4th Company Commander: 1/C John MacDonald
My name is John MacDonald, and I’ll be serving as the 4th Company Commander. In this role, I’m the senior leader responsible for over 200 cadets within 4th Company, overseeing all daily operations. Supporting me are three Senior Officers and ten Squad Leaders – the team that actually makes this company run. We work closely with our Company Officer, LT Stanley Souza, to build an environment that supports and challenges everyone to grow. My staff and I take the highest pride in the opportunity to serve in these roles, as we look forward to positively impact the incoming Cadet Candidates and building the standard of excellence in 4th Company
A little more about me: I’m from Plymouth, Massachusetts, and I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Energy Systems Engineering. I also serve as the Energy Systems Engineering Operations Officer, the senior cadet liaison between students and academic faculty. I’m fortunate to have a strong support system of family and friends, and in my free time I enjoy spending time with them and pursuing my passion for physical fitness.
Orientation Day 1
Hello,
Today, 58 Cadet Candidates began their journey down the road less traveled as they joined Fourth Company at the prestigious Massachusetts Maritime Academy. This journey will be challenging but equally rewarding. It can be represented by a linear relationship: exactly what you put in is exactly what you get out. As I near the end of my own journey, I’m proud to watch these Candidates step into an opportunity where the world is truly theirs for the taking.
The morning began with goodbyes to friends and family in the bleachers as your Candidates were greeted by the Cadre of the Academy. They were then sorted into the Mess Deck by company for afternoon chow. It was a great opportunity to meet their respective Company Squad Leaders and begin learning why these individuals are in the position to be the example of a Cadet at this Academy. After lunch, they were brought to the gymnasium to receive their uniform items and begin learning basic facing movements.
Dinner was shared as a cohesive force, showing a night-and-day shift in how seriously they carried the Academy’s customs and traditions. Afterward, your Candidates met LT. Stanley Souza, the 4th Company Officer, for a conversation about what the next 13 days entail and how he’s there to support their success. LT is the centerpiece of our team, and I’m excited to see the impact he has on your Candidates. They closed the day with informational meetings on medical briefings and firefighting; crucial components of their safety over the next two weeks.
Throughout the day, the Candidates absorbed the culture that Fourth Company prides itself on: relentless effort, a willingness to lean into challenges, and, most importantly, the camaraderie of a newfound family that will support them through everything. My Staff and I are elated to begin shaping the journey of your Candidates at this Academy. Fourth Company stands next to none, and I’m excited for your Candidates to prove that to you in two short weeks.
“When you have the ability to affect other people and be somebody that somebody wants to emulate, care enough to help somebody else for their benefit, that’s what makes you a good teammate, and that’s what everybody’s looking for.” – Nick Saban
Very Respectfully,
1/C John MacDonald
Orientation Day 2
Welcome back,
Cadet Candidates have now completed their first full day of the indoctrination period at the Academy. The day began with an early wake-up and a walk straight to the Athletic Field for Meet the Cadre, where every member of the Fourth Company Cadre introduced themselves. From there, the Candidates headed to morning chow to share a meal with their shipmates.
After breakfast, the action began with a drill block, where Candidates learned the basic movements they’ll use throughout their four years at the Academy. They then sat through presentations on the Regimental Manual and the history of the Academy, both critical to their success, since one explains how the school operates today and the other explains how we got here. After these sessions, they headed to afternoon chow, where you really began to see them embrace what it means to be a Cadet at Massachusetts Maritime.
After chow, Candidates returned to the in-processing location to try on their uniform items and square away any corrections. It was enlightening to watch them start to take pride in wearing the uniform and the Academy’s logo. While this happened, Squad Leaders began preparing them for the best part of the day: intramurals. Today’s matchup was against Third Company in frisbee, and in a hard-fought game, Fourth Company came out victorious. It was a moment where the Candidates really started to feel the camaraderie of this new family.
After showers and personal hygiene, they prepared quickly but thoroughly for Patio, a personal assessment followed by a knowledge assessment. The Candidates killed it, showing their ability to adapt fast and push through a challenge. Riding that momentum, they sat down for evening chow.
Afterward, your Candidates went straight back to work, perfecting the drill tied to Patio. It was inspiring to see them stay hungry to improve even after a big win, a sign they understand what it takes to succeed here. The night wrapped up with room preparation: grooming standards, labeling items, and the early stages of building an inspection-ready room.
I’m eager to watch your Candidates continue to grow throughout the rest of indoctrination. If today is any indication, they’re well on their way to becoming some of the best leaders this school prides itself on producing.
