Day two aboard the training ship was an incredible experience for everyone! Youngies were woken up at their usual time, but instead of PT, they spent time with their companies and had breakfast. Today, the Training Ship Commander, Cadet Chief Mate, and Cadet Chief Engineer organized a rotation of games for the Youngies to compete in. Companies played as teams, and the best scores earned points toward the Admiral’s Cup! It was a refreshing change of pace and a much needed break from meetings and classrooms.

Around 1300, the ship sailed past the Statue of Liberty as well as SUNY Maritime and their training ship. Seventh Company fired cannons from the helo deck to say hello. The cadet candidates manned the rails as we passed by, and as a reward, the dining crew brought out some ice cream!

The last full day on board was warm, sunny, and full of happy Cadet Candidates. Now headed back to the Academy, the cadet candidates are nearing graduation—but the journey isn’t over yet.

Cadet Candidates woke up this morning on board the training ship, ready to depart! The Coast Guard also came aboard for fire and emergency drills, and once they ensured everything was squared away, it was time to leave. We got underway at 1230 and are now headed for New York!

Youngies had a few meetings spread throughout the day, giving them a chance to see different parts of the ship. There were additional safety briefings, as well as academic breakout sessions. Cadet Candidates also spent more time with their Squad Leaders, asking questions about their majors and life in the regiment. Mini Cruise offers a more relaxed environment for Youngies and serves as a great learning opportunity.

Tomorrow, the T.S. Patriot State II will pass by the T.S. Empire State and SUNY Maritime around 1300. New York, here we come!

All aboard the T.S. Patriot State! Cadet candidates had a busy day today from the very beginning, starting off with their final PT test. The one mile run and push-ups and sit-ups scores were recorded to show the improvements youngies have made over the past week. After breakfast, Second Company headed to Bridgewater for firefighting and Fourth made their way to the pond. Third Company spent their day at the pool for cold water survival training. The rest of the companies began the day with marching and moving onto the training ship.

Cadet candidates packed their seabags and their Squad Leaders helped them find their rooms while the Training Ship Commander, Cadet Chief Mate, and Cadet Chief Engineer checked each youngie in. There was also some time for cadet candidates to talk to their shipmates today which was a lot of fun to watch. Their excitement on each of their faces was obvious despite the exhaustion as they climbed up the gangway.

Once everyone was successfully moved in, it was time for practice safety drills. Before dinner, everyone participated in a shoreside evacuation drill before going back onto the ship to practice a fire drill. Both were successful and cadet candidates and Cadre are ready for the real drills tomorrow morning. Departure is at 1230 tomorrow!

This morning was more relaxed than the past week of Orientation. Today, the cadet candidates were awoken a half an hour later than usual and there was no PT. Youngies were given the opportunity to take some time for themselves or attend a religious service if they chose to. After a long week, this short break was much needed to recharge and get ready for the second half of Orientation.

After breakfast, Third Company headed to the pond and Seventh Company went to the pool. The rest of the companies spent time together drilling and studying youngie knowledge. Time was also taken this morning to teach room standards further in depth.

First and Second took company pictures today and enjoyed showing off their smiles before marching to patio. They were expected to know the shipboard emergency signals as well as the cadet room inspection spout today. Marching practice followed, and then the cadet candidates were off to intramurals again! Fourth and Fifth faced off in an intense ultimate frisbee match, Sixth and Seventh in water polo, and First and Second in dodgeball. Seeing the youngies excited to play and cheer on their shipmates never gets old, their energy has gotten better every time.

As always, the cadet candidates proceeded to evening patio and were rewarded with dinner. The evening came to a close with a short meeting with the Regimental Training Ship Commander, the Cadet Chief Engineer, and the Cadet Chief Mate. They went over emergency procedures one last time before the practice fire and abandon ship drills that will take place before mini cruise. With departure quickly approaching, Squad Leaders also instructed youngies to pack their sea bags tonight to move onto the training ship tomorrow.

It was a relatively laid back day for the cadet candidates, but everything they did today had purpose and was done effectively. Senior Staff, Squad Leaders, and cadet candidates are moving together like a singular unit. They are recharged now and ready for their next challenge.

We are officially one full week into Orientation 2025. The cadet candidates have now settled into a routine of morning PT and were treated to yet another beautiful sunrise over the Cape Cod Canal. The rest of the day consisted of meetings and drill.

After breakfast, the Regimental Adjutant taught the cadet candidates the importance of watch duty and how to properly stand watch. Watch is an important part of life at Massachusetts Maritime, as well as in many of the careers cadets pursue after the academy. During the school year, licensed majors stand watch on the training ship, while the other majors stand watch at the Cadet Information Center.

