The Voice of the Regiment

November -December 2012 United States Merchant Marine Academy Since 1943

Midshipmen gather for a safety briefing before joining the relief effort in the Rockaways on Monday, November 12. In total, over 200 plebes and midshipmen spent the day assisting the people of in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The Plebe Class also worked to clear the trails of Kings Point Park as part of their service project.

“Acta” of Kindness West Point Student Conference At the Waterfront By MIDN Joshua Asaro, Staff Writer By MIDN Dustin Downing, Staff Writer By MIDN Patrick Minnick, RWO Allow me to be among the first to admit that if you The 64th Student Conference on United States The Hidden Harbor Tour: had told me a few weeks after returning from sea that I Affairs found itself playing host to two Kings Point Mid- As always, this year’s Hidden Harbor Tour was would be spending the last day of my first long weekend shipmen and students from around the world to gauge a great success. It was our pleasure this year to have the back at the Academy being marched through the streets of “American Priorities in the Age of Austerity”. Hundreds following guests aboard our annual Holiday training trip: by a former enlisted Seabee, I would have of Liberal Arts majors converged on historic West Point Professor Nagy Hussein, Lt. Schneider, Mr. Campbell, asked you what you had purchased from the slop chest. to discuss 16 different topics put forth by the Eisenhower Capt. Kennedy and his wife, RADM Helis and his wife, I’m not sure any of us expected to return to such an in- institute (a Washington think tank) ranging from Sino- Ms. Ross, and Ms. Harding. It was a great opportunity for jured state which acted as the scene for one of the most American relations to Arms Control and Proliferation. them to observe our midshipmen in their element, navi- devastating natural disasters in recent memory. I’m not We Engineers felt out of place from the get go, but were gating a ship through one of the busiest harbors in the sure that if asked that I would have believed much could sent to represent the Merchant Marine opinion, so we world. be done in the way of help upon seeing doomsday images dove in with gusto. For three days we discussed our as- Everyone was aboard the T/V Liberator at 0715 that circulated in the national media in the days following signed topics with field experts and our peers—with our for a pre-departure safety and familiarization briefing. the strike of Super storm Sandy. However, on Monday, peers being exposed to three days of Military Academy There was TM food for the Midshipmen as well as any November 12th, I was privileged to witness a selfless sac- living. Chow calls each morning (a West Point plebe snacks, donuts, and bagels that were brought by our great rifice of time by many members of the Regiment of Mid- ritual) woke these civilian students early for their fully guests. We also served hot coffee and cider in the Galley. shipmen at Kings Point. This changed my mind on that scheduled days, and we Mariners were free to be amused We departed from Flag Landing Saturday at 0730, un- matter and frankly, changed the minds and hopes of many by such awakenings. docking under the guidance of Plebe Zubchevich, an en- people upon seeing this blue-clad cadre move together The laughter was short-lived as the groups recon- gineer. We made our way down river enjoying the beauti- down tattered streets in hopes of restoring houses and vened; I was plunged into the world of Cyber Security ful morning and the scenic skyline. We pro- hope for victims of Sandy. and for hours a day tried to understand the language these ceeded through the Buttermilk and around Governors Read More, Page 3 Poli Sci majors already spoke fluently. After understand- Island, witnessing the lone container terminal on Long ing the lingo, I was finally able to submit opinions with Island. We then crossed the Bay Ridge Flats to Staten our own international studies in mind. The value of this Island to circle around the Kennedy, Mass. Maritime’s education became apparent as others struggled with con- training ship. After a little exploring in the Kills, we cepts such as foreign law and technicalities of sovereign- passed the Statue of Liberty and paid our respects. We ty, and was able to lend a sense of practicality to the ide- concluded the nautical part of the trip by docking at alism of those who have not been outside of the class- North Cove Marina in the financial district. Here on Sep- room. tember 11, 2001 and in the days following, midshipmen Our findings over the course of those three days from the Waterfront and Waterfront Staff assisted NYC were to be presented in a paper to the Institute and a skit and NYFD members in moving personnel and supplies. for our fellow attendees. This provided us with an excuse After pausing to reflect on this, we to hack faculty and staff from the event, culminating with walked a short distance to the 9/11 a colonel being very embarrassed to see his own credit Memorial and received a private card information. When the dust settled and the groups tour. had shown their findings, each attendee had gained a lit- tle more perspective of both their peers and the world. Read More, Page 11

Midshipmen Travel Exploring Mars Midshipman Spotlight Mariner’s Basketball off Crossword the World! CURRENT EVENTS, Pages 4 & 5 to a Great Start! KP PRIDE, Pages 12 & 13 TRAVEL, Pages 8 & 9 SPORTS, Page 14 FUN and GAMES Page 6 Page 2 Since 1943 USMMA Letter from the Editor Dear Regiment, Faculty, Staff, Family, and Friends of the Academy,

Happy Holidays! The long-awaited and well-deserved Winter Break is finally here! Of course, this also means that the end of the world, I mean, year, has arrived. For my fellow 1st classmen, the light at the end of the tunnel aka graduation has just gotten a lot brighter. The year of 2013 is our year and I, for one, am determined to make the most of it. Recently, the Change of Command ceremony took place and with a little hul- labaloo over M/N Daniel Galginaitis as the new Regimental Commander, the 2nd rota- tion of officers has taken command of the Regiment. Bolstered by the addition of all sorts of newfangled positions, this new crop of officers are ready to lead us into the New Year. I wish you guys all the luck. In addition, I hope to address the concern of some midshipmen that this newspa- per has failed to live up to its motto: Voice of the Regiment. If we have been unpardon- ably positive, then I admit part of the fault is mine. Despite more than three years here and against all odds, I have somehow remained a relatively optimistic individual, and for that, I apologize. I do not deny that life at KP isn’t a walk in the park; we learn that fact the first time we step foot inside Vickery Gate. However, for some strange reason, it appears that those who have written for the newspaper so far seem to see more rain- bows and sunshine than most. If you disagree with our allegedly misplaced cheerful- ness, I challenge you to put forth your own thoughts in the next issue. It is ultimately your paper, in the end. To that end, I will endeavor to survive the coming apocalypse and carry on with the January 2013 issue, so please send in your articles. If you somehow find yourself as a zombie, I urge you to be a literate one and to remain a steadfast patron of this newspaper. Enjoy our November-December issue and with a bit of luck, we’ll see you after the break!

We can be reached at [email protected] or through our FB page: www.facebook.com/kphearthis. Enjoy the Holidays!

Warm Regards, M/N Sung Hyong, 1/C Editor-In-Chief

HEAR THIS! STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Editor-in-Chief M/N Sung K. Hyong, 2013 Photographer M/N Michael Pluhowski, 2013 Layout Editor M/N Tyler Driscoll, 2013 Freelance Contributors M/N Spencer Fletcher, 2013 Department Heads M/N Patrick Minnick, 2013 M/N Matthew Finlayson, 2013 M/N Alexander Othmer, 2013 M/N Ursula Holm, 2013 M/N Katie Schmidt, 2013 M/N Ian Holtzworth, 2013 M/N Kevan Stoeckler, 2013 M/N Michael Shep, 2013 M/N Jessica Tyack, 2013 M/N Erich Stumpel, 2013 M/N Kristina Walz, 2014 M/N Timothy Rice, 2014 M/N Kevin F. McHale, 2015 M/N Nicholas Sitter, 2015 Staff Writers Plebe Michelle Danhof, 2016 M/N Sean Chang, 2013 M/N Dustin Downing, 2013 Special Mention: Elves! M/N James Flowers, 2013 Plebe Woodrow Buck, 2016 M/N Biondi Phua, 2013 Plebe Timothy Parker, 2016 M/N Stefano Ritondale, 2013 Plebe Alisha Sako, 2016 M/N Joshua Asaro, 2015 Plebe Jo Eun Seo, 2016 Plebe Woodrow Buck, 2016 Plebe Constantine Rerras, 2016 Faculty Advisors Plebe Christopher Zwick, 2016 Professor Jacques Szaluta Plebe Kenneth Pressey, 2016 Professor Raymond Gardner Plebe Alisha Sako, 2016

Artists/Cartoonists M/N Nathaniel Miller, 2013 M/N Michael Kirk, 2014 M/N Jackie Hong, 2015 M/N Eric Izzo, 2015