“We create a standard for how we want to do things, and everybody’s got to buy into that standard or you really can’t have any team chemistry.” – Nick Saban
Very Respectfully,
1/C John MacDonald
Orientation Day 3
Hello again!
As I write this, Fourth Company has completed its second full day of Orientation. The Fourth Company Cadre and our Candidates had an amazing day that highlighted their commitment to the program and desire to improve. Watching the staff and candidates come together to embrace the culture of mission-driven success for something bigger than themselves was extremely rewarding.
The candidates were awoken right before sunrise here on Buttermilk Bay and headed straight to the Athletic Field for one of my favorite activities throughout Orientation: the Physical Fitness Assessment. The candidates set their initial benchmark scores for a timed mile, as well as maximum push-ups and sit-ups in two minutes. It was amusing to watch the Intra-Company competitiveness, Candidates pushing each other to be better vicariously through their own achievement. My staff and I participated with them, going down and up side by side on push-ups with them. A few Candidates shined above the others in Fourth Company this morning. They are as follows: C/C Fazal, C/C Kelleher, C/C Salovardos, C/C Podchaiski, C/C McDonnell, and C/C Winslow. These candidates crushed the physical aspect, but also were the motivators of their peers to be the best they could be. While the objective numbers are confidence-building, the subjective environment that the entirety of the Company fostered was the real highlight. 110% Effort is the real win, and that was won among all 59 Candidates.
Following PT, the Candidates returned to their dorms for showers and hygiene, with a quick rotation down to the Mess Deck for morning chow. After sharing a hard-earned meal with Shipmates and Cadre, the Candidates moved into one of the three full-day activities they’ll have during these two weeks: Water Survival, kicking off with a 40-minute lecture on the day’s overview and procedure. The Candidates then headed over to the pool to learn critical life-saving appliances and emergency procedures. This training is a requirement for all Candidates to board the Training Ship for the Orientation Mini Cruise. The Cadre ensured your Candidates excelled in the activities they participated in all day, and the tireless energy that the Candidates are very quickly adopting themselves.
Upon completion of Water Survival, the team had a quick turnover into everybody’s favorite part of the day: INTRAMURALS! Today’s matchup featured the rivalry of shared decks, Fourth Company vs Seventh Company, in Water Polo. With ease, your Candidates’ competitive mentalities propelled them to a statement win in the water, winning a best-of-5 games in a straight 3. Following the Candidates’ game, their Cadre jumped in the water and doubled down, making quick work of the Seventh Company Cadre for a 2-0 day. The Candidates showered and then put on their At-Seas uniforms, and the now spiffy-looking group promptly prepared for their final test of the day: Patio. Yesterday’s performance was noted, internalized, and worked on to prepare for this moment. The stakes were high, and the Candidates didn’t flinch. Through challenging questions and critiques, they made some mistakes, leaving room for improvement in tomorrow’s Patio. Following Patio, the team sat down for evening chow before getting back to the grindstone of drill. We finished the night with a learning block focused on the proper way to wear uniforms as well as making inspection-ready racks.
Recapping today, the important theme that showed through was teamwork. From the PT test to Water Survival to Intramurals and Patio, all of these activities emphasize the importance of becoming a force. Individualism does not breed success; one performance alone cannot carry the weight of 58 others. We are one: 59 Cadet Candidates, 10 Squad Leaders, and 4 Senior Staff. It takes ALL of us. This team shows real shades of having what it takes to win Admirals Cup. Nothing is given; it’s always earned. This is the beginning of bonds that will last a lifetime, friendships that will last an eternity, and memories that will last forever.
“Success will continue only as long as the commitment to the process of being successful stays in place” – Nick Saban
Very Respectfully,
1/C John MacDonald
Orientation Day 4
Welcome back family, friends, and followers,
Three up, three down for the Candidates and Cadre of Fourth Company. This is the point of Orientation in which all cylinders are firing, and you start to see what everyone is made of, what gear they have to give. The intra- and inter-competitiveness becomes contagious, and the early foundation that’s been set paves the path of the respective Company for the duration of Orientation. Looking at Fourth Company, I’ll take my team every single day and twice on Sunday.
With a sunrise on the brink and the birds chirping on Buttermilk Bay, the Candidates were woken and flew straight over to the Athletic Field for morning PT. Following stretching, Fourth Company participated in the cadence run this morning. Morning PT is what I believe to be one of the most important aspects of the Candidates’ experiences during Orientation. Starting the day with a win through physical activity and doing so alongside all of their shipmates immediately sets the tone for the day ahead. Following PT, the Candidates had showers and hygiene before taking down some morning chow in preparation for the day ahead.
