Groton Maritime Academy (original) (raw)

Youth Officer Saunders was visiting his best friend who is in the U.S. Air Force. His friend arrived stateside from Germany and will now be stationed in Oklahoma. Pictures of this day were taken by Youth Officer Hoffman and will be uploaded shortly. Until then enjoy a picture of scenery at Saybrook Point. (Taken by Sean).

Youth Officer Saunders will be back on the 29th with more pictures!

Roberts also told of David Busnell and his submarine "turtle" and the story behind the birth of the submarine. Jerry brought stories to life and even provided the Cadets to the first access to a model "turtle" where the Cadets climbed aboard to see how it may have felt piloting this unique craft.

The advisors and Cadets wish to thank Jerry and the rest of the staff of the musuem for making our visit engaging and fun.

Today we visited the Dauntless Shipyard and the Essex Island Marina.

Mr. Brainard was our host at the Dauntless Shipyard where he took the Cadets on a tour of the different trade shops located there. Cadets were able to see the wood, paint, and fiberglass shops where boats are maintained, refurbished, and repaired. Grant Westerson, Executive Director of the Connecticut Marine Trade Association also visited to inform Cadets on career and employment opportunities.

Mr. Westerson, with the assistance of his Director of Programs, Amy Lynn Brisson and Office Manager, Amy Ryiz, provided a pizza party lunch for our Cadets that was enjoyed on the grounds of the Connecticut River Museum.

A short walk from the shipyard brought us to the Essex Island Marina. The island is accessed by a small 6 passenger ferry (pontoon) boat and passengers enjoy a 20 second ride across 100 feet to the island! It is here that Dawn Schieferdecker's family has owned and operated this resort for boaters for over 50 years. Dawn took time from her busy day to escort us around this island resort giving our Cadets more ideas of how an individual can find a career in the Marine Industry. Thanks Dawn!

We then traveled back to Groton to tour the Connecticut National Guard 1109th AVCRAD (Aviation Classification and Repair Depot ).

Here the Cadets were able to see how our local soldiers repair, maintain and refit helicopters for our military. The students got to experience using night vision goggles, and see a "hover" test and toured the hanger full of helicopters.

Our special thanks to the Men and Women, both civilian and military for their time and efforts for our country and this tour.

Today our Cadets visited Boston, MA. Here we visited the USS Constitution and the USS Cassin Young at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Because of a 4 year restoration project our Cadets were unable to board the USS Constitution but that did not prevent them from posing for a photo in front of her.

We did board the Cassin Young a World War II Destroyer. Youth Officer Hoffman was captured signing the Official Ships' Log. This log is used to sign in former sailors who served aboard this vessel. Youth Officer Hoffman was honored with signing this log because his father Donald served aboard her in the Korean War. Although Youth Officer Hoffman was unable to take his Dad here before he passed away, I know his father was watching over him and for a moment the two were united on board. God rest those who served about the Cassin Young and all who serve and have served their country!

Our "little guns" under one of the "big guns" of the Cassin Young, and finally a Memorial to all the Veterans of the Korean War.

Friday July 18th started at 0 Dark 30 for Officer Hoffman and I. We were to work by 3:30 a.m. to pick up lunches and load coolers with water and ice for this fishing trip.

We arrived at the Black Hawk II dock at about 5:30 a.m. for our 6:00 a.m. departure. After filling out forms for the Coast Guard the Cadets boarded and our day began.

Capt. Greg took us to Plum Gut, and it was there that our cadets landed an unofficial count of 27 fish which included 1 Striped Bass caught By Sean. The Cadets seemed to have a great time and we could not have asked for a better day.

After a few hours fishing we enjoyed the return trip to the dock and many Cadets had their fish filleted to take home. Below are 3 pictures captured with Youth Officer Saunders' phone. He had left his more expensive camera on land on this trip due to the hazards. Stay tuned however as we will be posting pictures taken by Officer Hoffman who was waiting for our return at the dock.