Welcome Aboard The CG Barque Eagle
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Click on chart for Eagle's current position
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91 miles west of Rota, Spain
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...Work onboard is tough--when the ship was in Lisbon, I felt guilty because the only duty I had was being the visitor guide. This period of relaxation was a refresher compared to the demanding and tedious lifestyles of the CGA. However, once we were underway, I found that the schedule became much more demanding.
All photos are credited: U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer Second Class Andrea Rask.
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28 July 2005
The Coast Guard Barque Eagle, homeported in New London, Conn.
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Captain's Log by 2/c Kelly Haupt for Capt. E. J. Shaw
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More than thirty miles off the coast of Portugal, cadets began their second full day underway aboard Eagle. Partly cloudy skies, wind speeds reaching up to 20 knots, and light to moderate rain showers made the sailing evolutions more challenging. Seasickness has also been an obstacle facing many swabs and cadre. Nevertheless, the fearless sailors onboard showed no trepidation and climbed the rigging to wear the ship (bringing the stern through the wind to that the wind is on the opposite side of the vessel). Despite the seemingly feisty conditions, the entire crew and swabs worked together in creating a safe evolution on the high seas.
Swabs from the class of 2009 play a huge part in operating Eagle and, therefore, receive extensive basic training on different aspects of shipboard life. From cooking in the galley, to scrubbing the decks, and steering the vessel at the helm, all hands benefit from the swabs' help and enthusiastic attitude.
Swabs were given the opportunity to see first-hand drills onboard a ship, where the crew practiced both a ship aground and flooding scenario. While seeing how these drills were run, cadets were able apply their knowledge of safety onboard a ship and also observed the professionalism and positive attitudes of the crew.
Additionally, damage control (DC) training has been emphasized to compliment the themes of safety and respect onboard Eagle. Throughout the afternoon, swabs went from station to station in a round-robin training evolution, where the crew taught the basic information of specific damage control equipment. Swabs donned firefighting gear, learned how to rig and use a P-100 pump, how to fight different types of fire using AFFF or PKP chemicals, and the how to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Since the days are packed with adventure and learning, swabs and crew use the late evenings for relaxation and fun. Movies are shown every night outside on the waist of the vessel. Ice cream socials and stargazing help keep morale high onboard, and eventually everyone falls to sleep to prepare for the next day’s activities.
P.S. To all the parents out there, this is Captain Shaw. When you read the entries below (and this is especially true for the mother of Swab Balcunas), please realize that I have yet to instruct our swabs on proper sea story etiquette, a hallmark being refraining from over-embellishment. When you read "rain" please substitute "light drizzle." Likewise, "storm" most probably means "light rain." etc., etc. This is in no way meant to demean the salty swarthiness these swabs show. I just don't want the parents of 2009 to, um, "freak." --EJS
27 July 2005 by Swab Eric Balcunas
New swabs Mike Wu and Thomas Horejs receive first hand experience in line handling onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle.
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It is the third day of my Barque Eagle European Adventure. The day started as I woke up for operations watch at 3 a.m. My division, Main 1, relieved the off-going watch at 3:30 a.m. I took on the bow lookout watch, along with two other shipmates. Not even ten minutes went by when we were all called to douse the course sails. In other words, we had to go aloft at night and bring in a sail. Going aloft at night was something truly amazing. The course is the lowest sail, so we didn’t have to climb too high. It was nothing like the previous day where I climbed up to the upper and lower sails. After the task was complete, I resumed the duties of bow lookout. Later on into the watch, I was relieved from lookout, where then I went back aft and assumed the duties of helm, where I actually got to drive Eagle at night.
Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Kristen Bucci reviews the damage control closure log to prepare for upcoming drills.
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Around 6:30 a.m., we began to shine the brass on the bridge, where we learned to take pride in the ship, making it our own. Morning meal then came around pretty fast, followed by morning muster. After muster, we attended sail stations and wore ship. By lunch, everyone in my division was pretty exhausted, evident when we all took advantage of the free time before afternoon quarters and got some sleep. Afternoon quarters came and went, and then we had a safety stand down. The crew briefed us on several safety and health tips to be successful and safe on Eagle. After the safety stand down we had a damage control training, where we saw what the crew needs to do in case of an emergency and what we will be doing next summer for the extended cruise.