Hear This! DISCLAIMER

This newspaper is published by the students of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The views and opinions expressed do not represent in any way the official views of the United States Merchant Marine Academy or its Administration. Page 3 Since 1943 USMMA

clean-up. Those who had been there be- fore us spoke of times right after the storm in which boats were found in the streets, sand everywhere, and electricity yet to be restored to residents. As if the disaster itself had not proven trying enough, adverse weather conditions in- cluding snowfall further complicated relief efforts. One volunteer said to a bus full of band company plebes and mid- shipmen, “This is the first time I’ve gone On Saturday, December 8th, I witnessed to a hurricane relief and had to shovel even more sacrifice on behalf of my fel- snow!” The time to aid these people had low Kings Pointers and with each handful come and as the day would show, this of trash removed and each fallen branch was certainly the group of people for the into account, the day was a success, but of the house owner. Producing an old- picked up, it became more and more evi- job. what truly made this day special was the school disposable camera, this woman dent to an ever-growing audience that Eight bus-loads of plebes and message of hope spread to everyone in took a few pictures to “put up on the wall there are great things to come from the midshipmen departed from the Academy the area. As midshipmen got off the bus- in her new apartment” once everything regiment which resides just inside of grounds on the morning of Monday the es, people clapped and cheered, seeming- th was settled, so that she would always Vickery gate. 12 , 2012 for Floyd Bennett Field where ly everyone said thanks for showing up, remember the group that came to help her A trip into the streets of the they met with an Army National Guard and certainly every household which got in time of need. Ladies and gentlemen, Rockaway project location showed just unit led by a Kings Point graduate. After a Kings Point volunteer group will not that reaches far beyond a recognition how apocalyptic the storm must have a safety debriefing and issuance of pro- soon forget that this extraordinary group step. been. Just ten days after the storm struck tective equipment, the buses were sent of people came to their aid on this day. Speaking or recognition steps the area, houses were still flooded, entire out to the site of the devastation. Days after waters ran through these walk- we cannot overlook the community ser- groups of buildings were stripped down Dropped off at a local church and led by ways, a sea of boiler suit-clad volunteers vice required of all plebe classes in clean- to framework and bricks, and hundreds if foot to a rendezvous area, each group met took to the streets not only to work, but ing up Kings Point Park. Saturday, De- not thousands of families were left with up and signed waivers for Team Rubicon also to show that the United States Mer- cember 8th, on the afternoon of the first nothing but a harsh reality and a large (a disaster relief group which pairs up chant Marine Academy cares and is Class B inspection of the trimester, veterans and civilians to work hand in ready to serve. This was certainly not an plebes found themselves hand in order to form a more structured idea foreign to a Regiment that claims the Read More, Page 9 approach to humanitarian work). Once only battle standard of all five federal all the paperwork was complete, groups Academies. of plebes and midshipmen were broken On a day when the camera down into “platoons,” assigned to a Ru- crews were present and pictures were bicon team leader, and led to their specif- taken every step of the way, that day ic workstations for the day. Depending when the “jewel” of the academies on which team one was assigned, tasks shined so bright, the picture which was ranged from shoveling out sand from taken by a disposable camera may very basements to carrying out moldy foods well be its defining moment. After com- from residents’ refrigerators. The group pletely tearing down and removing from of almost 300 Kings Pointers put in work the basement rotten drywall from their from 1100 to 1530, providing roughly assigned house, band company plebes 1125 hours of labor alongside Team Ru- posed for a picture with their midship- bicon and other groups. man leaders and former Navy Seabee Taking only the manual labor Team Rubicon partner as per the request What is a Hero? By MIDN Dustin Downing, Staff Writer

As a nation, we’re taught who is a hero: our soldiers who have earned medals, our firefighters and police, the pioneers spitting in the face of diversi- ty…but you will not hear any of that from these exemplary people. The American Veteran’s Associ- ation brought together soldiers, seamen, airmen, and Marines from across the country and spanning wars from the last 60 years for one purpose: “To Bring the Greatest Generation to the Latest Gener- ation”. Young Marines, Sea Cadets, colleges from across the country, and every Academy had the opportunity to listen to those who had gone before. They all had different experiences, but most had the same thing to say. The Montford Point Marines (first black and a three star USMC General), and marines), Doolittle Raiders, two Medal countless others said “I am not a hero- of Honor awardees (an army specialist —they are”. “They” being the Navy that shelled the covered position, the soldiers and Marines on the ground that gave the pilots confidence, and the buddies left behind—anything and anyone but the man in the chair speaking. These were truly the members of the Greatest Generation and they brought not just refreshing, but tear jerk- ing, humility to extreme circumstances. They fought in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, [email protected] Desert Storm and Shield, but they all seemed cut from the same cloth: all had a story to tell. We attendees could do nothing but sit, shocked, and listen to some of the most heroic actions be glazed over with “I was just doing my job”. So what is a hero? Who is a hero? I’d argue the true heroes are the ones who could never believe they really are. Page 4 Since 1943 USMMA

The Little-Known Giants of the Oil Industry By MIDN Biondi Phua, Staff Writer

Most of you have heard of the big oil companies Before the 1990s, most of the OFS firms were far of which the big ones can cost up to half a million dol- - ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron, etc. But have you smaller than the big oil companies which hired them. lars a day to rent. These companies include Transocean, heard of companies such as Schlumberger, Baker They were much less lucrative doing the menial straight- Seadrill, etc. The third category of OFS firms actually Hughes, Halliburton? Even for myself, I had not heard forward tasks like drilling vertical wells. They started executes the tasks of finding and extracting the oil. The of these companies until a friend from back home shared growing exponentially when several oil companies de- market is dominated by four giants: Schlumberger, with me his internship experience at Schlumberger in cided to outsource drilling to these OFS firms since Baker Hughes, Halliburton, and Weatherford Interna- China this past summer. And recently I read an article in drilling yielded such low profit margins. The OFS firms tional. If you cannot remember all four, at least remem- The Economist which provided me further knowledge grew even faster and bigger in the early 1990s when ber Schlumberger, the biggest one of them all. And pro- about such companies. The article started off by talking easy oil was no longer available, driving demand for nounce it right- it goes like this: “shlum-ber-jay.” about “directional drilling”- a technique used in the en- new technology. This led to breakthroughs in 3D seis- ergy business to drill for oil, and recently a section mate mology and directional drilling, allowing oil to be ex- of mine, Tyler Hand, presented on this topic for a pro- tracted economically from deeper wells beneath the ject in our Ocean Engineering class. That was how I ocean floor and exploration over a wider area from a drew my inspiration to write a little something on these drilling rig at a single position. The big OFS firms hold huge multinational oil firms. the crucial patent applications to such new technology Well, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Halliburton, and as such these brainy corporations have grown to be etc. - these are oilfield services (OFS) firms which pro- very big and immensely lucrative. In hindsight, the oil vide very essential services to the big oil companies that companies’ decision to outsource the “dirtier” and more you and I know of. The Economist termed them the menial tasks has had enormously negative repercussions. “unsung workhorses of the oil industry,” and rightfully They have given up a huge slice of the pie while also so. They do most of the work involved in finding and leaving themselves hostage to these OFS firms that pos- extracting oil and gas, but are far less well-known than sess the increasingly expensive and sought-after services the oil firms that hire them. They have grown to be im- and technology. mensely big and wield tremendous power in the oil in- To give you a little more knowledge, OFS firms dustry such that the oil business is likely to grow even can be grouped under three main categories. Some man- more dependent on these OFS firms with the technologi- ufacture and sell the expensive equipment used on the cal know-how. rigs and for drilling. Others own and lease out drill-rigs,

The Arctic By MIDN Stefano Ritondale, Staff Writer The Arctic, a land of mystery and exploration, has always been considered an area unreachable by man and a destination few could imagine had any possibility of success. The search for resources and safe passages through the Artic has been a con- quest in which many have failed and even perished. The 21st century though has brought a new interest in the Artic and may soon usher in a golden age for this region. Due to the effects of global warm- ing and advances in technology, areas once considered inaccessible to man can now be fully reached. There are two main areas in which the international community has interest in the Arctic: natural resources and the Northwest Passage. A study conducted by the United States Geological Survey estimates that the arctic region has about 22% of the world’s oil and natural gas resources and now be- cause of high oil prices and advances in oil drilling, the arctic region has the possibility of becoming one of the largest producers of hydrocarbons in the world. If these re- sources can be reached, the economical and geopolitical benefits would be enor- mous from revenues and economic growth to energy independence. Other resources of the distance is about 23,000 kilometers ing up their militaries to ensure their importance are minerals, such as gold and while travelling east through the Suez claims are not violated. Russia is seen as zinc, fishing, and fresh water in which Canal is also longer at 21,000 kilometers. the most aggressive in asserting its claims Greenland itself is estimated to have about The route through the passage is just and in 2007, a Russian submarine planted 10% of the world’s fresh water re- 16,000 kilometers. The amount of fuel its flag in the Arctic seabed. So far, these serve. Another important economic oppor- and distance saved can revolutionize the nations have formed the Arctic Council, an tunity that has arisen recently is that of shipping industry and save billions of intergovernmental organization used to Arctic tourism which has exploded to tens dollars in international trade. solve problems that might arise in a diplo- of thousands of visitors every year. The Arctic region with all its op- matic manner. Also, the United Nations The Northwest Passage is a sea portunities though is also a source of ten- Convention on the Law of the Seas Other areas of concern that must be route that connects the Pacific and the At- sion within the Arctic nations. The United (UNCLOS) is an international agreement addressed are environmental protection as lantic Ocean through the Arctic Ocean. States, Canada, Norway, Iceland, Den- that establishes the premise for territorial well as indigenous rights. The arctic region The Northwest Passage is 7,000 kilometers mark and Russia all claim sovereignty claims and practices within the world’s for centuries has served as the homeland shorter than the current shipping route over parts of this region. Even though a oceans and can serve as a guideline to for many native tribes, and it is the obliga- through the Panama Canal. That amounts military conflict is unlikely, (even less so solve potential maritime disputes (the Unit- tion of the international community as well to about two weeks saved in travelling considering that all the nations except ed States is a signatory of the treaty but has as their host nations to ensure that their time. From to Tokyo via the canal, Russia are part of NATO) many are beef- not yet ratified it). way of life is not affected by the changes this region will suffer. Furthermore, with the BP oil spill fresh on everyone’s mind, it is imperative that strict environmental rules are in place to prevent any man-made disasters such as the Exxon Valdez inci- dent. In the coming years and decades, the Arctic region will no longer be consid- ered the isolated place it once was. As fu- ture leaders in this nation with our distinct knowledge of the maritime world, it is im- portant to note the changes the Arctic is going through since it will most likely have a direct impact on many of our lives. Page 5 Since 1943 USMMA

