The Massachusetts Maritime Academy Training Ship Kennedy will call on St. Thomas through Monday, Jan. 26 as part of its annual cadet training voyage. The ship will dock on the outer berth or western end of the West Indian Company dock.
TS Kennedy, owned by the U.S. Department of Transportation/Maritime Administration (MARAD), is a training ship for maritime students to become licensed merchant mariners.
It was one of three ships assigned by FEMA to support New York response efforts after 2012’s Hurricane Sandy. The ships served a total of 74,540 meals and provided 38,291 berthing nights for volunteer agencies and first responders who traveled to New York from across the country.
“WICO is pleased to host the TS Kennedy during its call on the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said WICO president and CEO Joseph B. Boschulte. “We have hosted the Kennedy previously and look forward to welcoming her again.”
The use of MARAD-owned ships is part of the catastrophic plan for response and support in the Caribbean during or after a disaster. As a result, FEMA, VITEMA, National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard personnel along with other officials were invited for a two-hour tour of the ship on Friday.
Kyle Brego from St. John is a cadet on Kennedy. He interned with V.I. harbor pilots before leaving to graduate from Antilles School.
Of St. Thomas’ seven current harbor pilots, three are graduates of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
The TS Kennedy last visited St. Thomas in February 2012.
Image Credit: Pinterest
Tags: Massachusetts Maritime Academy Training Ship Kennedy
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