The youngies also received a presentation on military traditions, which covered how to properly wear and respect the uniform, saluting, and greeting. Afterwards, the Regimental Operations Officer and the Battalion Executive Officers gave a presentation on the Regimental Manual, as well as the conduct and disciplinary systems. These are all essential topics for cadet candidates to understand for their first semester at the academy.

The evening concluded with more drill, followed by introductions from the Regimental Staff. Companies were also informed of their current standings in the Admiral’s Cup. Now aware of their position on the leaderboard, the youngies appear more determined than ever to focus their efforts on the competition.

Day 6 is complete! Youngies worked hard this morning at PT before the sun rose, and kept that hard work going throughout the day. After breakfast, companies split up for the day.

Fifth had cold water survival training and Fourth had firefighting. The rest of the companies started out the day with company time and tours of the training ship. More time was set aside today for room preparation training and drill. This afternoon looked similar. While it may seem redundant and unimportant, Squad Leaders are focused on training cadet candidates to focus on every detail and getting all of the “little things” right. Whether it is marching, youngie knowledge, or room preparation, attention to detail is the key to success at Massachusetts Maritime. Instilling attention to detail is one of the Squad Leaders’ most important goals because of its benefits in real life and in the workforce.

Intramural matches this afternoon were electric. Company pride was shown all around, and it will only grow from here. The energy continued into evening patio where youngies were tested on the steam cycle and the forty-one parts of a lifeboat. The Training Ship Commander also asked an important question about the location of the lifeboats on the T.S. Patriot State II. Companies who did not know were brought to the grass for some push-ups. Safety is number one on the training ship, so this knowledge is especially important for youngies memorize and know by heart. This evening’s patio was motivating to watch and the youngies look ready for tomorrow’s test.

The night ended with meeting the crew of the training ship as well as some quiet time before bed. As mini cruise approaches, the Cadre are becoming more and more serious about cadet candidates’ focus and teamwork. Improvements have been made each day, but the job is not yet finished, and hard work is the only way to reach the end of this journey.

Day 5 of Orientation started off strong with another round of PT! It was a chilly morning, but hard work kept the youngies warm. Second battalion ran the mile in platoons while First Battalion completed the exercise circuit. Rear Admiral McDonald was in attendance again to motivate the incoming class.

Third Company and Fourth Company had the chance to tour the T.S. Patriot State II today in preparation for mini cruise. Deck Rates and Senior Staff assisted in giving the tours and showed the youngies important points on the ship, escape routes, and taught them how to be aware of their position on the vessel. Youngies were engaged and excited to be brought onto the main bridge as well.

Company pictures were also taken today for Fifth and Third, giving the cadet candidates a chance to show off their smiles! Pictures were a relaxed time and youngies took the opportunity to study their knowledge and come closer together as a team and as a family.

Later on in the evening, cadet candidates completed their mandatory SASH training for mini cruise. This consisted of proper recognition, reporting, and prevention of sexual harassment and sexual assault in a public setting. After their meeting, Company Commanders and Training and Retention Officers spent time teaching the youngies more about the academy and regimental standards. Tomorrow, the weather is set to be hot, but the sun won’t be the only thing bringing the heat. Orientation is not even halfway through yet, and Squad Leaders will be moving full steam ahead from here.

Orientation Day 4 is complete! The cadet candidates woke up before sunrise again and double-timed it to the athletics field for PT. First Battalion completed a one-mile run in platoon formation, while Second Battalion rotated through a circuit of field exercises. Second Battalion was joined by the President of the Academy, Rear Admiral McDonald, who completed the circuit and took time to speak with some of the cadet candidates.

After PT, Second Company went to the pond, First Company participated in firefighting training, and Sixth Company headed to the pool. The weather was not ideal today, so the youngies spent most of their time indoors with their Company Staff. Uniform fittings and various meetings were also part of today’s schedule. Due to the rain, there were no intramural matches or evening patio, but cadet candidates used the time to learn from their Squad Leaders how to prepare their rooms for inspection. This includes making hospital corners on their beds, arranging their wall lockers, and ironing their uniforms.

After Orientation, youngies will go through a period before their official recognition during which they’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate that they can function effectively as fourth-class cadets at the Academy. This is why Squad Leaders focus so heavily on teaching during Orientation. There’s a lot of information being thrown at these cadet candidates, but the best way to learn is through practice. Later this week, they will participate in mock inspections to further prepare for their first semester.

