7th Company Commander: 1/C Alec Joyce

My name is Alec Joyce, and I will be the 7th Company Commander for the coming academic year. In my role, I am responsible for overseeing every aspect of 7th Company operations, ranging from daily regimental duties to parades. I work with a staff of senior cadets, overseeing a group of junior squad leaders who will guide the incoming class of freshmen through the beginning of their time at the academy. 

I grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, and graduated from Barnstable High School in 2022. I am currently a senior in Emergency Management, and am a member of the Onset Cadet Fire Program. I attended the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in the summer of 2023, and upon graduation, I plan to work as a full-time firefighter.

I am excited to welcome the class of 2029 and look forward to watching the transformation they will go through from the beginning of their orientation to the final days of freshman year.

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Orientation Day 1

Today was a great day for cadet candidates. After saying goodbye to their families, C/Cs were marched to lunch, where they were separated by companies to eat with their shipmates and squad leaders. Following lunch, C/Cs were issued seabags, which included all uniform items.

Throughout the day, they were tested on their knowledge of academy staff and learned basic drill facing movements. After dinner, C/Cs had a medical brief by Dr. Cukor and a firefighting lecture.

Tomorrow, C/Cs will build on drill movements and youngie knowledge.

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Orientation Day 2

Cadet candidates started off the day by meeting the 7th Company cadre. This is the first formal introduction that C/Cs receive from members of the cadre. Following breakfast, C/Cs had a watchstanding presentation by the Regimental Adjutant, an MMA history presentation with the SGA President, and tried on all uniform items received yesterday in their sea bags.

Following lunch, C/Cs built on the foundations of drill that were taught yesterday. The main focus today was staying in step and how to correct this with a change step. After drill, C/Cs had a customs and traditions presentation with the Regimental Military & Veterans Liaison Officer. 

The first intramural test came against 2nd Company today in dodgeball. Although 7th won the first game, we lost in a series of three, but it was great for C/Cs to build camaraderie amongst each other. Tomorrow, we will look to bounce back with a win in water polo. 

Before dinner, we were tested on our knowledge of crucial academy information on the patio in front of the Regimental Staff. We definitely have work to do, but we will get there. In the evening, squad leaders focused on teaching proper hygiene with shaving for the males and teaching females how to correctly put their hair in a bun. C/Cs were also taught about the Chain of Command and how it properly works before being sent to bed.

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Orientation Day 3

Today, C/Cs started off the day by earning the sunrise by participating in the PT test. All members of 7th Company gave it their very best. Following breakfast, C/Cs got pictures taken for their ID cards and attended a Title IX meeting with Mrs. Murphy. We were tested on our knowledge before lunch, and 7th Company rose to the test and showed that we are improving every day.

Following lunch, C/Cs went back to the gymnasium to try on the rest of the seabag items before heading to the pool for water polo against 4th Company. After a hard-fought match, 4th Company pulled out with the win. We will look to bounce back tomorrow in ultimate frisbee. After showering up after water polo, C/Cs were marched toward patio for another youngie knowledge test. Once again, 7th Company showed improvement from lunch time. 

After the evening meal, C/Cs learned more drill movements, today being introduced to columns when in a platoon. Tomorrow, we will do our best to perfect these movements. Before being sent to bed, C/Cs were briefed on how to set up their inspection drawers for when the school year starts.

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Orientation Day 4

C/C’s started off the day earning the sunrise again, this time going on a cadence run. After breakfast, we had a meeting with staff from the Paul Cuffe Global Institute. C/Cs continued to get better on drill as they worked hard on learning columns. Before lunch, we were once again tested on our knowledge by the regimental staff. 7th Company did good, but definitely could improve on teamwork, and the squad leaders motivated them to improve in that regard. 

Following lunch, C/Cs had an academic planning presentation with Dr. Craighead. After this meeting, C/Cs were introduced to LCDR Magee, the 7th Company Officer. He took time to tell them about himself and answer any questions they might have. 

After dinner, squad leaders showed each room of C/Cs how to properly make a bed for inspection standards and went over other aspects of how a freshman room should be kept.

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Orientation Day 5

7th Company had a great day at the pond today! It was a chance for shipmates to bond with each other in a relaxed environment. They participated in different rowing and sailing events, learning the basic skills for each. I still remember meeting one of my closest friends during my orientation pond day in 2022, and I am sure some of the C/Cs made some new friendships.

Once arriving back on campus, C/Cs practiced more drill before being quizzed on youngie knowledge by the regimental staff. After dinner, C/Cs had a Title IX training in preparation for Mini-Cruise before heading to bed. 

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Orientation Day 6

7th Company started the day off with a cadence run before heading to breakfast. Following breakfast, C/Cs were able to go aboard the USTS Patriot State II for vessel familiarization tours. This is part of the preparation for the upcoming mini cruise. After the tours, C/Cs focused on drill movements such as right oblique and flanks. 

7th Company was tested on our youngie knowledge before lunch, and the C/Cs were reminded how important it is to work as a team. Following lunch, C/Cs worked on ironing out flaws within our drill movements. The C/Cs are getting better at marching each and every day. Later, 7th Company faced off against 1st Company in ultimate frisbee. After starting out hot, 1st Company pulled ahead and never looked back. 

We were once again tested on our youngie knowledge before dinner and realized that the C/Cs knew the knowledge but lacked the confidence to perform. C/Cs then had a presentation about shipboard customs and safety management systems by the Regimental Training Ship Commander, Cadet Chief Mate, and Cadet Chief Engineer. After the presentation, C/Cs stood for taps and were sent to bed. 

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Orientation Day 7

After beginning the day with a workout, 7th Co. spent the day in Bridgewater going through basic firefighting training, including instruction relating to hose handling and extinguishers. When they returned at 1500, 7th competed in water polo against 4th Co. during our intramurals time. 

After showering, 7th reviewed their youngie knowledge before being tested by the Regimental Staff. C/Cs were reminded that although we move on to new knowledge everyday, it is important not to forget what they first learned when arriving at the Academy. 

Following dinner, the C/Cs got a chance to meet the Patriot State’s cadet staff, and the current Admirals Cup standings were announced. 7th Co. sits in 3rd place, despite having room to improve. Tomorrow, 7th will be participating in Water Survival training and will continue familiarizing themselves with the Patriot State.

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Orientation Day 8

Seeing as today was Sunday, 7th Company had a later wakeup due to no PT. After breakfast, C/Cs spent a good portion of the day in the pool focusing on water survival skills. This was an STCW requirement to prepare the candidates for Mini Cruise. During lunch, C/Cs enjoyed the lunches provided by Chartwells but also were treated to pizza by LCDR Magee. 

Following lunch, C/Cs focused on drill before heading back to the pool for intramurals. We were able to secure our first win against 6th Company today in water polo. This was a huge morale boost for the company. After intramurals, C/Cs got prepared for the evening patio youngie knowledge check. Although today was better than the last few patios, C/Cs can still improve on confidence as a team. 

Following dinner, C/Cs had a presentation on shipboard fire and emergency procedures with the Regimental Training Ship Commander, Cadet Chief Mate, and Cadet Chief Engineer. After the presentation, C/Cs marched in a big platoon with their battalion. After this drill session, C/Cs stood for taps and were sent to bed. 

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