Exploring Mars: Curiosity and Spacecraft Power Systems By MIDN James Flowers, Staff Writer

Imagine sending a human being an incredible distance of 33.9 million miles, the thermoelectric metals a magnetic field is produced and in turn, an electric current. Ther- closest distance from the Earth to Mars. Can it be done? How long will it take? Before mocouples contain two different electrically conducting plates. Joining these two metals we get too ahead of ourselves, can we try sending a robot to explore and discover? In and forming a closed circuit, an electric current is created as long as the two metals are fact, it has already been done seven times. Failed attempts were the USSR’s Mars 2 kept at different temperatures. Curiosity carries about 10.6 pounds of Pu-238, producing and Mars 3, which lost communication 20 seconds after landing, and England’s Beagle 110 watts of electrical power. 2. The successful rovers were NASA’s Sojourner (landed 1997), Spirit and Opportuni- The MMRTG has an efficiency of only about 6 to 7 percent. However, the half- ty, both landing in 2004, and just recently on August 6th, Curiosity. life of Pu-238 is about 88 years, meaning that Curiosity can remain powered and per- Prior to Curiosity, Opportunity was the only rover still exploring. However, its form plenty of scientific exploration and discovery for many years to come. MSL’s mis- power supply is the only thing stopping it from reaching a decade-long journey. The sion is to have the rover spend about 1 Martian year, or 687 earth days, on Mars. To put rover relies on solar energy to provide up to 140 watts of energy for up to four hours in things in perspective, RTG’s are so highly reliable that over the 300 years of the com- one Sol, or one Martian day (about 1.027 earth days). However, Opportunity is losing bined time of RTG’s operation (the first one having been built in the late 1950’s), not a its available power due to accumulated dust on top of its solar arrays. Regardless, it has single thermocouple connected to any RTG has ever ceased to produce power. almost roved a full marathon and is now at its twenty-third mile navigating 50 times JPL recently finished software updates for Curiosity and has already completed further than originally planned. various test drives. More recently, the rover has taken its first look using its alpha parti- Even though the Opportunity rover has been more than successful, NASA does cle x-ray spectrometer to analyze a 16-inch rock. It is now roving its way over to its not want to play around anymore with a delicate power system. Its new Mars rover, primary mission zone, Gale Crater, to explore the Martian surface and climate and Curiosity, as part of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission launched towards search for any signs of microbial life as well as habitability studies for future human Mars on November 26th, 2011, made a soft landing nine months later on August 5th, exploration. 2012. It became the most complex interplanetary landing in the history of space explo- ration and was a relief for an ecstatic team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. The MSL team produced the very first rover to run on a radioisotope thermoe- lectric generator, or RTG, instead of the usual display of solar panels and lithium ion batteries aboard all other Mars rovers. This was not the first time an RTG has been used. Many satellites have been utilizing its heat as a source energy including the Cas- sini Satellite launched in 1997, lasting nearly 15 years now, and it is still exploring the Saturnian System. Most recently, it did a flyby of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, uncov- ering explanations for scientists wondering why it is the only moon in the solar system to contain an atmosphere. The RTG model aboard Curiosity is the Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoe- lectric Generator, or MMRTG, and it is used to power the rover. JPL decided that using the MMRTG would provide a more flexible range of operation of the rover due to its high-energy demand to navigate difficult, varying terrain and to utilize the ten scientific instruments on board. The MMRTG is designed to be used in either the vacuum of space, as in today’s satellites, or within the atmosphere of a planet. The MMRTG produces heat through the nuclear decay of the isotope, Plutonium -238 (Pu-238), as its general purpose heat source (GPHS). This excess heat is then uti- lized through use of the Seebeck effect. When a high temperature differential, heat pro- duced from the decay of the Pu-238 and the cold of the Martian atmosphere (which has an average atmospheric temperature of about -63°C), is produced across two different

Violence Flares Up Once More in

the Gaza Strip

By MIDN Kevin F. McHale, 3/C On 14 November 2012, the Israeli Defense Forces launched Operation Pillar of De- fense in the Gaza Strip. The mission was to retaliate against the Gaza-based Islamist group known as Hamas for launching rockets once again into Israeli territory. According to Isabel Kershner of , the first day of the operation saw approximately 20 targets attacked by aerial forces of the IDF. During the attacks, key Hamas military leader Ahmed al- Jabari was killed, prompting much outrage in the Gaza Strip. Hamas, an Islamist militant group now in control of the Gaza Strip, vowed revenge and started launching hundreds of rockets a day into Israel. According to Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nearly 1500 rockets were launched by Hamas until a ceasefire was declared on the 21st of November at 2100 hrs. Outrage was voiced in the international community by Arab and some western coun- tries over what was viewed as brutal Israeli aggression. The conflict only raised tensions fur- ther with Israel’s Arab neighbors at a time where instability reigns in surrounding coun- tries. Syria’s conflicts spilled over into the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, and protests are once again on the rise in Egypt. A key difference between this conflict and previous battles is the presence of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. The Iron Dome system is tasked with defending against in- bound missiles and mortars. In this conflict, the Iron Dome was used to great effect; an esti- mated 50% of all missiles launched were downed prior to hitting populated areas. The other 50% were missiles deemed less dangerous as they were projected to hit desert areas with little to no population. Prior to the Arab Spring revolutions, such conflicts found Egypt as a mediator between Israel and the Gaza Strip. With the ousting of Hosni Mubarak, and the election of the Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, the international community waited to see what role Egypt would play. Egypt did propose a ceasefire plan, which Israel and Hamas agreed to on 21 November at 2100 hours. While the international community praised the cease fire, nervous eyes were cast on two developments that could cause the violence to ignite again. The Palestinian bid for recog- nition in the United Nations, long met with disapproval and threats by Israel and the United States, was partially successful in late November. On 29 November, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas put forward a motion to the UN General Assembly on Palestinian state recog- nition. While the US, Israel and its allies voted no on this motion, the majority ruled and Pal- estine was awarded “Observer State” status. This upgraded status can lead to greater involve- ment in UN agencies, as well as opening a door to future Palestinian statehood according to BBC. Israel also increased tensions by announcing its plan to start building settlements once more in lands claimed by Palestinians. This is not an unusual occurrence in and of itself, as settlement disputes are a common cause of conflict. The collective opinion of the world is that this announcement is provocative, as well as poorly timed in the face of world events. The international ramifications of these events have been clearly seen in Israel’s foreign rela- tions. Fox News reported that many of Israel’s European Union allies, with the exception of the Czech Republic, voted in favor of upgraded Palestinian UN status. This obvious fracture in relations raises many questions about the future dynamic in Israeli foreign affairs. Page 6 Since 1943 USMMA

What do snowmen eat for What is said by one snowman to the How do you know that Santa is a man? breakfast? other snowman? Answer: No woman wears the same attire every Answer: Frosted flakes. Answer: Can you smell carrot? year.

