California Maritime Academy - Hawsepipe Yearbook (Vallejo, CA)

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irst class history three years ago, a promising group of young californians facing the then dim future of a career in the shipping world, gambled with fate and entered the california maritime academy. today it is evident that the gamble paid oifg the maritime industry, as well as the navy, is again the vital lifeline between the far-Hung strategic outposts and the mainland. the results of three years of training at the academy is a group of men with talents and abil- ities who will eventually become the key figures in the sea-going profession. the evolution of that group is a story in itself. the original class consisted of men and boys with every type of individual personality. a few came here with previous sea experience, but the majority had a nautical background consisting of an occasional ferry boat ride across the bay. for many it was the first time away from home. as the first few months went by, the number became smaller. it became evident that life at sea required not brawn, but a certain degree of in- preparation for the first cruise, which took the ship to the west coast of south america, as well as to the major california ports. this cruise was the acid test. it tested the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical end, not only in the telligcnce and scholastic ability. then came the technical aspect of running and maintaining the ship, but also the ability to maintain morale, and learn to cooperate with fellow classmates as well as to take orders from superiors. the visits to the various foreign ports also broadened the outlook of many on the life beyond the borders of the united states. upon returning to base routine, the last months of the year flew by, the first classmen were get- ting ready for their Hnal exams, and the novices were about to ascend one or more steps towards the top. the second year brought about an opportunity for some experience in leadership as well as added responsibility. the incoming third class- men were put through their paces. the second class began to give orders and learned that it was not just a matter of sitting upon a throne and emiting commands. for those who learned what it is to be led in the previous years leadership was not difficult and gradually more learned the prin- ciple of leading by example. the class began to settle down by the end of the first semester. as the time came for the second cruise, it became evident that the second class would have to put forth a lot more effort than it anticipated. the third class manpower problem was acute, especially on deck. the itinerary, how- ever, was most advantageous, the ship cruised the caribbean where the weather was not a hin- drance to the necessary maintenance of the ship. in port, there was more liberty for the second class, especially in such ports as new orleans. the virgin islands and other gulf and caribbean ports as well as the usual stops in california. after cruise, the pleasant expectation of becom- ing first classmen made the time go even faster yet. another graduation and a short leave pre- ceded the great day-the class of '51 was on top, in the driveris seat. referring to the mistakes made during its two year stay at the school, the class drew up a pattern for personal behavior and leadership by example. the international situation at that time became criticalg consequently the incoming third class was large, thus making leadership a greater prob- lem to a class brought up with relatively small groups. fortunately, the class was not hampered with the warring factions, and a greater degree of cooperation was developed. on its last annual cruise, this time to north american waters, the first class did an admirable job of maintaining and operating the training ship, in spite of the difiiculties encountered with unusually poor weather. upon returning, a strict self-imposed routine was established to study and review for the final coast guard examination, interrupted only by a few get-togethers and the class party. ending the three years of training, this group of potential masters 'and chief engineers has demonstrated that living and working together, as it has done at the academy, can produce good results. the class has not done anything that has been revolutionary. the men have performed their respective duties to themselves and the academy is not too proud to admit its mistakes, from which it has profited. these three years have trained men who will serve their profession and their country conscientiously and to the best of their abilities for no other reward than the per- sonal satisfaction of doing their job well.

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dave, a mill valley product, has from his first grade report, occupied the top academic spot in his class of engineers. despite this, he has never been too busy to help a classmate with any troubles he may have in studies. as a first classman he had the popular position of battalion sub-commander and in the absence of the battalion commander he did a creditable job. during his first class cruise he very capably took a turn at handling the responsible job of cadet chief engineer. as a final accomplishment at school dave has written a thesis for the national propeller club contest and has been nominated for the coveted pi sigma phi award. dave indicates that his future plans are undecided., but in considering him as a scholar, engineer., and person, a safe prediction would be for a very bright and successful future. david l. avyanll mill valley, calif. 11-1- ,A f W: - .L t 'Ll' f 'J'-yr I348 N u ,- fi 1 f - If 1 V f k - fr ' ' A I . i , f , - l' E-. :B -it --.,. C4 - A K Z- in l i .Jlffz

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