Admiral's Journal: July 14, 2010
Dear Faculty, Staff, Parents and Friends,
It is great to be back aboard Empire State! I rejoined the ship in Malta. Every ship has its own personality, rhythm and aura. I hadn’t been back aboard more than an hour before I sensed that morale was still extremely high. Even though two thirds of the cadets and some of the staff and faculty have changed out from the first term, there was still that positive energy flowing through the ship. It is palpable and wonderful to feel and see.
 -Empire State VI arriving at Valletta, Malta - photo credit Capt Lawrence Dalli |
This was my first port visit to Valletta, Malta, as was the case with most everyone on the ship. Captain Smith had predicted at the beginning on the cruise that Malta would probably be the favorite port for either term, and, boy, was he right! This was without a doubt the most interesting, fascinating and architecturally rich port that I’ve visited. Malta has something for everyone- museums, forts, interesting shops, beautiful beaches, abundant night life, terrific restaurants, and crystal clear water for diving. The ship sponsored several tours that were enjoyed and appreciated by all who took part in them. This port will be one that we will all fondly remember and will want to revisit someday.
 -Cadets aboard Empire State VI in Malta - photo credit Mario Frendo |
After leaving Malta, we headed north for the Straits of Messina. We went through just after sunset and the sun setting behind towering Mt. Etna off our port beam was an absolutely beautiful sight. The lights of the towns and villages in the hills on either side the channel looked like they were spilling into the sea. What struck me most about this return trip through the straits (the first being in June, during the first sea term session, enroute to Athens) was how far the First Class cadets who were on watch had progressed professionally. I saw the same confidence earlier in the day in the engine room, as a First Class cadet was showing a group of underclass cadets how to make various equipment adjustments. I’m also amazed by just how quickly the cadets who joined the ship in Dublin have adjusted to the routine aboard the ship. It is truly gratifying to see this growth and maturity in such a short period of time.
We are now North of Sicily, heading for the Straits of Bonifacio, a narrow body of water between the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. From there we will proceed to the Mallorca islands and operate for three days off Palma de Mallorca. There, we’ll do all sorts of drills and training, including lowering the lifeboats, damage control training events, man overboard maneuvers, and anchoring, to mention a few. These will be long, action packed, but enjoyable days. From there, it will be on to Brest, France, the last port of call for the Summer sea terms before returning home to New York. More about Brest and the events between here and there later.
Sincerely,
John Craine
John W. Craine, Jr.
President
