My experiences on the Training Ship Kennedy have been phenomenal so far. I came onto the ship with adverse thoughts, with the ship being from the 1960s, and cruising with another maritime academy. However, the Kennedy proved me wrong! I have met a lot of new people with different experiences and shared different aspects that differ in each state academy. In an effort to enhance cadet experiences, Texas A&M Maritime Academy hosts a variety of entertainment for our free time after 1600, too! Some of which include yard games on the helo deck, karaoke night, trivia nights, and even a ping pong tournament that Commander Christian participated in! I remember coming onto the ship on 5 May at around 1800, thinking, “What did I just get myself into?” The first few days were a little tiresome, getting the ship into shape for sea, and lots of cleaning. But I soon realized that this experience has been one of the best parts of my life, actually getting hands-on education as to what I am going to be doing for years to come. Sailing on one of the last steam-powered ships in the world for its last ever voyage is an incredible experience that very few people will ever get to say. I cannot wait for the remainder of Summer Sea Term 2025, learning about new experiences from different cultures around the world and continuing my education at sea; it is only just beginning.

MIDM Braeden Cunningham
Marine Transportation Operations