News From Fort Schuyler

January 21, 2001 - Volume 5, No. 02

ONWARD AND UPWARDS -The January 12 Journal Of Commerce (http://www.joc.com) reported that "SALVATORE L. PISANI [Class of 1975], a year after joining the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, today was named SLSDC Associate Administrator and Resident Manager at the agency's locks and canal system at Massena NY. Pisani, 48, had joined the SLSDC after 17 years with the Ogdensburg NY Bridge and Port Authority, which he left as Deputy Executive Director responsible for all operating areas." This news was provided to NFFS by ROD McFADDEN, Class of 1975, with the comment: "You might say he is part of the MOST distinguished class of the nation's most distinguished Maritime Academy, mightn't you ?"

CALLING ALL HANDS - According to JOHN ARNTZEN, Graduate School Class of 1985, an interesting job opportunity at Fort Schuyler awaits the right person. John reports that "Allan Lonschein [Class of 1946] is leaving the Museum Executive Director post on the 26th of January to move to Tampa. We are looking for candidates interested in this rewarding part-time position. This is a 20-30 hour a week job that could expand to a full-time position in the future. It is not necessary to be a SUNYMC graduate to be considered for the job. The Executive Director reports to the Museum Board of Directors. Duties include coordinating work of volunteers and part-time cadets, working with the curator on exhibits, [and] ....is the museum's point man for publicity, marketing, and fund-raising activities. The museum currently employs a part-time administrative assistant who works for the Executive Director." Send you resumes to: John Arntzen, President - ACTA Maritime Development Corp. - 195 Keiber Court - Staten Island NY 10314 or contact him at actamar@aol.com The Maritime Museum website is at www.maritimeindustrymuseum.org Needless to say, everyone at Fort Schuyler wishes Allan a fond farewell for a job well done. The museum is bigger, brighter and better than ever.

SPEEDPORT - The website for John Arntzen's ACTA Maritime Development Corporation provides an intriguing look into plans for a innovative new container terminal design and operating system. Go to http://hometown.aol.com/actamar/myhomepage/index.html and follow the links.

ALWAYS ON STATION - The current issue of the magazine, Maritime Life and Traditions, features an excellent illustrated article about the Sandy Hook Pilots written by the noted maritime journalist and photographer, FRANCIS J. DUFFY, long-time Maritime Industry Museum Executive Vice President. Frank writes about the history of the Pilots as well as their present day activities, even explaining the difference between Deputy Pilots and Branch Pilots. A quick look at the Alumni Roster shows that at least twelve graduates are associated with the Sandy Hook Pilots. Frank's article features several of them, including TIM FERRIE, Class of 1978, MEREDITH ALLEN, Class of 1991, and ELIZABETH MARX, Class of 1993. For subscription information to this excellent publication go to http://www.maritime-life.net/issueN9Fr.html

FIRST SCHUYLER SEAL ? Midshipman First Class Cadet KENNETH CHENG is one of 16 NROTC candidates nationwide selected for training as a Navy SEAL. According to the Chair of the Naval Science Department, CDR ALLEN STUBBLEFIELD, "Mr. Cheng is the first known graduate of Maritime to pass the rigorous SEAL physical fitness test and be invited to the Basic Underwater Demolition Schools (BUDS). Graduates of BUDS are assigned to SEAL commands around the world where they complete the qualifications and are officially designated as a Navy SEAL and only then can wear the gold SEAL Trident breast insignia on their uniform."

"Mr. Cheng is a Naval Architecture major who has been actively training for Navy SEALS since entering Maritime. He is a member of the swimming team and works out with the Semper Fi (Marine Corps) club twice a week. Physical fitness is what sets SEALS apart from most military members. Because of the rigorous missions in a wide variety of environments, SEALS need to be in top physical condition. Mental toughness and attitude also play a role."

CDR Stubblefield added this personal note. " I worked with Navy SEALS for three years when I had command of the USS ZEPHYR (PC 8). I would characterize SEALS as enjoying being uncomfortable. They go where others won't, and more importantly, they come back with the mission completed. Mr. Cheng is a motivated, driven midshipman who knows where he wants to go. He did all the extra things required to ensure that he was one of only 16 midshipmen from across the country selected this year for SEALS from the Naval ROTC program. He has what it takes and has been a great asset and inspiration to the NROTC Battalion."

Visit the Fort Schuyler NROTC unit at http://www.sunymaritime.edu/rotc The Navy SEALS are at http://www.sealchallenge.navy.mil