closer together and treat each other like family rather than strangers. This group has been excellent at that and it shows in the performances during the day to day. My team and I are really lucky to have gotten such a great group of kids and we are all looking forward to seeing what they can achieve over the next week and school year.

They have now completed two of the three more relaxed days and will have to put their best foot forward over the next two days before they get another more relaxed opportunity to grow together during their Pool Day where they learn basic water survival.

1/C Caleb Griffin