Climbing the rigging, cadets set sail to get to Spain under wind power.
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I yet again had watch from 4 to 8 p.m., but this time I was on the deck watch. It was pretty slow in the beginning but then the action started because we had to lay aloft and overhaul the lines on the topgallant. The topgallant is the second highest sail, and what a view I had from up there. It was breathtaking. I did take a few pictures; just wait till mom sees those--she is going to freak. Around 7:30 p.m., our relief came and all I can say is time for a well-needed rest for the evening.
Well, now that the day is over, I have had some great memories created in only four days. I can’t believe it that in a few more days I will have to switch gears to being back to swab summer Academy life. I will probably need to see a shrink or something, because in a way I already miss Chase Hall. Well, off for the rest of my summer adventures, it was well worth the work already put forth.
27 July 2005 by Swab Charlotte Delorey
Rising more than 147.3 feet in the sky, the main mast is in the center of sailing operations.
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This morning at 3:30 a.m., I woke up for watch relief, climbed the main and fore mast to douse the sails, and then showed the rest of the division what I had for dinner right over the side of the ship. I really did feel a lot better after that, though, and ended up climbing the mast three more times later on in the day. Just a few months ago I was watching a movie about this on TV, but never really thought I would attempt climbing up such a mast. I mean, why bother getting seasick and freely climbing a giant sail ship? In the comfort of my home, I never would have dreamed to do such a risk. So, Chase Hall, thank you for building the confidence in myself to try it. All in all, after being told what to do and when to do it every single minute of the summer, the freedom onboard the ship is amazing. I just want to try everything I can possibly do now. But, I don’t really love the whole seasick thing, but at least I’ll eventually get over it.
Swabs, ready to learn, receive a basic line handling skills class from Seaman James Dodd.
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This adventure has truly been amazing. Yesterday I saw dolphins freely swimming in the ocean. It was the first time ever seeing a dolphin out in the wild. The later on in the day I saw a group of jellyfish. I am still waiting to see a whale or maybe a shark, which would be truly amazing and complete my dream sheet.
Put to the test, Kyle Smith (center) and his shipmates haul on the clew garnet, main royal sheet, course lift, and main topgallant sheet to set sail.
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Being out on the open ocean is the greatest thing ever. The sky is so beautiful, the ocean is a little rough but bearable, and sea is as blue as blue can be. The perfectly clear skies remind me of camping as a youth.
Overall, I am really loving this trip and learning so much. I am nervous about returning to the Academy because we will be awaited by our cadre back there that are well rested and ready to remind us we are not on Eagle anymore. So I am ready to pick up and continue working hard after having a short break from Chase Hall. Nothing can take away the memories I have already started of my Coast Guard career.
27 July 2005 by Swab Craig Hymel
All crew and officers participate in sail stations, including Lt. Cmdr. Camille Hawkins who hauls on the main course sheet bits.
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After a nice, quick shower I had to start the day. The ship was rocking the way it usually does, and I now finally have enough time for myself. Unlike swab summer, the cadre, meetings, and other lectures I have to attend always took up all my time. Most of time here is devoted to catching up on much-needed rest, so I use the remaining time for sleep and uniform care.
With authority and profession-alism, 2/c John Hofius acts as conning officer of the ship during sailing evolutions.
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Eagle so far has been amazing, and in just the few days that I have been onboard have been some of the most rewarding and memorable of my life. The trip over here left something to be desired--flying a C-130 bestows bragging rights, but it provided for ten very comfortable and safe hours. From the moment I stepped onboard, I saw how many of the things back at Chase Hall were extremely important (more than I thought it would be). Keeping my eyes in the boat, keeping my gear properly stowed at all times, and evening moving “with a purpose.” And it all comes together here on Eagle.
Work onboard is tough--when the ship was in Lisbon, I felt guilty because the only duty I had was being the visitor guide. This period of relaxation was a refresher compared to the demanding and tedious lifestyles of the CGA.
(L to R) Swab Kevin Robinson and Ryan Taylor find themselves working harder than imagined on a square-rigged vessel.