Festival of Lights Thursday Dec 20, 2012 at 1930 in the Mariner’s Memorial Chapel Page 7 Since 1943 USMMA

The White Papers West Point Wedding Reprinted with Commentary By MIDN Katie Schmidt, 1/C

The White Paper was written in response to RADM Gordon McClintock’s address to the midshipmen, where he inquired regarding the reason for unrest among On December 1, 2012, the Kings Point Unity Club attended the marriage of Bren- the Regiment. He only ever received positive reports from the Command Board da Sue Fulton and Penelope (Penny) Dara Gnsein. Sue Fulton graduated from West (made up of the Regimental Commander and Battalion Commanders) but perceived Point in 1980 as part of the first class of cadets to include women. Sue and Penny that there was negative opinion among the ranks of the average midshipmen. This were legally married at the West Point Cadet Chapel. paper explains to the Administration why the Regiment is upset and demands imme- For 17 years, Sue and Penny have supported and loved each other through the ups diate, major reform in policy. This first reintroduction of the White Paper in 2012- and downs of life. Together, Sue and Penny have stayed strong in love even through 2013 Hear This!, will demonstrate what midshipmen of the 1960s thought were the breast cancer, the daily struggles of MS, hate mail, ignorance, and endless scrutiny. biggest problems with Kings Point. Without further ado, the White Paper (13 Janu- They are living proof that love conquers all. They were together when the state of ary 1969): NY legalized domestic partnerships, then when unions were legalized, they commit- ted to each other again, and when civil unions were the law, they went to the court- Preamble: house to sign the papers. During the ceremony, the reverend proclaimed, “Now that “This paper is a comprehensive study and list of recommendations that the they’ve been domesticated, unionized, and civilized, it is exciting for them to finally Regiment of Midshipmen strongly feels require the attention of the Administration. be married!” It is an explanation and categorization of the most obvious and the most evasive The Kings Point Unity Club met Sue and Penny at the OutServe Leadership Con- problems that Kings Point is faced with…” ference in Orlando, Florida this October. Four members of the Kings Point Unity Club attended the conference, which included a number of informational seminars (To RADM Gordon McClintock – USMMA Superintendent) and workshops that addressed issues such as: life in the military after the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” current policies held by businesses and corporations such “Sir Kings Point recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The regiment of as offering benefits to same-sex couples, and the current state and federal laws re- Midshipmen feels that it is time for the Academy to emerge from necessity-born garding same-sex marriage equality. practices instituted during the war into an atmosphere in keeping with a school de- OutServe is an organization that started as an underground network of gay and signed to meet the needs of tomorrow. lesbian service members who were forced to keep their sexuality secret under “Don’t To a man, the Regiment is dissatisfied with the systemized absurdity under ask Don’t tell” and worked on repealing the policy. After the repeal of “Don’t Ask, which we live. The medieval logic with which each of us is treated cannot be al- Don’t Tell,” the group became public and continued to support gay and lesbian ser- lowed to continue…Today, the midshipman feels…that, while his education is the vice members. They provide one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in only justification for the very existence of the Academy, he is receiving a limited the world and work to create an environment of respect in the military with regard to education both professionally and academically…He wonders how he can, in good sexual orientation and gender identity as well as working towards equal rights for faith, support a system that has been used as a weapon against him, how he can justi- committed same-sex couples. fy adhering to regulations that are circumvented by those very people charged with This conference was a very valuable leadership experience because we are all their administration…He is willing, finally, to take any and all steps necessary for going to be leaders in the future, whether it is in the military or private sector. It is the realization of those goals that he feels are vital to his education as a student and a essential that we, as leaders, hold ourselves to the highest standards of respect and Merchant Marine Officer, and to his dignity as a man. integrity, and view people with equality no matter who they are or what they believe. This memorandum, then, is a statement of those goals. It is the considered At the conference, we made quite the impression on Penny. It started uniquely in position of the Regiment of Midshipmen that re-examination of the following must the bathroom during a break between seminars when the door to the handicapped be effected immediately if this institution is to become a school of higher education stall was locked from the inside. One of the girls offered to crawl under the stall door in the true sense of the phrase. This is not a series of complaints; rather, it is a sin- and unlock it for Penny, but Penny said “No, don’t do that, you’re in a dress and that cere attempt on the part of the men who live under this System to define its myriad has got to be against the lesbian code.” Of course, this did not stop the midshipman defects and to delineate some means of correcting them. Each of the following head- from crawling under the stall door anyway and from there a new friendship was ings will first be described briefly and then explored more fully: formed. We invited Penny to eat lunch with us. Penny joined the KPU club for lunch and a few West Point Cadets joined us as well. Soon we were joined by Sue, Allyson We question the validity of an educational system which demands that the mid- Robinson, the executive director of OutServe, and Jonathan Hopkins, the spokesper- shipman become ‘educated’ and then burdens him with so many courses son director. We were naïve to the fact that the simple act of kindness, opening the that he survives academically only by brute force of memory. Rather than bathroom stall door, also opened the door to opportunity. We were quick to learn that feel enlightened after having completed a course, we feel only relieved… we had accidently became close and acquainted with some of the most inspirational that the course is over. We find that an attempt to actually learn is only a and dedicated individuals working towards fundamental fairness and equality. waste of time and that cramming is the only way a man can pass a course… At the reception, when Sue and Penny shared their first dance as a married cou- grades are not relevant to what [we are] supposed to have learned. ple, Sue lifted Penny, who has struggled with multiple scoliosis for the past 15 years, We highly suspect the educational worth of the Regimental System as it is pres- out of her wheelchair and held her as they danced. There was nothing but love in ently administered at Kings Point. As potential officers in the Merchant their eyes as they danced together, finally married. Marine, we are appalled at the deficiencies apparent in the system designed to train us for that position. We question whether we are being trained at all, or are, in fact, merely being administered to for four years…We find the causal factors in this situation to be a number of ill-advised and, in some cases, even inept officers who feel little empathy for our chosen profession and demonstrate little knowledge of it. We feel strongly the lack of an effective class system at Kings Point…We find it difficult to have any respect for a system that requires we respect those placed in authority in the Class System when those Midshipmen themselves are dealt with (sic) without respect by the Administration. We find it absurd to live within the regulations of a system which tells us, if we live by the regulations, we will enjoy the respect and benefits due an upperclassman – while, at the same time, we see those men who should be enjoying those benefits struggling to obtain them… [Regarding the paying of m/n fees.] We find a total lack of interest and respect for our views concerning the state of the facilities at Kings Point. We are the men using and inhabiting the build- ings and classrooms but we are neither listened to nor asked for opinions or desires as to what needs improving… Perhaps the primary discrepancy between stated and actual practice at Kings Point is the largely theoretical powers of the Midshipman Council. The Regiment feels very strongly that this organization is its only respresenta- tive…The Council, however, is not really allowed to represent us and is, therefore, merely a figurehead. We are suggesting that the powers of the Council be more clearly defined in such a way as to enfranchise it as the Pictured above, from left to right: M/N Kate Radzwill, M/N Katie Schmidt, proper spokesman for the Regiment of Midshipmen… Sue & Penny, M/N Jim Ensz, M/N Sarah Feldman, M/N Ben Evans, and West We urge that our proposals be acted upon immediately. To deny the validity of Point Cadet Joseph Koning. our arguments is to insure that the Academy be forever relegated to the backwater of higher education and to make certain that Kings Pointers of the future will feel, as we do, that they have not been adequately prepared professionally… Crossword Answers for October 2012 Issue: These, then, are our major contentions. On the following pages we will ex- Across Down amine each more closely, demonstrate their validity, and present the measures that 6. rouge 1. cabotage 10. finger the Regiment feels are necessary for their successful resolution. 7. free surface 2. zephyr 11. porthole 12. occulting 3. backstay 13. azimuth 15. cable 4. bravo 14. seven 16. Hear This 5. Fulton 19. abeam 17. non displacement 8. range 20. ahull 18. Salty the Seagull 9. half breadth Page 8 Since 1943 USMMA

"Alaskan Bush" of Kodiak

Names: Kevan Stoeckler, Jon Taylor, Michael Pluhowski State: Alaska City: Kodiak

KP TRAVEL KP For fall break this year, I took two of my friends, Jon Taylor and Michael Pluhowski, up to Kodiak, Alaska to visit my two brothers stationed there in the Coast Guard. During the week we went hunting for Kodiak Brown Bear, hiking around the wilder- ness, and hung out at the local Kodiak Brewery. My oldest brother (KP Alumni Class of ’03) gave us tours of the Coast Guard Air-

KP TRAVEL KP TRAVEL station, and my other brother gave us tours of the USCGC Alex Haley, a medium endurance cutter stationed there. Two days after we left, my oldest brother bagged a 7 ½’ brown bear that we had been stalking all week. This wasn’t my first time up to Kodiak, and it definitely will not

KP TRAVEL KP TRAVEL be my last. Midshipmen World Travels Finca Eduardo, Salento, Colombia KP TRAVEL KP KP TRAVEL KP KP TRAVEL KP KP TRAVEL KP

Compiled By MIDN Ian Holtzworth, Department Head

For many of us, our favorite part of sea year was the chance to travel KP TRAVEL KP around the world. Not many people our age are afforded the oppor- tunity to venture off to where we have been; fewer still have figured out how to do it while bringing home a decent pay check. From Ant- arctica to Greenland, Latvia to Japan, and of course the Persian Gulf, Kings Point cadets have covered the globe! While everyone sails the Name: Ian Holtzworth

KP TRAVEL TRAVEL KP Country: Colombia Cities: Bogota, Armenia, Salento, Manizales

When most people hear “Colombia,” thoughts immediately stray to bricks of cocaine and guerilla rebels staging roadblocks and

KP TRAVEL snatching up tourists. The truth is, the times have changed and Colom- bia has really opened up as one of the best travel destinations in South America. Over the course of my eight days I met plenty of great locals, stayed on a coffee plantation, and even traversed a snow capped moun- tain (less than 4° from the equator!). While rebel activity still exists in the south, tourists need to show some regard to safety and cultural con-

KP TRAVEL KP TRAVEL siderations; however no more than any other place we have ventured over sea year such as India or Egypt. The amazing scenery combined with a daily budget of around $20 and a round trip ticket from NY costing only $270, Colombia is definitely a place worth checking out!

