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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