News From Fort Schuyler

May 6, 2000 - Volume 4, No. 17

THEY CAME TO SAY GOOD BYE - There was a reception at the college on May 3rd for Captain BILL LINDMAN, Class of 1973. Bill, who is now across the Sound at King's Point, was most recently the Director of Small Vessel Operations at SUNY Maritime. Also known as "Captain Toot" for his role as Master of the college tug, GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER, Bill had also served aboard Fort Schuyler training ships in various capacities over the years. A large contingent of staff, both active and retired, came out to honor Bill, swap sea stories, and express best wishes to Bill and his family for the future.

FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE - Two articles, one relating to the state of the U.S. maritime industry, the other to proposed changes at the college, have been circulated to the college community by College President, ADM. DAVID C. BROWN. "The U.S. Merchant Marine and Maritime Industry in Review," an annual appraisal of the industry, appears in the May issue of the US Naval Institute Proceedings. The other, "Facing the Challenges of Change," is in the May issue of the Navy League of the U.S. publication, Seapower.

FANCY CHAPTER NEWSLETTER - Take a look at the high-tech newsletter which the Washington DC Chapter has produced. It's got links and addresses to click, even a list of lost alumni (need new email addresses.) Go to the Alumni Association page at http://www.fsmaa.org and click on "Chapters."

STILL RUNNING ON ALL CYLINDERS - Noting the mention of BOB CARTY, Class of 1964, in NFFS 4:16, PAUL WILSON, Class of 1969, writes: "A few weeks ago, I was at the local elderly juvenile-delinquent hangout in Houston with my '67 GTO which has a Maritime College decal in the back window (same as the new GTO I had in 1967 at the Dome), This young fellow approached me and asked if I went to the Dome and I said, 'Yes.' It was Bob Carty's son."

GLAD YOU ASKED - A recent NFFS mention of Professor FRED HESS, brought this query from TOM KENNEDY: "I was an M&O, Class of 1975, and never had the privilege of taking chemistry from Dr. Hess. With my strong interest in all things weather and his part-time job doing the weather on WPIX, I always imagined doing the same some day. I also had (and have) a keen interest in astronomy, and he was kind enough to lend his support to starting an Astronomy 101 course which I was also able to take. Both the club and the class have played a role in my career path, and I often think of the very positive influence that Dr. Hess had on my life. I have often wondered ...how Dr. Hess was doing ? Your NFFS made it clear that God had blessed Dr. Hess with a well-deserved long life, and I hope it has been filled with joy."

NFFS put Tom's question to Dr. Hess. Fred soon provided a summary of his activities since retirement in 1986. It filled a page, single-space. He broke it down into 10 categories, including Fort Schuyler Activities -Expeditions - Publications - Taught Full Courses, etc. For example, under Motion Picture, he notes that he was featured in the role of "Astronomer" in the full-length feature film, Big Bang, so check out your local video store. He was President of the Amateur Astronomers Association of NYC from 1990 -1992, and the nineteenth person since 1927 to be awarded the Amateur Astronomers Medal. Not only has he been interviewed for various newspapers, radio and television stations, but he has led groups of scientists and educators to all seven continents by land, air and sea on various expeditions. A "total solar eclipse" fan, Fred has taken groups to view them in the Celebes Sea, Finland, Mexico, the Caribbean, off Brazil, and the Black Sea. In other words, Dr. Hess shows no signs of slowing down, even to a walk. Instead, he is planning for his next expedition.

STATE OF MAINE - The former training ship of Maine Maritime Academy, the Upshur Class sister to the EMPIRE STATE V (ex -PRESIDENT JACKSON) has a new role in retirement. According to the April 27 issue of Fairplay International: "It has been taken over by the US Coast Guard and .. is used as a fire and safety testing facility. Full-scale tests are carried out to evaluate methods of reducing the risk of fire on ships at sea....It may not be a dignified role for a once proud ship, but its work in saving lives is invaluable."

OPEN HOUSE FOR MARAD'S 50^TH - Even though the TSES will be overseas in June, several state academy training ships will have opens houses to celebrate the Maritime Administration. According to ERHARD KOEHLER, Class of 1987, MARAD Schoolship Program Manager, the STATE OF MAINE will be in Philadelphia from June 2-3, and the TEXAS CLIPPER II is scheduled to be docked in Alexandria, VA from June 13 - 16. Erhard writes: "An interesting factoid is that this is also the 60^th anniversary of MARAD's (and the predecessor Maritime Commission's) affiliation with the State Academy Program. President Roosevelt transmitted a government reorganization plan (No. IV) to the Congress on April 11, 1940 that transferred the functions of the Secretary of the Navy with respect to 'furnishing, maintaining and repairing vessels for the use of State marine or nautical schools and with respect to administering grants of funds for the support of such schools to the Maritime Commission. The plan became effective on June 30, 1940." Happy 50^th AND 60th !