News From Fort Schuyler

July 16, 2009 - Volume 9, No. 29

HOME AGAIN - The Training Ship EMPIRE STATE VI returned punctually from the 2009 Summer Sea Term on Friday, 10 July, but many parents were caught fuming in traffic on the approaches to the Throggs Neck Bridge. Due to a 5:30 AM construction fire, the bridge was closed in both directions for the entire day - with all traffic being diverted to the Whitestone and RFK (formerly Triborough) bridges. In any case, eventually everyone got to campus, kisses and hugs exchanged, but some banners never had a chance to wave and greet the returning voyagers. The returning cadets - and there were a lot of them on this cruise - looked great, as usual, on this picture-perfect New York summer day.

CONVERGENCES - "Early In 1942," writes GEORGE MURPHY, Massachusetts Maritime, Class of 1943, "the training ship for our academy was turned over to Kings Point to be used as a receiving ship for new cadets entering that school. The United States Maritime Service then arranged for our school and newly formed Maine Maritime Academy to use the training ship at Fort Schuyler at the same time cadets at Fort Schuyler were using the ship. This arrangement worked out reasonably well for all three schools and gave everyone the needed 'sea time' to qualify for our USCG licenses. While New York cadets were attending classes, Maine would operate the ship and Massachusetts would do routine maintenance and after one week, the schools would rotate, so each had an opportunity to get a reasonably well-rounded feel for shipboard living. All three schools also attended classes in the fort while the ship was tied up at her berth. Our sea time was spent slowly cruising off City Island and into Long Island Sound." [George sailed for United States Lines, is the past president of the Society of Marine Port Engineers of New York (www.smpe.org) and author of "Scuttlebutt' and 'It Didn't Happen on My Watch.']

IT AIN'T SO - Commenting on RALPH FOCARELLI's recollection (NFFS 9:27) of the EMPIRE STATE IV's brush with a hurricane in 1972 "..when even the Captain got seasick," CAPT JERRY NOLAN ' 56 writes: "I don't think so. Ralph Folcarelli is trying to make himself sound good." (Whoops! I mean oops!)

WORLD SCOUTING - Another former member of Fort Schuyler's Eagle Scout Fraternity, GLENN UNFLAT '86, writes from Yokosuka, Japan, where he is Port Engineer for DDG 54/56. Glenn notes that he "...currently serves on the Executive Board for the Far East Council here in Japan. Served as the Tokyo District Advancement Chairman, as well, for 4 years." Glenn is interested in setting up some 'brother" troops in the U.S. "..for camaraderie and patch and neckerchief exchanges." (See NFFS 9:27 for linking item)

ONWARD AND UPWARD - The new president of the Society of Maritime Arbitrators, Inc. (www.smany.org) is Dr. AUSTIN DOOLEY '68. Austin, a former president of the Fort Schuyler Maritime Alumni Association, is the founder of Dooley SeaWeather Analysis, Inc. located on City Island. The firm describes itself as "New York City's leader in Marine Weather Expert Service for use in dispute resolution, negotiation, court or maritime arbitrations." (Thanks for DICK BRACKEN '56 for the heads up about Austin.)

PLAN AHEAD - Now is the time to finalize plans for this Fall's class reunions. The Alumni Association's Annual Homecoming Dinner Cruise takes place on Saturday, October 10. Great way to celebrate your years at Fort Schuyler - New York harbor, a luxury yacht, good food, and fellowship. For more information go to www.fsmaa.org or call Denise at 732-721-0835.

37 AND COUNTING - A small but dedicated group from the Class of 1972 manages to gather on a regular basis. DAVE NIERI '72, writes that in February 2009 a group of seven convened in "...Los Angles, CA for a weekend of sailing and sea stories." Since their twentieth reunion "...this same group of '72 Domers has made it a point to get together every few years, with our significant others, in diverse locations about the United States." (These regulars include: RICH WILKENS, GERRY FURNKRANZ, ED KEOUGH, RICK FRANK, FRANK DIPOLITO and DAVE NIERI.)

EBB TIDE - The death of HAROLD B. BJORKLUND '42 on June 23, 2009 was reported in the St. Petersburg Times. He was 87. Born along the Upper Delaware in Long Eddy, NY, Harold was Company Commander and graduated first in his class at Fort Schuyler. After graduation he served in the Navy, starting off with the delivery of the tug USS SQUANTO to Cuba when he was still an Ensign. Later he saw action in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Salerno and later in Okinawa, "...returning to his home after Japan signed surrender papers on a ship nearby." After the war, Harold lived and worked in upstate New York in various capacities, including Director of Weights and Measures for Sullivan County and as an independent insurance broker. Survivors include Pearl, his wife of 64 years, two children, three grandchildren and two nephews. (www.sc-democrat.com/obits/006June/2009_0626.html)

On March 29, 2009 CAPT. JEAN SAUVIGNE ' 43, died at the age of 87 in Florida. According to the St. Augustine Record, Jean served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After the war he lived in Syosset, NY. He sailed in the merchant marine and worked as a marine surveyor prior to his retirement in 1987. (For the full obituary go to http://www.staugustine.com/stories/042209/obits_042209_031.shtml) [Thanks for FRANK HANLEY '44 for notifying NFFS of these deaths.]