A few years ago, a deck officer assigned to the American Tern had left this Earth as a result of a tragic accident while vacationing at home. A shrine has since been erected in his name, the former Second Mate, Matthew M. McCormick and in the form of a nice wall map. Another plaque shows the crew honoring his service given to the ship as it stands proudly encased in its wood and brass frame in the Officer’s Mess.
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The Tern has called to port! Kuwait is very hot, likeable to an Indian Summer with hot days and cooler nights and the work offloading cargo will be followed by a backload of cargo destined for a ‘port near you’. [Read more →]
We’ve managed a pleasant transit through the Mediterranean Sea. Calm seas with clear, blue waters and an occasional Sea Turtle and Dolphin popping up from time to time; the ‘Tern’ was happy in its element sharing the seas with such creatures. [Read more →]
The transit through the Atlantic Ocean went well. A Low system which stalled over the Azores had caused us some weather issues. Nothing materialized beyond more than fifteen foot seas as only strong gale wind-generated waves were produced. This system culminated into a Tropical Storm “Grace” [Read more →]
Bird Watching has always been a favorite pastime of mine during my early childhood years. During my first five years growing up, my grandfather who lived with us and had his own operations room, kept Watch or more namely, a ‘bird watching station’ as I remember it more to be while living in a suburb of Sacramento, California.
On occasion, luck would have it, [Read more →]
I wanted to shed some light on my daily Watch routine, as many of you might want somewhat more of a visualization. It’s not too glamorous yet, it keeps my mind busy. Here is an example:
0720 Called from the Bridge for a [Read more →]
We’re underway, yet, again! A full load of cargo on a clandestine journey. This Philadelphia load wasn’t without its challenges, however.
But before I go into any details, I was able to visit with my second cousin, Rabia, and his family while in the city of brotherly love; Philly. The two older children ages fifteen and twelve along with the fraternal twins, [Read more →]
The Tern’s bound for a port near you! And Philadelphia is that lucky port.
I’m writing to you on our last full day at sea. I’ve managed to complete 98 percent of my list of ” Third Mate to-do’s” as a Coast Guard Inspection will take place shortly after Arriving. These past few days have been hectic. Among other things, the Chief Cook has decided she had enough of the hustle and bustle and has decided to quit. It’s another chapter in the Tale of the ‘ Tern!
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This Day brings a feeling of sentiment and sorrow to whom most folks in America, continue to pay homage to those whose lives were tragically taken at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and onboard those United Airlines Flights on September 11th, 2001. We continue to remember what events panned out on the fateful day back in 2001 in New York, Pennsylvania and District of Columbia and whose lives it affected.
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We are en route for the States! This lumbering ride almost as a bird coasting and quickly dipping at times, is soothing mostly. The seas attempt to torment much as a sibling may tease by pushing or pulling trying to get a reaction. This bird stays its course!
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