News From Fort Schuyler

June 23, 2001 - Volume 5, No. 23

BACK IN THE COCKPIT - One of Fort Schuyler's most successful sailing coaches has returned as Waterfront Director. According to a June 13 Memorandum for the Maritime College Community from Admiral Brown, GRAHAM HALL, "...will be responsible for intercollegiate sailing and offshore teams. He will also oversee the Maritime Sailing Facility. Graham Hall previously worked at Maritime College from 1967 to 1971. At that time he built a program that won back to back national collegiate overall sailing championships, had more All-Americans named in that short period than any other small school, including Mr. GARY JOBSON, Class of 1973, who was a 3-time All-American and 2-time college sailor of the year." Welcome back, Graham.

FAST FERRY FOLLOWUP - NFFS took Fox Navigation's 5PM fast ferry, TATOBAM, from Pier 11 (Wall Street Pier) to Glen Cove on 19 June (see 5:20.) The experience surpassed all expectations. The ride was comfortable and quiet (if you ignored CNN Business News on the cabin's TV), with plenty of leg room. Free soda/snacks. There was a digital indicator on the bulkhead, similar to those on European intercity expresses (and AMTRAK's Acela ?) Top speed on this trip was 50 knots, but the ship accelerated so smoothly and effortlessly that it seemed to have plenty more speed in reserve. TATOBAM frequently decelerated when passing other boats, but arrived right on time, 45 minutes after departure. There is no outside deck for passengers (not allowed) so the upper level cabin (Admiral's Class @ $20 one-way) provides the best view for those who want an outside view above the spray. Added treat: being greeted by walkie-talkie toting Cadet LEAH AMUNDSEN, Class of January 2002, who is shipping aboard TATOBAM this summer. [For complete information go to: www.foxnavigation.com ]

Note: Pier 11 is below South Street Seaport on the other side of the tennis bubbles near the South Street Seaport. NFFS was not impressed, however, with the Pier 11 terminal as "architecture, " despite 5:21.

SUMMER TREAT - The Washington, D.C. chapter of the SUNY Maritime College Alumni Association will meet for a luncheon meeting on August 8 at America @ Union Station. Drive there (parking is available) or come by rail. 3 meal and 3 dessert choices @ $15. Contact DOLORES MERCIER (dmercier@comdt.uscg.mil ) by close of business on 1 August to reserve your place.

CREDIT IS DUE - "In the latest issue of MSC Sealift newsletter, ADM HOLDER (COMSC) published his Maritime Day message," writes ED DANGLER, Class of 1949. " It was interesting to see that he gave credit to SALVATORE MERCOGLIANO [Class of 1989], a maritime historian, for some information regarding merchant marine statistics." [As a matter of fact, Salvatore, a doctoral candidate in military and naval history at the University of Alabama, writes the "MSC History Corner" column for Sealift. In the January 2001 issue he wrote on the topic of MSC "Operations other than war." MSC has finally put their newsletter online (www.msc.navy.mil/publications/ ) The most recent online issue, however, seems to be February 2001.]

CORRECTION ON FIRST CHANCELLORS - "I believe Chancellor WHARTON attended a Maritime College graduation around 1987-1988," writes AUSTIN DOOLEY, Class of 1968. "I think it was shortly afterwards that he left SUNY [to become the head of TIAA/CREF] and he was replaced by CHANCELLOR JOHNSTON who also attended the first Maritime College Admiral's Ball in 1989. I can remember meeting Wharton at the library reception on graduation morning."

TEN YEARS ON - An updated EXXON VALDEZ Oil Spill Trustee Council website, "Legacy of an oil spill 10 years after," provides a plethora of documentation and links. According to the description provided by the Librarians Index to the Internet (www.lii.org): "This site from the state of Alaska provides information about how the accident happened; the impact of the oil spill; the status of recovery of the fish, wildlife, and people of the affected region; and information about continuing restoration and research activities." Go to www.oilspill.state.ak.us/

REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR - The National Geographic Magazine has developed a website to complement its article in the June 2001 issue. Go to www.nationalgeographic.com/ and search on "Pearl Harbor." Yes, there is a link to the new movie!