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Tall Ship EagleSwab Michael Buchberger
We’ve begun learning our duties while underway. This morning, we completed “School of the Ship,” where we learned how to man lines and climb the rigging. Both present potential hazards and require safety precautions. Hauling in lines demands teamwork, while climbing demands awareness and discipline – but climbing is incredibly fun!
During the last two days, we’ve got to go out on liberty in Rockland, Maine. We loved it! For most of us, this was the first time we’ve been able to use our cell phones and speak to family and friends since Reporting-In Day at the Academy. Liberty also carried with it a tremendous amount of responsibility, for we are uniformed representatives of the Coast Guard. I personally felt the weight of that mantle when people stopped me to thank me for my service. We haven’t even done any real service yet! We felt undeserving of their gratitude, but also extremely encouraged. It was a reminder of why we came here in the first place, for the opportunity to be servants to a cause greater than ourselves.
The next week will teach us more about serving in the Coast Guard, about teamwork, and seamanship. I’m ready to set sail!
Swab Buchberger
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