Although today wasn’t as physically demanding as previous days, it was by no means a walk in the park. The youngies still have much to learn in a short period, but they are starting to see that their Squad Leaders will be there to guide and support them through it all.

The cadet candidates were awakened by the sweet sound of Squad Leaders once again this morning. The Cadre brought the energy and hustled to the athletics field where cadet candidates had their first PT session and test. After a company warmup, First Battalion went for a one mile run while Second Battalion completed the push-up and sit-up tests. Platoon Leaders recorded scores before the battalions switched off. Cadet candidates enjoyed this time to cheer each other on and motivate each other while the sun rose and created a beautiful view over Buzzards Bay.

After breakfast, activities commenced. First Company went to the pond, Fifth Company to firefighting, and Fourth Company to cold water survival in the pool. The other companies were fitted for more uniforms, took ID photos, and were given a presentation about academic standards and help.

These first few days of Orientation blend together for cadet candidates when they are not in a sailboat or in the pool, but each day is equally as important. Orientation is not only about preparing cadet candidates for the regimented aspect of Massachusetts Maritime. It is about preparing young people for school. Meetings they sit in on explain to them who and where their resources are and how to use them. Massachusetts Maritime is an academy which focuses on individual development in the classroom as well as the real world, which is why utilizing connections and resources is such a stressed topic on campus.

After lunch, the cadet candidates had round two of intramural matches. Fourth played Seventh in water polo, Two played Six in dodgeball, and Three played Five in ultimate frisbee. Cadre and cadet candidates alike were cheering and excited, making every game a great one to watch.

Evening patio was an improvement from last night, and youngies are expected to know more now than they were previously. The standards will continue to inch higher as the weeks progress and the cadet candidates come closer to achieving their goal of graduating from Orientation.

Tonight closed with Company Commander time as well as time with each Company’s Training and Retention Officer. The youngies are done for the day, but tomorrow’s challenges await them.

The first full day of orientation for the cadet candidates was packed full of learning, studying, and even some fun. Companies were split up and each did something a little bit different. First Company had pool day, Third Company had firefighting, and Fifth Company had pond day. During these different special days, the cadet candidates learn teamwork and camaraderie as well as important skills for life at sea which will be strengthened in their classes they take during the semester.

This morning, the cadet candidates were introduced formally to their team of Squad Leaders before going to breakfast. After breakfast, there were more uniform fittings and meetings about customs and traditions of the Academy. These meetings are important for cadet candidates to understand why the regiment operates the way that it does and its purpose.

Today was also the first day of intramural matches which included ultimate frisbee, water polo, and, my personal favorite, dodgeball. These matchups become incredibly intense as Orientation goes on and as companies become closer knit. The energy was very high today, and it will only go up from here. Intramurals give cadet candidates a break from the seriousness of their day and it gives them a chance to talk with their shipmates and Squad Leaders.

After a quick shower break, the cadet candidates had their first patio experience. They marched in front of the Regimental Staff who asked them youngie knowledge questions. They were sent to dinner, and then closed the night with a few meetings. Tomorrow is a new day with new knowledge and lessons to be learned. The cadet candidates have twelve days remaining.

The wait is finally over! Massachusetts Maritime’s newest class of cadet candidates arrived and checked in this morning at 0900 while their Cadre went for a morning run. Nerves were showing in some C/Cs, but it seemed that the excitement overtook all of those nerves when the youngies changed into their PT gear.

Looking like a uniform team, the youngies sat patiently awaiting their Cadre to march onto the athletics field and take their oath. After remarks from the Commandant, the cadet candidates said their goodbyes and proceeded down Academy Drive in platoon formations. They have stepped into a new direction, and this first step will be the most difficult. Orientation is by no means easy. It is mentally and physically challenging, pushing the limits of young men and women who will soon find comfort in the uncomfortable and learn to lead from the front.

The cadet candidates were quizzed before lunch by the Cadre on their “youngie knowledge” which will be an integral factor in their success as a cadet candidate in Orientation. Youngie knowledge includes the names of the Senior Staff as well as parts of a lifeboat, fire and emergency signals, and the steam cycle. The C/Cs will be tested many more times throughout these two weeks, but for a first time, they did very well.

After lunch, the C/Cs headed to the gym where their seabags and uniforms awaited them. A long line of over 500 youngies filed through, collecting each item. This week, their Squad Leaders will ensure that their uniforms fit properly and that each cadet candidate has what they need.