Names: Jessica Tyack, Tara Mulligan, Amanda Gavrun

KP TRAVEL KP Country: Peru Cities: All Over!

We all have different opinions on what the best parts of the trip were, but I think it’s fair to say we all enjoyed Machu Picchu. We also

KP TRAVEL did a 4-day trek leading up to our day at Machu Picchu. It went through the mountains and rainforest and came out in the little town just outside of the site. It wasn’t the easiest backpacking trip, but we saw some amazingly beautiful country! Definitely something we would love to do again…maybe a rafting trip next time though. Machu Picchu Page 9 Since 1943 USMMA

Names: Michael Shep, Brandon Markey, Michael Tuttle, Richard Kern, Geoffrey Polinder Country: Ukraine Cities: Kyiv, L’viv, Ternopil

I spent my Fall Break, along with four other First Class Mid- shipmen, touring the country of Ukraine and we thoroughly en- joyed what Ukraine had to offer. Ukraine has really come along in their development after being a part of the Soviet Bloc. West- ern European cars, modern cell phones, and trendy fashion are prominent in the cities. The people of this country are very friendly to Americans. We noticed that striking up a conversation is fairly easy due to the fact that Ukrainians, especially from the more rural areas and younger generations, are intrigued with chatting in English and actually putting their studies in school to practical use. A vast majority of the older generations of Ukraini- ans do not speak English due to the fact that they were not taught Midshipmen World Travels

Kyiv, Ukraine

the language in schools during Soviet times. Ukrainians, particularly in the western part, which is where we toured, are very nationalistic and proud to show Americans their country, consisting of numerous beautiful churches, museums, and natural landscapes. They don’t call Ukraine the “breadbasket of Europe” for nothing. Anyone interested in traveling and yearning for a unique experience, travel to the lands of Eastern Europe, especially Ukraine, and you will be pleased with your adventure.

Name: Erich Stumpel Country: Australia City: Sydney

After getting the opportunity to see four ports in Australia during my first sea year, I couldn’t help booking tickets to revisit such an amazing coun- try. Within three weeks of signing on a tramp Ro/Ro vessel, our crew re- ceived news that we would be heading to Townsville, Brisbane, Port Kembla, oceans for at least a year, the traveling fun doesn’t need to stop once and Melbourne. All four ports greatly exceeded my expectations of Austral- you sign off your last ship. As soon as we graduate, we’ll have ia, and I was truly amazed by how much I loved the country. months to see the sights, but in the meantime we are stuck on campus Over the fall break I decided to visit a new city: Sydney. While there, I laboring through our classes. This may be true; nonetheless, a num- stayed at a hotel that was only a 15 minute walk to Sydney Harbor, which ber of midshipmen chose not to let that stop them from having some includes both the Sydney Opera House and the famous Sydney Harbor autumn break adventures of their own accord! Bridge. The waterfront is absolutely beautiful and is a must-see for anybody with a passion for sailing, boating, and the ocean. The city has a rich herit- age, much of it maritime, and has many museums, monuments, parks and art galleries to see. I visited many of these, including the Australian Museum, Australian National Maritime Museum, and Royal Botanical Gardens. One of the highlights was seeing a concert in the Sydney Opera House, with very talented musicians and great music. After exploring the city, I ventured out for a two-day hike in what is known as the Blue Mountain National Park. The mountains there are named after the blue haze that covers them. Eucalyptus trees, which Koala Bears Ayers Rock / Sydney Opera House inhabit, produce oil that evaporates in the surrounding air. When sunlight re- flects off the evaporated oil, the result is a unique blue mist. Animal life is plentiful, with native Australian species such as lyrebirds, kookaburra birds, and echidnas. I was able to recognize many of the animals after an extensive tour of the Sydney Wildlife Center, and was even able to hold some of them. The hype about all the dangerous animals may seem to be over-dramatic once you visit Australia. I started feeling this way when, sure enough, I en- countered a venomous snake about ten feet away from me during my first hike. I was able to recognize it from the Wildlife Center as a black snake, which is relatively unaggressive. Still, I didn’t take any chances and quickly backed away from it as it slithered across the trail. I hope to visit Australia as often as possible in the future to visit all parts of the country. For now, I am keeping in touch with my cousin from Germany who is temporarily living in Melbourne on a visa. I visited her on a side-trip from Sydney over the break, and talking about all her traveling ex- periences across Australia made me even more eager to see them for myself. It may be a distant and expensive destination, but I’d use any opportunity I had to be “down under” again. Page 10 Since 1943 USMMA

Charly: A Short Story By Plebe Alisha Sako, Staff Writer

Charly was a girl (though we didn’t know it at first). She braved dire consequences to help out the soldiers at our base, and for that we are forever grateful. The way we found Charly was not out of the ordinary – sadly, it was more common than one would think: she was sitting in a bombed-out shack on the outskirts of a recently ravaged village. Blood was spattered on her boyish clothes and her cropped hair was full of dust; her family was no where to be seen. My squad took Charly in – she soon became an indispensible addition to our team. “Charly” was definitely not her given name, but she never told us what it was. The nameless little kid soon became known as “Charly” since improvised “Charly” stories were the currently popular pastimes for us.

My squad consisted of six people (other than myself): Lt. Johnson (our leader, we called him LT for short), Parris, Smith, Villanueva, King (our radi- oman), and, of course, Charly. Charly was a very energetic kid; she helped us prep our gear for the next day and – after several incidents in which she snuck out after us – accompanied us on patrols (we figured that if she was with us, we could protect her better). Her abilities astounded us: she could do anything the other boys could and was extremely sharp on top of that. In fact, it was she who warned us of the hand grenades thrown in to the window of the hut we were investi- gating while on patrol one day. “Get out now!” we heard Charly scream. Over the past few months, we had learned to listen to her: if she said to hit the deck, we did; if she said to stop, we froze in our tracks. So when she yelled at us to get out of the hut, we booked it out of there. The resounding boom of the grenades was dully echoed off the buildings north of our position. The blast had thrown us off our feet and chunks of the brick hut rained around us. Before the haze of the dirt even cleared, gunfire seared through the air; LT cried out in pain when one of the ambushers caught him. From there, it was chaos – everyone scrambled into the devastated hut, which provided some protection from the enemy fire. King relayed our position and situ- ation to the base, calling for reinforcements as I crawled among our team, hurriedly treating them for injuries sustained in the explosion or the beginning of the ambush. It was only after I treated LT that I realized that I hadn’t seen Charly since before the explosion. I asked my patient if he had seen Charly, but he shook his head “no.” I clambered from member to member; checking on wounds and asking if anyone had seen her since the blast. After three no’s, I started to become frantic – where is Charly?! Rapid machine gun fire continued to tear through the air. My instincts and training all screamed at me to stay low and pay attention to the firefight instead of Charly, but I couldn’t help but search for her. “Charly? Charly?!” I called out for her, wondering if I could be heard over the ruckus of the small arms firing rapidly. Then Smith was hit, and then Parris. The ambushers were advancing steadily on our position; our situation was turning uglier with each passing second – we had to get out of there. King yelled to us: “Ten minutes ‘til our backup arrives!” Would we even be able to last that long?

To Be Continued...

Sailors By Plebe Michelle Danhof

Sailors.

There is no beacon far away he seeks upon the shores, nor any compass led astray for courses unexplored. This travel, need not the weary take --the sea’s oppressive toll. So leave he faith on ocean’s wake. The enduring sailor’s soul.

Santacon By

This past weekend, thousands of college stu- Despite being a mesh of disorderly conduct, dents and locals joined the jolly masses of Santa being called the “douchiest day of the year,” the rea- Claus, elf, reindeer, , walking son for the extra deployment of NYPD cops, and con- menorahs, and other holiday–related dressed partici- fusion for the children who were left with the ques- pants to the local festival called Santacon. Last year, tion of how many Santas are out there, Santacon the event hosted an estimated 20,000 participants. It is described by its organizers as a “non- demonstrates its good side. The participants of the denominational, non-commercial, non-political, and NYC Santacon are asked to each bring two non- non-sensical convention that occurs once perishable food items, and as a result each year, the a year for absolutely no reason.” Originally, the event NYC Santacon donates over 10,000 dollars for Toys began in San Francisco in 1994 to sponsor the San for Tots and 6,000 pounds of food for Manhattan and Francisco , but is now showing the food banks. For those that missed San- holiday spirit annually in some of the most populous What did Mary Popins want from Santa? cities across the U. S. tacon, don’t worry! After all, the eleventh year of “No Pants Subway Ride” is coming up on January Answer: Superclausfragilisticexpiallisnowshoes. 8th ... if you can get can liberty on a Tuesday. Page 12 Since 1943 USMMA