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However, once we were underway, I found that the schedule became much more demanding. When it’s 3 a.m., and the ship is going too fast in the wrong direction, it’s up to us to help the crew handle lines on the decks.
That kind of responsibility is simply amazing. And to think that I am a part of this just brings everything into focus. Of course, having to run out during dinner with Captain Shaw due to seasickness is somewhat embarrassing, but I’m sure there’s a lesson in there somewhere.
The most important thing so far, however, has been getting closer with my shipmates and working as a team, finding out what qualities the team and the individuals possess. Eagle has been a defining moment of my life, and I wouldn’t miss it next year for the world.
27 July 2005 by Swab Mike Haas
Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Richard Kitchen stands the 4 to 8 a.m. quarter master of the watch on the bridge.
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Today was the third day at sea on Eagle, and it started early with a midnight to 4 a.m. watch. In the first two days, I stood bow watch and helm watch, and I climbed to the top of the main and royal sails with 1/c Naughton. I have also been learning a lot from the crew as well, especially from Seaman Dodd, who I stand watch with. People, such as the crew onboard, make this learning experience more valuable. Last night, the XO spotted a squall approaching, so sails needed to be doused. I went aloft during the storm with the help of 2/c Wieland to the lower sail. It was so much fun to be up in the rigging during the storm, but would have been even more fun if the waves were bigger and the rain harder. On deck watch this morning, we had to help slow Eagle down because she was moving too quickly. So for a couple of hours, my division pulled in sails, mainly the fore course sail and mail course sail. After that was finished, we finally went to bed at 4 a.m. I was tired today but still had sail stations and damage control training. Almost to Spain…Go Coast Guard!
27 July 2005 by Swab Whitney Troutman
Trying not to fall off course, Seaman Jacob Latour checks for error on the gyro compass.
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This is by far the most amazing experience of my life. If you told me one year ago that I would have the opportunity to travel to Spain and Portugal and sail the incredible Eagle, I would not have believed it. But here I am, day five, having the time of my life. Last night, I had deck watch from midnight to 4 a.m. and it was incredible. One minute, it was a clear blue sky and the next, the clouds were low and the waves began rocking the ship. And there we were, hauling on lines, fixing sheets, and running the ship. It gave me a true sense of importance and pride to be part of the U.S. Coast Guard. How many other organizations pay for you to go to foreign countries and have the time of your life? Not many. We are headed to Spain, and I am scheduled to arrive Friday morning. I am ecstatic about the port calls and even giving tours of Eagle. This is the best time of my life!
27 July 2005 by Swab Catherine Gillen
Swabs receive training on ship safety and basic seamanship from Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Thomas Sullivan.
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After last night’s experience, I finally have something to say when someone asks me “What was the scariest/most daring thing that has ever happened to you?” Last night, during sail stations, the weather became much worse. The wind was kicking up, and it was starting to rain. A cadre, 2/c Young asked if anyone wanted to climb, and I was up to the challenge. I put on my awesome safety belt, and started to climb the long haul to the top of the mast. I had to maneuver out onto the first yardarm, where I realized how windy it really is on the rough seas, and windier the higher up you climb. It freaked me out pretty badly how choppy the ocean was and the incredible power from the wind was. The only thing keeping me attached was my clip on my safety belt as my hands were shaking pretty badly. When I finally secured the sail and climbed down, everyone said I had some pretty interesting facial expressions. I absolutely love sailing and I will never forget this experience.
Steering by gyro-compass, swab Elizabeth Denicola learns the importance of navigation by steering a 295-foot vessel in the Atlantic Ocean.
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Swab Lee Clement climbs to the tops platform of the main mast to douse sails.
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Taking the tension off the line, Seaman Clay Wilbanks checks the stopper to secure the strained line.
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(L to R) The Bos'n, Captain, ops officer, support officer, and executive officer prepare for the day's sailing evolutions.
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Food Service Specialist 2nd Class Michael Walker prepares a tasty chicken lunch for the hungry crew.
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"Reveille Reveille!" Every morning crew and officers meet on the waist for muster to discuss the plan for the day.
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