The morning began with a vital informational meeting, Academic Planning, conducted and run by Fourth Company alumnus 1/C Michael Sciarini. In this meeting, the Candidates received their schedules for the upcoming academic year and ran through baseline information that will set them up for success in this transition into college academics. Being involved with the Academic Leadership Team myself, I look forward to continuing to preach the importance of striving for academic excellence: the way you do one thing is the way you do everything. Later in the morning, the Candidates headed to the Library for student ID picture day. It was nice to see some smiling faces from the Candidates. Before, between, and after all of these activities, the Candidates drilled, did some more drill, and then did even more drill. As best said by our 03 Platoon Leader, 1/C Timothy Chung, drill is a perishable skill; you can never have enough.
Following an intentional morning, Fourth Company prepared for its first test of the day, afternoon Patio. The Candidates showed improvement over their performance last night, with better conceptual understanding of the knowledge, greater unison in their responses, and a volume that is hard to match. Patio is comparable to golf; it’s an event made of many small moving parts, executed under pressure, where “good enough” rarely actually arrives, but that’s what makes it addicting: the constant thought of how to be better. This brought us into afternoon chow before we headed back to in-processing to do final uniform collection and correction.
Game time… INTRAMURALS. Today, Fourth Company matched up with First Company. Between us two is plenty of history, most notably, their second-place finish in the Admirals Cup race last year, with Fourth prevailing to win the Cup. We hit the pitch for a game of kickball, with former First Company member and current Fourth Company Executive Officer 1/C James Landry as our main motivator. In a tough-fought game, Fourth Company endured and prevailed to win, propelled by some serious grit and a killer performance by C/C Kelleher, pushing our record to 3-0. We face First Company again tomorrow in what is sure to be double the matchup we faced today, but one that we will be ever so prepared for with the never-fading mentality of “next rep”. The momentum continues to build, and these Candidates don’t seem to be letting off the throttle anytime soon.
After showers and hygiene, the Candidates got straight into Patio preparation. My confidence is only built every time I see this group, as that same fiery energy they bring to intramurals carries straight over to studying knowledge with no downtick. Patio showed steady improvement, reiterating my point from earlier that there is always room for improvement with the countless action items you need to execute every time. C/C Walantis was a key element of our success, knowing his knowledge down pact and being able to not only help teach his shipmates, but set the standard of what excellence looks like. The night was capped with a presentation delivered by the Senior Staff and myself which dove into the history of Fourth Company. It was extremely rewarding to share the hard work done by those that have come before them and begin to have them understand the gravity of being a part of such a prestigious Company.
Effort, Attitude, & Passion. From the second the birds chirp till the light shuts off in the room at night, your Candidates leave everything they have out there on the campus everyday. Growth isn’t easy; it always requires a path filled with resistance, and your Candidates embrace that challenge with confidence. Having the smallest platoon of Candidates means nothing when you wakeup every morning and decide to be a winner. Fourth Company has done nothing but impress me, and I look forward to continuing to observe the potential that they are all very quickly tapping in to.
“Mediocre people don’t like high achievers, and high achievers don’t like mediocre people” – Nick Saban
Very Respectfully,
1/C John MacDonald
Orientation Day 5
Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening,
Four days in for Fourth Company. As I sat with C/C McDonald tonight at dinner, he explained to me that he believed the best part of our Company was the family-esque culture that has already been so deeply absorbed within such a short period. In his own words: “Sports taught me a lot about teamwork, but in just four days here, I’ve learned more about what it means to do so as a family.”
The morning began with C/C Fazal’s favorite part of Orientation: PT. The Candidates had energy shot out of a cannon this morning, bringing an intensity and volume that was incomparable. We participated in the field exercises, a rotation of circle groups in which they completed burpees, mountain climbers, and more. At the completion of PT, the Candidates dashed back to the dorms for a shower and turned around right into morning chow. Starting the day on a high note primed us for the success ahead.
The Candidates rolled right into a very important training: Title IX & SASH. These trainings are beyond important, and I can stress their importance to ensure the safety and environment that we foster on Buttermilk Bay. In these meetings, the Candidates are relaxed and at ease, ensuring they are attentive and understanding the gravity of situations like this. Following this meeting, the Candidates jumped straight into one of our three core pillars: drill. The platoon is becoming increasingly proficient in the basic drill foundation needed to build the specialties on top of it.
