7th Company

7th Company Commander: 1/C Luke Dawson

Read below for an update from the Company Commander daily and scroll down for photos.

Day One –

Today marked the first full day of orientation for the cadet candidates. Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, cadet candidates received and fit tested their uniforms, learned about academy history and tradition, and practiced marching movements. The day ended with an intramurals game of dodgeball against 2nd Company, the cadet candidates first knowledge quiz at patio, and an STCW Firefighting lecture. Your cadet candidates are starting to get the hang of things and I have full confidence in my Squad Leaders to improve them each day. 

Very Respectfully, 

1/C Luke Dawson 

7th Company Commander

Day Two –

Seventh Company Cadet Candidates have officially completed their second day of orientation. They learned how to row and experienced their first exposure to the Maritime opportunities at MMA during Sea Lab today, got their pictures taken for their MMA ID cards, finalized more of their uniforms and inspection items, and played an intramural game of water polo against 1st Company. Throughout the day, cadet candidates were quizzed on their youngie knowledge, practiced marching and facing movements, and exemplified teamwork as the leadership trait of the day. These cadet candidates are learning how this academy works and are beginning to understand the “why” behind everything that my staff and team of Squad Leaders are teaching them. Many are beginning to understand the standards expected of them and demonstrate their desire to become cadets at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. I’m looking forward to tomorrow to see how much better they can become each day. I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the orientation assistants and Commandant staff as well as Chartwells and facilities employees for keeping this operation running smoothly behind the scenes. 

Very Respectfully, 

1/C Luke Dawson,

 7th Company Commander

Day Three –

Day three of orientation is officially in the books. Today 7th Company had more academic meetings and time to set up their rooms for inspection as well as an intramural game of ultimate Frisbee. The cadet candidates are getting much better at marching and retaining their knowledge, and they are extremely fired up for Pond Day tomorrow where they will learn basic sailing, rowing, and water survival operations. They are learning to work as a team and have seemingly embraced the core concepts of the orientation program. Many of them have expressed their appreciation of the physical training we do in the mornings and are beginning to get used to their new lives as cadet candidates. My staff and I continue to work hard to keep these cadet candidates safe and give them the basic training they need to be successful. 

Very Respectfully, 

1/C Luke Dawson, 

7th Company Commander

Day Four –

Today the cadet candidates went to Great Herring Pond to participate in Pond Day. They were authorized to relax from the regiment and have fun while still working as teams and small groups to row and sail around the pond. CDR Klimm organized a few races between the different groups and cadet candidates were very motivated and competitive. Pond Day is usually a morale booster because it allows them to get to know each other which helps with team building and motivation. Each day the cadet candidates are getting better and even more excited for what’s to come. 

Very Respectfully,

 1/C Luke Dawson, 

7th Company Commander

Day Five –

This morning, cadet candidates participated in PT despite the misty morning weather. After PT and breakfast, they had formation, and had some time to study their knowledge and drill. After lunch, the cadet candidates met with our Company Officer LCDR Magee and the component staff to learn about the drill, honor guard, and band components that 7th Company offers. They then went to intramurals for a short period before it was canceled due to the rain. The remainder of the day involved dinner, a meeting with Campus Police about security operations on campus, and learned about Shipboard Customs and Safety Management Systems. Tomorrow the cadet candidates have firefighting in Bridgewater, which is close to home for me because I am I firefighter and I also live in Bridgewater. I am excited to learn which of the cadet candidates become interested in firefighting once they are exposed to it. Three days of orientation remain!

Very Respectfully,

1/C Luke Dawson

7th Company Commander

Day Six –

7th company has firefighting in Bridgewater today. From all accounts, cadet candidates were respectful, well behaved, and enjoyed themselves. Activities involved flowing water from a hydrant, handling charged hoselines, and putting out live fires with an extinguisher. Upon their return, they had several meetings and then attended the first football scrimmage of the season. Similar to pond day, firefighting day was a bit of a break from the cadre that allowed the cadet candidates to bond some more. They’re nearing the home stretch and getting better every day! 

 Very Respectfully,

 1/C Luke Dawson, 

7th Company Commander

Day Seven –

This morning, cadet candidates regiment-wide were woken up at the same time as usual but instead of PT they were given time to reflect and participate in religious services. After breakfast, we had our company picture and did some more drill and knowledge study until noon meal. From there, they had a meeting about the standards outlined in the regimental manual and then moved to intramurals. After that they went to the evening meal and an STCW meeting about the conduct system where they learned about discipline within the academy. After that they were briefed on the uniform standards and community service and then sent to bed. These last two days of orientation will be packed with activity and the cadet candidates are increasingly more excited to graduate the program. As I have mentioned, they have come a long way already since the beginning and will certainly be changed for the better. I look forward to seeing what they can achieve. 

 Very Respectfully, 

1/C Luke Dawson, 

7th Company Commander

Day Eight –

The cadet candidates started this morning with their final PT test to determine their improvements on physical fitness in the 1 mile, pushup, and situp. With only two days or orientation left, 7th Company used most of the day to practice drill and set up their rooms for inspection. Later in the afternoon they played 6th Company in dodgeball and then went to evening meal. From there, they attended a military recruiting presentation and a student financial services meeting. They are nearing the end and starting to feel the fatigue, but my team has been reminding and motivating them to finish strong and remember why they’re here. 

 Very Respectfully,

 1/C Luke Dawson, 

7th Company Commander