Future Maritime Officers Learn from Tippecanoe Crew

Courtesy Photo | SOUTH CHINA SEA – From left, Maine Maritime Academy Cadets Sam Buchanan, Elizabeth Labbe, Kevin McDonnell and Eric Mote prepare to transfer from USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) to USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) via rigid-hull, inflatable boat, or RHIB, July 30, while in the South China Sea. The cadets spent part of their summer break aboard Tippecanoe. The cadets say they gained a unique perspective of the roles and responsibilities of each person assigned to the ship and how they contribute to mission accomplishment. As part of the U.S. Navy’s Combat Logistics Force, Tippecanoe provides food, fuel, and supplies to U.S. Navy and partner nations’ ships operating in the Indo-Pacific Region. (Courtesy photo by Cadet Matthew Chase)  

U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

08.23.2021

Story by Leslie Hull-Ryde 

Military Sealift Command Far East

By Third Officer Alexander Huff, USNS Tippecanoe

While some college students spent their summer break at the beach or saving money working, a group of cadets from Maine Maritime Academy spent their summer underway aboard USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199), preparing for jobs afloat after graduation.

Working throughout the ship, with crewmembers from all departments, the cadets gained a unique perspective of the roles and responsibilities of each person assigned to the ship and how they contribute to mission accomplishment. From the bridge to engineering spaces and all places in between, the cadets received valuable, candid insight on each crewmember’s contribution.

“Our own ship’s master [Capt. Steven Perdue] was open with his officers and cadets on issues that he faces as a master,” said Cadet Matthew Chase.

While there were replenishments at sea, which provided hands-on training, the cadets also participated in annual certifications and mandatory training, which keep the crew ready at all times. During a particularly enriching training period, cadets discussed with the crew case studies of actual incidents at sea in the U.S. Navy and maritime community. Cadets explored what could have been done differently to avoid the incidents, including at-sea collisions.

Afloat training instructors, the captain, licensed officers and personnel onboard Tippecanoe shared their personal experiences. Cadets seemed to appreciate these discussions, as they learned more about the perspectives of a deck officer and the importance of maintaining situational awareness.

“When one person begins to slack off, the captain might not be getting all the information he or she needs to make a critical decision,” said Cadet Elizabeth Labb.

One key takeaway from the cadets’ time onboard was how every member of the crew must work together as a team.

“Being a part of the bridge team requires you to use all your resources and work with the people in the bridge. Things could go very wrong if you are unable to work as a team when under stress,” Labb said.

As future leaders in the maritime community, perhaps even with Military Sealift Command and the Combat Logistics Fleet, which includes ships like Tippecanoe, crewmembers say it will be incumbent on these cadets to foster a team-based environment that ensures safe mission accomplishment one day. This particular lesson is one the cadets will refer back to long after they’ve disembarked Tippecanoe and returned to Castine, Maine, for the new school year.

“Teams don’t just happen, they need to be formed,” said Cadet Sam Buchanan.

• Date Taken: 08.23.2021
• Date Posted: 08.25.2021 05:38
• Story ID: 403702
• Location: U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY