movie night. A nice night off. Juneteenth was holiday routine( HORO). Breakfast was served from the main galley, so I slept in and worked lunch and dinner.
The next two days we had some stormy weather, usually followed by beautiful rainbows. I decided to take some sea sickness medication, since I wasn’ t sure how I would feel in the sometimes-rough weather, but I was OK and never felt sick.
Underway, I had some free time in between meals and after my duty day ended. My favorite place to spend this time was on the fantail, where there were benches with cushions on each side of the“ captain’ s coffin”. Looking out from here, I could see all sorts of petrels I couldn’ t identify to species, flying fish leaping from wave crest to wave crest and at night, it was the perfect spot to lie down and do some stargazing. Even in port, it was my favorite spot on the ship.
On June 22 nd, we anchored up outside of Key West and I anticipated my first visit to the subtropical town. We deep cleaned the ship and“ buffed
Captain Rozzi-Ochs with Captain Turdo.
Photo CG Blog the barque”, polishing all the brass fi�ings, so the ship was ready for receptions and public tours. We did this each time before we reached to a port because saltwater puts a patina on the brass and dulls it. On the“ ride in” to port, I met CAPT Patrick A. Culver, 16th Gold( Officer) Ancient Mariner, who holds the distinction of Cu�erman, longer than any other officer.
After arriving and tying up to the pier at Mallory Square, we received a briefing on the do’ s, don’ ts and tourist a�ractions and spent four days touring the island in between duty periods. I enjoyed walking to the Southernmost Point of the Continental U. S. A., the starting point( mile 0) of U. S. Route 1, sampling key lime pie, conch fri�ers and other tropical delights.
While at Key West, we had a change-of-command ceremony and reception; CAPT Jessica Rozzi-Ochs assumed command from CAPT Michael Turdo. Vice Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Coast Guard, Atlantic Area Commander came over and spoke to me about how the Auxiliary is valued and coined me for my service.
We were joined on our journey by two other AUX CA1’ s from Florida, Theodore Alesch and Patrick McAlvey. For the next leg of the trip to Bermuda, we were assigned to meals for the Wardroom and Flag Cabin. With three AUX Ca’ s, we were able to share duties and have some extra
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