05/28/2026
Texas A&M Maritime Academy Summer Sea Term Updates!
From Capt. Don Vandelinder, Commandant of Cadets:
The TS STATE OF MAINE arrived at the Texas A&M University at Galveston on Sunday, May 17, and we immediately boarded 29 or our A&M Cadet Leaders along with 17 faculty and staff. Then, with the help of our gracious Maine hosts, we boarded another 181 Aggie Cadets the very next day! It was an exciting time for our cadets. They were meeting their new crewmates and exploring a new ship with the Summer Sea Term ahead of them
After several days of loading provisions and training equipment (including a lifeboat bound for the Maine Maritime Academy campus), we were able to show off our new summer home with over 500 guests during the Dock Party tours. It was a great time for the cadets, their parents and especially a special group of scholarship sponsors.
But ships were meant to go to sea, and we were eager to get started. The STATE OF MAINE pushed off the dock, and we slowly made our way down the Galveston ship channel surrounded by dozens of smaller boats filled with well-wishers. The weather at least temporarily cooperated. After we exchanged salutes with the Battleship Texas and said goodbye to the last of the chase boats, we made ready for some foul weather ahead. Under the teaching and supervision of the faculty and staff, the cadets secured their gear and cleared the decks. Just outside of Galveston, we powered through a dense storm front and saw winds just over 60 knots! These special-response vessels were built to safely travel the world. While she rolled a bit through the night, the STATE OF MAINE kept everyone safe. We enjoyed a cooler and breezy formation on the helideck this morning as we headed for the Yucatan Channel to circumnavigate the island of Cuba.
From Cadet Karson Ford, the Battalion 1 Commanding Officer, and his blog about the beginning of the voyage:
Since departing Galveston on May 23, we have been making our way through The Gulf and are now heading around Cuba on our way to an anchorage in Tampa, Florida. This is where all of classes are transformed into valuable hands-on experience. Departing Galveston, we sailed through a large squall, and with the help of the crew and cadets, we secured the decks and kept everyone safe.
I have been enjoying my time on the TSSOM, learning different operations, spending time with friends, and, most importantly, studying for licensing exams.
As a leader and mentor, I have found this to be one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but also one of the most rewarding. Cycling through the rotations has kept us on our toes, and no two days have been the same. I’m looking forward to what the rest of the summer brings and can’t wait to visit the different ports ahead.