At the Waterfront, Continued… when she was purchased in Spain in 2006 and transported • Added power lifts to open the cargo hatches. We went a blazing 6.1 NYC miles in less than 5 to Palm Beach Florida where a massive restoration was • Changed the color scheme on the boat to gray and white hours, seeing everything NYC has to offer. Everyone got undertaken. Almost entirely replanked; every structural with red trim. back on board at 1815 and we returned to KP in excellent element was evaluated and either restored or replaced and • Lengthened the saloon and remodeled the galley area. spirits. I hope that everyone will join us for next year’s her engineering systems redesigned. Her sailing rig was • Removed the crane and substituted a mast and boom for trip. Pictures from this year’s trip can be found at: https:// again updated, this time to make her a champion racer on lifting duties. picasaweb.google.com/gasiorcj/LiberatorHoliday2012? the extremely popular classic racing circuit. The efforts • Removed the hot tub and skylight, making the boat authuser=0&feat=directlink of this tremendous two year undertaking were rewarded deck clear. when she took first place in her class at the 2009 New- • Removed the quarters in the hold, restoring it to the port Bucket. Renamed Summerwind, she is a classic ves- original cargo use. sel in new condition ready to embark upon a champion- • Removed the aft staircase from hold to boat deck and ship career. closed in the deck openings. • Renamed the boat Red Head. Incoming Boats · Upgraded many systems. It has been confirmed that the Waterfront will be Eventually, he sold the boat, and now the current receiving a new vessel. Named Red Head, this Florida owner has the boat for sale at about half of her replace- Bay Coaster formally belonged to the great Long Is- ment cost. It was donated to the USMMA Sailing Foun- lander, Billy Joel. At 65’ with twin engines and a hydrau- dation. Red Head is currently sitting in front of Summer- lic PTO bow thruster Red Head has a speed of 9kts. She wind at shipyard in Cambridge, MD. The Academy could boasts a professional watchstanding bridge and un- take delivery of her as early as this spring. manned engine control room. She should be an excellent training ship addition to the KP fleet as she is shaped like a tug but being a twin screw, she fills a needed gap in our fleet. Here is her online ad. Red Head (ex-Key Largo) Design Number 269 Built 1988 The 65' Key Largo was the second freighter built by the original Florida Bay Coaster Company. In her, we took the opportunity to try out many of the ideas for im- provements we’d generated while using the 50-footer. All her cabins are quite a bit larger. She had luxury additions like the skylight over the master stateroom and the hot tub on deck in place of the stack. There’s full headroom in the hold area, opening up options like a captain’s cabin in this space, and greatly increased tankage and a water- maker, making possible an even more extended time away from shore. The deck space is much greater than on the 50, too, and this allows for the port side stairs amid- ships from the waist deck to the pilothouse. There were also stairs aft from the lazarette/steering compartment all the way up to the “fun deck” for quick movement when So Long Summerwind making landings or in moving from one area of the enter- If you haven’t noticed by now, the Academy’s taining to another. The “fun deck” has the barbecue, hot Flagship Schooner is gone, never to return. As a part of tub, picnic tables and chairs and plenty of lounging the USMMA Sailing Foundation stipulations, Summer- space. wind was sold at the start of winter. She is currently sit- The Key Largo operated for several years as a Acta of Kindness, Continued… ting in shipyard in Cambridge, Maryland behind a boat charter vessel, carrying four to six passengers on trips in putting buttoning up their boiler suits and sliding that was donated to the Sailing Foundation. Here is her the Florida area in the winter months and in Maine in the on their gloves to put in work at the park so many Kings brief history as an epitaph to her time at KP. summer, with coastwise trips in transit in between. She Pointers know and love. Plebe groups under the supervi- The Schooner Summerwind was launched as the even did the “Great Loop” cruise one year. sion of upperclassmen and Great Neck residents used Queen Tyi in 1929 from the yard of C.A. Morse (now After a while, she was sold into private usage, continuing wheelbarrows and strong backs to carry out branches of Lyman-Morse) of Thomaston, Maine. Designed by the her North-South annual transits. Then, with that owner fallen trees on the paths of the park. For some, it meant a John G. Alden Company of Boston, Massachusetts, con- building a larger boat, she was sold to Billy Joel who few hours of work, but for Plebe Jamie Collins it meant sidered by many to be one of the top design firms of this used it for several years as his personal yacht. He made much more. She enjoyed the opportunity to put in the type of craft, she was built for a Wall Street banker who several changes to her to suit his needs: labor saying that “unlike a clothing drive, or something, lost the vessel in the Market Crash of 1929. Renamed Sea we actually got to sweat and get dirty. And at the end of Gypsy, she was to become a well-known schooner yacht, the day, we were able to see what we had accomplished.” racing and cruising the waters of New England and serv- Collins was one of two plebes shown working in a pic- ing her country during the Second World War as part of ture that ran with an article in Newsday written by Scott the Coastal Picket Patrol with her designation CGR-1989. Eidler on the project. This marks the second time in as As the noted historian Samuel Eliot Morison wrote, many projects that the service of 2016 has reached a na- “( these vessels) had the arduous task of patrolling areas tional audience. The work may seem tedious or even, to around Nantucket Shoals, west to Shinnecock and down some, insignificant, but the attitude of the plebes is what to 40 degrees North…They kept at sea for a week or truly stands out. When discussing the work put in by her more and took everything that old man Neptune un- class, Collins provided insight worthy of the attention of corked.” She was part of the development of the classic the media and perhaps, even the attention of the Regi- yachting movement that began in the late 1960’s as older ment as well. She said “There was a group of people vessels were joined by newly built replicas as evident in a watching us, and they just couldn’t believe how hard eve- 1967 New York Times article with the by-line “Block ryone was working as we came up the path carrying these Island waters to drip with nostalgia June 28 as schooners huge logs again and again and again. The project was compete” about a gathering of schooners as part of the part of our recognition steps, but it was also a great way Storm Trysail club’s recently created Block Island Race to help out in the community.” These sentiments were Week. By the 1980’s she was chartering in the Mediterra- Particulars: Imperial Metric echoed by her classmate and column picture co-star plebe nean and her classic gaff rig was converted to that of a Length overall 64'-11½" 19.80 m Stephen McGuire. staysail schooner. She had several refits during her career Length designed waterline 64'-6" 19.66 m The topic of serving our country usually comes as a charter vessel, but her lifespan was nearing its end Beam 20'-0" 6.10 m up only in discussing service obligations following grad- Draft 4'-6" 1.37 m uation from Kings Point, but recent events have acted as Freeboard: Forward 9'-1" 2.77 m a reminder that one does not have to wait to cross the Waist 4'-3" 1.30 m stage to give back to the country we all came here to Aft 2'-9" 0.88 m serve (in at least some fashion). “Service above self” is a Displacement, cruising trim* 175,000 lbs. 79,379 kg. Displacement-length ratio 291 core value of this establishment which is echoed through- Prismatic coefficient .614 out the halls from indoctrination to graduation every time Pounds per inch immersion 5,590 plebes are commanded to adjust. However, in light of the Water tankage 1,400 Gals. 5,299 liters recent events and work done by the school whose motto Fuel tankage 2,500 Gals. 9,463 liters is “Deeds Not Words,” the Regiment can be confident Headroom 6'-9" 2.06 m that the effects of their actions this year will echo GM (from inclining test) 4.8' 1.46 m throughout the community and country far longer than the scream of plebes throughout the barracks. "Any damn fool can navigate the world sober. It takes a really good sailor to do it drunk." - Sir Francis Chichester ae1 Page 12 KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE what it truly means to be a leader by giving the regimental system some real real support. some system regimental the giving by leader a be to experience means truly them it let what must we pride, show and better expect perform we to If midshipmen Regiment. their within role larger a take midshipmen let to ing will- be must We take. should administration the direction the reflects it be- lieve I and admire, I Point Kings the is This weeks. few next the over families the their clothe and feed to in able be will most the them people needed who area Rockaway good the Instead, area. the from away were shipped materials be to relief scheduled the since lives hundred few a saved area. probably dispensary help local Our a into area storage local a turned efforts our midship- and led men, Midshipmen do. to what and go to where about midshipmen at yelling officers commissioned no were There effort. relief hurricane the with regi- the weekend: help to Beach Rockaway Day to wentdown and initiative the took voluntarily ment Veteran’s over that of some saw I II. War World in lives their gave who cadets 142 those as heritage same the from are today men sacrificed Theymidship- Point Kings greater. generation. something of part a be their to liberties personal their of best the reflect academies service from graduate and attend who youth the that believe firmly I line. the on are women and men of lives the when graduation after then now leader a being at up mess midshipmen have rather would I point. the that’s but mistakes, make who men midship- fear administration the in some that understand I crisis. of experience times their they before lead to how learn women and men young helping tool for effective an than rather nuisance a as Point Kings at program leadership the see to come eventually would We authority? their respect to midshipmen expect we can how practice, marching to of middle have the in officers companies the babysit Regimental when or functions regimental to wear be to would proper uniform what on decision own his make can’t RC the When ment. attitude this that you me assure Let themselves. for decisions making mid- of that incapable therefore assumed are is shipmen it government, the from help support overwhelmingly and public very in themselves their “degrade” to of continue youth reflective today’s are As generation. midshipmen all that believe has who This superiors Now administration. face personnel. our we within of change attitude appointments an in the accumulate to make seemed directly to itself upon it taken has D.C. Washington how times numerous mention to hesitates He never apart. school the tearing are that factors as alumni the of influence ishing dimin- the and programs NAFI of loss the cites He D.C. Washington and AD MAR- blaming of habit makesa editor the magazine, Pointer” “Kings the read increase They to were you ones. If line. in fall old to midshipmen demand and the control of spheres onto their regulations more piles she or he istration, admin- the in comes new someone time Every go. and come CO’s of a number and Commandants, two Superintendents, four seen have I ago, years few a just here arrival my Since history. its in periods transition difficult most the of one through gone has Point Kings decade, past this Over midshipmen? the of hands the from away plucked are abilities decision-making and responsibilities Is it just me or does it seem like every year we come back, more and more more and more back, come we year every like seem it does or me just it Is