Next, they changed into their boilersuits and stepped aboard the USTS Patriot State II for the first time to tour the ship. Our Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation Squad Leaders took immense pride in being able to show their Candidates something they are so passionate about. The candidates roamed the decks, saw the engine room and bridge, and were briefed on the most minute details that will ensure their safety in just a few short days.
After stepping off the vessel, the Candidates jumped straight into Patio. I continue to be impressed by their drive to study this knowledge, driven consciously by a competitiveness to be the best. In parallel, the foundation they’re building is training their subconscious to carry that same attitude into the upcoming academic year; everything we do has its purpose. Patio was phenomenal, with the Candidates showing their best performance yet. Drill, unison, volume, and comprehension were all nailed. After celebrating their hard work, it was quickly reinforced that it’s not the scoreboard we celebrate, but rather execution, because that’s what you control on the next rep. Hard-earned chow was housed down in high spirits.
After chow, the Candidates headed to an introductory meeting with the Captain Paul Cuffe Center, where they discussed the initiative to create cultural identity on campus. After the meeting, the Senior Staff and I took charge of the Candidates and led a drill session. The variation of instruction was refreshing for them and allowed them to be assessed from a lens they don’t get all that often.
Then it was time for intramurals. First Company came back for round two, this time in frisbee. Tensions were high, and the Candidates understood the challenge ahead of them. Winning once can be debated; winning twice, on back-to-back days, is a statement. Fourth Company fired on all cylinders, prevailing once again in an energy-shifting win. Celebration was had, but the respect shown through the handshake line was one that ensures we stay grounded.
Showers, hygiene, and straight to studying for Patio. Evening Patio was a notable one, as the Candidates faced an objectively lengthy and challenging opening question they didn’t show confidence for, but bounced back and did exactly so for the remainder. Cadre reiterated the importance of 110% confidence even when unsure: play to win. Following chow, the candidates wrapped the night up with drill and room preparation, where they learned how to iron their uniforms, an imperative skill that will be used more times than you can tally.
Complacency kills. With morale through the roof and a passion to succeed so strong, the driving point moving forward is to never let off. These Candidates have everything it takes to be winners. It’s a drive you can’t teach, but rather foster the environment and point it in the right direction. We get one chance at this, and they understand that. Every day, I see Candidates finding a new gear to give, and that culture is created not by the Fourth Company Cadre, but by all 58 of them.
“You get up every day, you’re entitled to nothing. Nobody owes you nothing. You could have talent, but if you don’t have discipline, if you don’t execute, you don’t focus, what do you get? Nothing.” – Nick Saban
Very Respectfully,
1/C John MacDonald
Orientation Day 6
Welcome back,
As we hit the end of the corporate work week, the Candidates continue to endure and prevail through everything thrown at them. The days compound; fatigue and emotion begin to come into play. Today’s focus was derived around flipping the connotation behind both of those words and using them as an undeniable strength that will propel you through any grade of friction.
The morning began with our favorite part of each day, PT. This morning, we participated in the cadence run. As the Candidates continue to further their ability to use their diaphragm, the volume of Four only continues to rise. Mr. Liberatore, the Regimental Commander, concluded PT with one of my personal favorites: the “QUIT… NEVER” line that never fails to fire up the Regiment. After PT, the Candidates hustled back to the dorms to quickly shower and toss on their boilersuits for a fun day ahead. They mowed down morning chow and got after the day ahead.
Today, the Candidates took a trip over to the Firefighting Academy in Bridgewater, their second full-day activity of Orientation. While at Bridgewater, the Candidates learned how to be their own firefighter. We will board the Training Ship very shortly, and safety can’t continue to be enough of a focus. They rotated between three stations: hoses, extinguishers, and self-contained breathing apparatus. This basic but vital knowledge could be lifesaving aboard the ship, and I am happy to report that the Candidates were on their best behavior. Throughout the day, the Senior Staff and I mixed in some fun, having them march around and answer knowledge questions for the opportunity to receive extra food. My staff and I took great pride in the way our Candidates presented themselves today and are confident in their ability to keep themselves safe in just a few short days.