Some final activities today included more testing of youngie knowledge and drill. Squad Leaders carefully instructed the correct ways to perform facing movements today. After dinner, the C/Cs were brought to Admiral’s Hall and the Maritime Conference Center for important meetings about fire and medical safety. The cadet candidates will be sent to bed tonight with some snacks and they will be awoken tomorrow morning by their Squad Leaders. Today, although it was not a full day for the C/Cs, was a long day of adjustment and learning. Tomorrow will be different, but the mission has begun and the Cadre are focused on one common goal. They will do whatever it takes to help each cadet candidate become a 4/C Massachusetts Maritime cadet.

The final day of Pre-Orientation has come to a close. The Cadre spent the day preparing for the arrival of the youngies after a morning canal run followed by a swim! Orientation assistants sported immersion suits while each company took their turn jumping off the dock to cool off. Safe to say there were smiles all around this morning!

After the plunge, Cadre headed to breakfast and practiced their oath for Sunday. Boxes were packed for the incoming cadet candidates as well. The Commandant had a few closing remarks to the Cadre in Admiral’s Hall, and he sent them on their way with their companies. Company Commanders took charge, went over final details, and dismissed the Squad Leaders.

It was a short but eventful day here on campus, and now the real anticipation begins. Sunday is approaching quickly and the Cadre are ready.

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Team building was the main focus of day 4 of Pre-Orientation. After a few morning meetings, the Cadre suited up in boots and boiler suits for a few rounds of paintball. It was hot and humid, but that didn’t stop anyone from going all out on the battlefield. Squad Leaders, Senior Staff, and Academy staff fought it out for two hours before returning to campus for a cookout on the patio and more company bonding time. The evening was spent marching, perfecting cadences, and taking a few more sunset pictures. It was a break from the regiment for a day, and everyone is feeling recharged and ready for Sunday.

Just when the Squad Leaders thought they were getting into routine here at Pre-O, our Senior Staff decided to shake things up. The day started off the same as the past two. PT went very well this morning and an academics meeting followed. At 0930, vessel familiarization tours were given by the Regimental Training Ship Commander, the Cadet Chief Mate, and the Cadet Chief Engineer. These tours reviewed locations of safety and firefighting equipment and all areas of the training ship that will be important for leadership on the upcoming mini cruise. This will be the first mini cruise for the Patriot State and the preparations in the next coming weeks will be extremely important to ensure everything is ready and in order for departure.

After an ordinary lunch break and a meeting to follow, the Squad Leaders were ushered out of Admiral’s Hall like youngies – Orientation style. Senior Staff reminded every single Squad Leader what it’s like to be a freshman at Massachusetts Maritime. They were critiqued on their marching, quizzed on their knowledge, and they were dropped to the grass for push-ups when they couldn’t seem to get it together. The standards for these Squad Leaders are so high so that they can guide the cadet candidates through Orientation and train them to become cadets who wear the uniform with pride.

At the end of the day, the Senior Staff met with their Squad Leaders, explaining their purpose, and encouraging them to continue working hard. The wait is almost over. T-minus four days.

Day 2 of Pre-Orientation was highly productive both educationally and administratively for the Cadre. After PT this morning, meetings and classes were held with a focus on medical information crucial to Orientation. The Cadre were placed in breakout sessions and trained in emergency response procedures, proper equipment handling, and overall situational awareness.

After lunch, the Cadre headed to briefings from the Regimental Adjutant and the Regimental Operations Officer aboard the T.S. Patriot State II. It was a nice change of scenery and, of course, gave everyone a chance to take photos with the ship. Each company had time to practice marching again before dinner, but the evening activities were definitely a favorite for the Cadre. First Battalion Squad Leaders challenged each other with bearing tests while Second Battalion worked through facing movements for the Orientation patio test.

While today was an important day and the tone was serious at times, the Cadre always bring the energy and know how to have some fun! 

All hands on deck!
Pre-Orientation is officially underway in Buzzards Bay, with just six short days until this year’s cadet candidates arrive. The Cadre have moved in, and they’re already fired up for the weeks ahead.

The regimental staff kicked things off this morning at 0545 with a PT test, which included a one-mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups. Squad leaders and senior staff use this time before Orientation not just to meet the academy’s high standards—but to exceed them.

After PT, everyone headed to breakfast, and from there, the Cadre hit the ground running. Today’s schedule was packed with meetings, drill, and company bonding time. Pre-O is a crucial opportunity for squad leaders and senior staff to get to know each other, build trust, and form a leadership team capable of meeting challenges head-on and training others to succeed.

The energy is high, the expectations are higher, and the Cadre are ready for whatever comes next.