Faith in Leadership os not does By MIDN X norg laesi wti te regi- the within leadership encourage

ic 93 Since 1943

sincerely appreciates the friendship he has received. has received. he friendship the appreciates sincerely away took I thing primary and midshipmen the serving to dedicated The very is Omar that was interview thefrom midshipmen. mutual the a and became there Omar eventually between and meowing began just it started; it why to reason no really There’s years. the over midshipmen from smiles many induced has noise, cat the trademark, Omar’s in. him brought his of friend a when KP at start his got Omar America. to it make to guerillas the and war the escaped he years, younger snow, let it snow, let it snow…. That way I won’t have to run anywhere! wayanywhere! haverun won’tto That I it snow…. let it snow, let snow, winter white chill and beautiful a it’s hoping to Here’s be. to have doesn’t it but getaways- island distant of dreams dismal and depression, disease, of time a year! this present a sister my get to remember even might I Shoot, us. of seven all Montana; in tricity elec- have do we Yes, 4. Halo at brother my destroying and Vacation’ ‘Christmas watching 25th: December on doing be I’ll what know I to! forward look to thing – Eve Year’s New even Kwanza, or Festivus Hanukah, or Christmas it’s Whether season! holiday the it’s weather… enough distracting already are it is! as fromschool breaks frequent the be grades; can your sick Being to doing. catastrophic be I’ll what that’s but often, exercise and hands, your wash vitamins, your eat to you tell to going not I’m sick. get to not power your in everything do to is offer can I advice only The Patten. to go to wants one no and ofill. type eyeinfections and viruses, stomach diseases, skin the either; ill of type Miller Mac the Not barracks. the in rampant run can illness of (MFT) ton metric a world, the B-Splitters over all from back With campus. on rampant be soon will that plagues the consider you fromboredom. yourout brains blow you will probably or do to something find to was heard I’ve advice best The sleep. to go you before long set will it and are, you when up be won’t sun the world, the of parts warm and nice the from you of those for But me. to new nothing be is this Montana, to from Being time. thegoing all dark literally it’s know, don’t who you of those For stay. to here are they Virgin the from is have I friend Islands One had. they’ve winter’ ‘real first the be will others for but Island, Strong from are Point Kings at Many nasty all. after and winter long a means Nor’Easter early An cold. VERY be to potential the winter has this and bells, ringing start will suits Santa in men smelly system, PA the Omar’s story began many years ago. He was from El Salvador, but in his his in but Salvador, El from was He ago. years many began story Omar’s One does not simply make it through second tri…. The Dark Ages may be be may Ages Dark The tri…. second through it make simply not does One the under get don’t and though, head your over get weather the let Don’t stop, don’t Classes Point. Kings at sick being than worse much not There’s when meaning historical very a on take to begins Ages” “Dark term The and here are Ages Dark The Ages.” Dark “the before: it heard all You’ve – again year the of time that It’s – and he was cold during Indoc! during Indoc! cold was he and An Interview with Omar By Plebe Woodrow Buck, Staff Writer By MIDN Nicholas Sitter, 3/C The Dark Ages or waiting for Dooms Day- we all have some- have all we Day- Dooms for waiting or malls are starting to blast Frank Sinatra on on Sinatra Frank blast to starting malls are By MIDN Eric Izzo, 3/C

USMMA

- let it let - – this

KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE KP PRIDE USMMA USMMA a

Etiquette Etiquette lec- – a second chance that may not – By MIDN Spencer Fletcher, 1/C 1/C Fletcher, Spencer By MIDN Professor Spotlight Spotlight Professor By Plebe Kenneth Pressey, Staff Writer Staff Writer Pressey, Kenneth By Plebe After After his KP’er duty he spent approximately 1.5 years in Career KP Spotlight: Mrs. Cunningham Cunningham Spotlight: Mrs. KP CAPTJohn Hagedorn out a little about his past and his time here at Kings Point. We all know the good captain from his dedicated involvement in the CAORF labs, but I sat down with CAPT Hagedorn Marine of Transportation to find what brought CAPT Hagedorn to Kings Point and why is he so motivat- ed and determined to ourmake experience here a good one? came ashore in hopes of instilling his volumes of sea-going and experience expertise in the midshipmen After here at a the very Academy. After long arriving prosperous at sea King’s Point he going spent three and career a half years as CAPT the Captain of Hagedorn the King’s Pointer, in which he organized the Ship’s Officer Program. The program called for a midshipmen master, chief mate, assistant engineer. chief He explained this engineer, was a time when and the ship took fre- a 1st quent trips during most of the breaks, creating an invaluable experience for the midshipmen that participated. Services and Shipboard Training. CAPT was teaching. Hagedorn’s So, startedhe after teaching his short stint in Fureseth Hall. passion, though, A veteran professor of nearly all of the navigation courses, he timevoted solelyhis to his true calling at King’s Point, CAORF.then de- improve the lab in order to provide midshipmen with a top-notch experi- ence. As CAPT Hagedorn CAPT said, the Moskoff lab helps and midshipmen learn CAPT how deal to with Hagedorn problems they are may actually face continually out at trying sea; it’s about to making mistakes and getting that second chance be possible out at sea. On top of that, to help with this development,t he tries very hard to “keep the reality,” in order to make the atmosphere and situation that much seriousmore and educational. an undying passion for the sea and was a strong proponent of shipping at some point. Apart from lovingHe the Academy feels and that her midshipmen, shipping he also out has has a number of great opportuni- ties that are simply impossible in other walks of life. stated CAPT the opportunities are Hagedorn plentiful and help individuals understand the world: despite politics, religion, or race we are all human beings of spect. re-The sea createhelps more cultured, compassionate individuals. And then there are turtles...... perhapsthe finest contributions. my :-) My My biggest contribution to the academy - Helping the midshipmen become fine Sponsor program. I am proudest of starting and mentoring the sponsor program Reviving the Midshipmen Council. Perhaps my most important contribution. It a high-end hotel and teaching sculpture at the Great Neck Adult Program in the evenings. When the Midshipman Hostess (as it was called before Social Direc- tor was considered more current) opened at the academy, it was a perfect fit - young men and women. Professionally some things stand out an integral part of some students experience benefits studentsmany by providing a necessary at familial support system. the academy. It supports and marriage marriage between strong my management skills, creativity, and artistic flair! as freshman and watching them mature into amazing Being involved adults in the midshipmen’s upon events and knowing graduation! I play a part, however small, in their development is a gift. When students keep and in touch I years witness later how extraordinary they are in their rewardingmost moment. lives, and the world, it is a events have clearly touched me. The first event was the June Ball - with its fire- works and beautiful Eiffel Tower made with balloons event and was attending lights. the The 1st secondclass party in Woodside this fall daughter.and my with the Stancati enthusiasm the students showed us at the 300 night party was truly memorable. Whenremarkable I think andof the skills required to succeed in the world, in andbusiness personal, these moments reflect some theof necessary attributes. is now an independent, dynamic organization for the student body. It advances and provides social events and quality of life to The the council midshipmen provides and a women. structure for both individual needs, and alsointerest the of the classes,midshipmen as a larger group. and their special tures. tures. The institution of dinners for all classes enhanced they the received etiquette training and provided a groups to communal practice their etiquette situation skills. Many for students have told the me later how students useful this is! in small What do your is you think biggest contribution to the academy?

Mary Alice Cunningham, Kings Point Social Director Director Social Point Kings Cunningham, Alice Mary What brought you toPoint? Kings Living in Great Neck most of my life, I was working in the city as a manager in What theis greatest joyserving getyou from the KP community? STUDENTS! There is nothing more joyful to me than seeing students come in Out ofat your time the academy, thereis a single moment that stands out? Each year holds moments that stand out. For example, in the past year two The ingenuity of creating such a splendid June Ball and the appreciation and

Since 1943 1943 Since

This Letter to the Editor, published in

printed 1991, in dates “Zombo” all the backway to50’s. the RTVN RTVN Midshipman Spotlight Spotlight Midshipman

By MIDN Matthew Finlayson, Staff Writer Staff Writer Finlayson, Matthew By MIDN "Mackerel skies and mares tails, soon will be time to shorten sails." sails." Proverb shorten to Old be - time will soon tails, mares and skies "Mackerel Propeller Club President President Club Propeller What yourare forplans Propeller the Club? What’s the best part about being the Navigator of the Training M/N LT Jon Fogarty 1/C 1/C Jon Fogarty M/N LT What are your hobbies? Why youdid to come KP? Where are you from?