Upon departure from the Fire Academy, the Candidates began getting in the headspace to compete: Intramurals were on the clock now. Today, we faced Second Company in the Intramurals Championship Game. Both teams were undefeated, walking campus chest puffed and confident as could be. Fourth took the field first in the top of the 1st for kickball, as home advantage was ours after a competitive coin toss. The game was scheduled to run 7 innings, but stretched all the way to the bottom of the 10th when C/C Summer finally knocked one into shallow right field, scoring the winning run in the midst of a full field rush. With that, Fourth Company stands as Orientation Intramural Champions, a massive objective and subjective win for the team. In this moment, you could see the Candidates begin to feel that this family is something special, a group that is rare to come by. Harnessing that energy and effort to now put toward every other aspect of Orientation is the goal.
Following the thriller, the Candidates showered and prepared for their toughest challenge yet: 41 Parts of a Lifeboat Patio. This Patio is notorious for its difficulty, and coming off a long day of firefighting and extra innings, they knew the task ahead of them. While the performance wasn’t to the standard we expected, the effort was. It was driven home that it’s the process that must be focused on, not the outcome, and that it will all happen for a reason. Following Patio, the Candidates ate evening chow then joined the USTS Patriot State II staff for briefings regarding safety, medical services, and shipboard customs.
With a long day behind us, morale has wavered. Not substantially, but enough for me to notice the stacking days tallying up. I addressed the Candidates and told them about my favorite trait of a leader: endurance. To me, that means the ability to show up every single day, every single time, with the same attitude and effort. In a world full of uncontrollables, attitude and effort are yours, and the ones that determine every outcome you’ll meet.
“If you want to be good, you really don’t have a lot of choices, because it takes what it takes.” – Nick Saban
Very Respectfully,
1/C John MacDonald
Orientation Day 7
Happy Saturday,
Energy is contagious. Today, Fourth Company found a gear they haven’t seen before. From top to bottom, the intensity was far beyond what the Candidates even thought they were capable of. This is what it takes to win, to be the best version of yourself. This is the point of Orientation where a Company begins to separate itself from everyone else, and we look to do exactly that.
The day started bright and early with the field exercise stations at PT. The energy was off the walls, with 1/C James Landry and 1/C Timothy Chung leading the charge at a sharp 0530. After the conclusion of PT, the Candidates hustled back to the dorms for showers and hygiene before settling in at morning chow. The Candidates understood the day ahead of them and were fueled to attack it.
The morning began with an hour and a half of drill. Marching is something we’ve needed to continuously iterate on the fly, so having a full block to slow it down and fix the minute details primed us for success. The Candidates then headed to two back-to-back meetings, the first on watchstanding procedures aboard the USTS Patriot State II, and the second on customs and traditions. After these concluded, the Candidates headed to a classroom on campus to study their knowledge. A nice environment of AC and relaxed seating led to a quality study session that boosted their personal confidence. Although that confidence was up, they had a grounding experience with a par performance. The standard has been set, and chasing it is a tiresome task, one they continue to push toward despite the mental negotiation of taking the easy road of complacency.
After afternoon Patio and chow, the Candidates were right back to the grindstone of drill, drill, drill, drill, drill. This imperative skill is the culmination of everything we do; the minute details that separate good from great are the cornerstone of what sets this Academy apart. It was an extremely productive session, as the Candidates began to nail more complex movements. Time is ticking on marching preparation, and we only continue to capitalize.
With Intramurals now behind us for Orientation, today’s focus shifted to academic major breakout sessions, led by Senior Academic Leaders of each respective major. Being one myself, it was extremely rewarding to begin laying the foundation of what it means to be a college student within these majors, what it will demand, and what it will reward you with in return. No Fourth Company candidates happened to be in my session today, but it’s safe to say this is a valuable experience across the board.
After this, the Candidates prepared for the test of the day: Evening Patio. They got after it in the lead-up, working relentlessly to ensure they got the result they wanted, and Patio came and went with exactly that. Knowledge and volume were off the charts; the unison still needs work, but the confidence and effort is what matters. They headed into dinner before a long session of meetings with the USTS PSII staff regarding their living conditions and emergency briefings.
Today, the energy shifted in Four. For those of you who are Celtics fans, Jaylen Brown famously tweeted “The energy is about to shift” while the Celtics were struggling, and that moment marked the start of an evident run of success. The Candidates feel it, the Cadre feel it, and I feel it. Six more days to prove it.
“Champions are rare. Everybody has some chance, some opportunity to change and improve, but not everybody takes advantage. Be somebody who does.” – Nick Saban
Very Respectfully,
1/C John MacDonald
Orientation Day 8
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Orientation Day 9
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Orientation Day 10
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Orientation Day 11
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Orientation Day 12
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Orientation Day 13
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