Plans for the Propeller Club include a TM to visit the

To me the best part about being the Navigator of the Training Ves Fishing, boating, and soccer

I came to KP to work on the water and to one day work on the Springs, Abita Louisiana. (Fogarty on (Fogarty the right, flankedMr. Crane,by a 1943 graduate Kings of Point. He served as a cadet on board WWIIcargo in ship a delivered and cargo tobeaches the of Normandy just after D-Day the invasion) Ferry to observe operations, a hopeful spring break trip to Panama to see the Panama Canal, and I am open to any and other midshipman may have. all ideas that Vessel? sel is gaining real hands on experience such as ship handling practicing navigation.and lower Mississippi River. The most popular term for first classmen, among the Regiment, is undoubtedly the word, “Zombo.” But how did this term come about? 1996, re- and then Page 13 Page Page 14 Since 1943 USMMA

Women’s BasketballTeam By MIDN Kristina Walz, 2/C

The women’s basketball team is The ladies are looking forward to looking forward to a great season as a successful season by improving on there are 9 returning players and 3 in- their 10-15 record from last year. The coming talented plebes. The team has Lady Mariners were ranked 5th in the KP SPORTS SPORTS KP great chemistry both on and off the court Landmark Conference preseason poll by which will allow them to strive for a the Landmark coaches after finishing 6th Mariners Men’s Basketball Off to a successful season. The two returning last year in the conference. The ladies seniors, Tamara Kaileh (NY) and Shendi are striving towards a couple of upsets Thrilling Start! Josephs (VA), are both senior captains this season starting off the bat with a 3-0 and have great senior leadership. The record for the first time since the 2007- By MIDN Timothy Rice, Sports Writer ladies provide great diversity as they are 2008 season when the Lady Mariners from all over the country: Katie Fran- advanced to the Landmark Conference The men’s basketball team (1-1) traveled to Rochester, NY to take chois (PA), Allie Winfree (NJ), Kristy Playoffs. This year’s schedule includes part in the Chuck Resler Invitational Tournament November 16 and 17. Walz (IA), Demi VanDerWal (IL), playing The United States Military Acad- The tournament consisted of four teams: Rochester, Mount St. Mary’s, St. Jacque Weymann (CA), Sarah Ellen- emy at West Point on December Lawrence, and your Mariners. berger (AZ), Rebecca Resor (MS), 13th. The ladies also play one of their The Mariners were matched up against the Rochester Yellow Jack-

KP SPORTS SPORTS KP Marlee Chorvich (OR), Nicole Evanko big arrivals, Coast Guard, away later in ets in the first round on Friday night. After Rochester began the game (CT), and Rachel Smith (CO). the season. with a 19-0 run, the Mariners finally found their feet. They kept the con- test interesting, pulling to within 7 of the Jackets during the second half. However, the early deficit and brilliant free throw shooting by Rochester proved too much for the Mariners, who fell to the Jackets by 86-67 points. On Saturday afternoon, the Mariners faced off against the St. Law- rence Saints, who were defeated by Mount St. Mary’s the previous day. Kings Point started the game very strong, jumping out to an early lead. The energy they showed in the first few minutes waned, however, and the Saints spent most of the game in the lead. The Mariners were able to keep it close, and the game was tied at 69 with just over six seconds to play in regulation with junior Reed Buck preparing to inbound the ball from the baseline. He threw the ball in to senior guard Frankie Wisely (6 points, 4 assists, 3 steals) at the top of the key. Wisely showed off some impressive isolation moves as he drove past his man toward the right side of the bas- ket. The ball left his right hand a split second before the buzzer sounded, bounced around on the rim for what seemed like an eternity, and finally dropped, giving the Mariners a thrilling 71-69 victory, their first of the young season. Those readers that are familiar with the game of basketball may know that buzzer beaters, while exciting, are not terribly uncommon. What caused this one to stand out was the fact that, to this reporter at least, it seemed as though Frankie Wisely was not looking at the basket when he released the ball. This took an exceptional amount of skill and luck, and propelled the Mariners to a much needed win to gather momen- tum as they looked toward the upcoming rivalry matchup against SUNY Maritime. The Mariners then travelled across Sound and cruised to a big 78-42 win over the SUNY Maritime Privateers. Junior forward Reed Buck picked apart the undersized Privateers, scoring a team-high 25 points in 26 minutes. Freshman David Smith came off the bench and caught fire, burying 5 of 8 from beyond the arc and scoring 15 points in 21 minutes played. The Mariners dominated the glass, grabbing 44 re- bounds to Maritime’s 19. Kings Point began its conference schedule at home against Goucher. The Mariners lost a hard-fought game, 59-50. Once again, KP SPORTS KP SPORTS KP SPORTS SPORTS KP SPORTS KP SPORTS KP Reed Buck led the team in scoring with 14 points, and junior Nick Sergio scored 13 off the bench. The Gophers’ Richard Harris and Alex Noble combined for 34 of Goucher’s 59 points, propelling the squad toward their second win of the young season. The hated Coast Guard Academy Bears came rolling into the ‘O’ on December 5th. The Mariners routed their rivals in probably the most important win of the season so far. Reed Buck led the team in scoring for the 5th game in a row, scoring 22 in the 72-44 beatdown. As the Mariners prepare for the meat of their conference schedule, they look to continue their unselfish play and stifling defense in the weeks to come. KP SPORTS SPORTS KP

MIDN Buck, 2/C out-jumps the Coasties

Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else. KP SPORTS KP SPORTS SPORTS KP SPORTS KP - Vince Lombardi

KP LIFE KP LIFE KP LIFE KP LIFE KP LIFE KP LIFE KP LIFE KP LIFE KP LIFE KP LIFE USMMA USMMA

a perfection — of a don’t talkdon’t to strangers, don’t

Fi movies isn’t ideayour a of per- Meecham’s fierce drive for a suc- - isas he As far concerned, his sons Book Review Review Book — a tough disciplinarian at home as well as you can’t anywayyou right? all Soon be we’ll By Plebe Woodrow Buck, Staff Writer Writer Staff Buck, Woodrow By Plebe It’s Game Over, Man! Over, Game It’s By MIDN Sean Chang, Resident Zombo Zombo Resident Chang, Sean By MIDN

I highly recommendI highly The“ Great Santini,” by Pat I think I’llI spendthink day’my ‘last doing thingsmy favorite Ben’s feelings for his father are a of andhate mixture - Ito - were wake up a splittingwith headache and lounge Conroy, for readingholiday your list. For ofthose who you have toyet do humanities your sea project, a is great book this to read approved and on the is Thislist. book takes intous the offamily life a fighter pilot. Meecham isBull epitome the of Marine the officer at the at base.the Rebellion, or even difference opinion,of is not tolerated him. by Objections are statement met the with "The Great Santini spoken."has father's criticism. His attempts to up stand for himself and for his andmother aresister contemptuously dismissed by Mee- Ben,son His as oldest the child, brunt the takes of his cham. fear, reluctant pride his prowess, in and unacknowledged love. The Marine Corps areand aviation the importantmost Meecham’s things in life. are destined to Marinebecome pilots,daughters his pro-will vide their husbands (Marines, naturally) a goodwith and home more fodder Corps.for the which ishe the sole judge. BenHe wants to in learn that a game, sportsmanship should gothe board by necessary; when what ismatters regardlesswinning, theof means. If a want you great read, pick up this book! cessful cessful concentratedis son on own his interests and nothing than perfectionless consideredis acceptable ticed human sacrifice and lived about in huts astronomy-mud then December 21rst, 2012 be would end the the of world… If we atowere centuriestrust old society which prac- This such, being important the is question towhat do? IF about bathrobe- in my I putwould bean off if intergalac-very of tic fleet very unreasonable aliens towere destroy Earth to a bypassmake for a spaceThat highway. only has a 42% ofchance happening though. collision course Earth-with will Bruce Willis have enough to time destroy it? Or towe have build a will space ark and fly Perhaps, discover will we a large planet or asteroid on a theaway? In event of this happening, the watch news- as it is likelyequally there be bothwill zombie apocalypses and Cate- NFWgory Hurricanes. globalof thermo-nuclear war- and I actuallysurvived, I might eating miss Delano food. it’s onlyI mean, a few steps above the On other hand, I toif was wake totoasty the arrival Cannibalism as it is, right? I certainly wouldn’t somemiss clas- or - ses teachers. remember-Just day-fect then just chill thewith people truly care about, you because neveryou’ll regret that. zombies,mindless shuffling about seemingly with no purpose, devoid and life of happiness… I mean- touch it if touch it glows, and don’t go dangerousalone. It’s out there! about normal day and your dismissing that tribal gobbledy- gook? a in Or sitting five megaton proof shelter, fallout munch- So, bewill you what on doing December 21rst? Going on ing frozen andwaffles MRE’s left over from that Y2K non- sense? now, if- going hard to Waka Flocka, skateboarding, and cornywatching 1950’s Sci Since 1943 1943 Since

Page 15 Page Page 16 Since 1943 USMMA