Massachusetts Maritime Academy - Muster Yearbook (Buzzards Bay, MA)

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USTS BAY STATE BUZZARDS Bi 6 January, 1964 For many years I have watched the Academy ;iildshipraen with pride, as they raaae their way through their proj ram of study and work, until finally, at co.nmenoeittent, they go forth into their chosen field of endeavor . To you, tne Class of 1964, soon to oe graduated, I offer my cong ' a tola t ions and good wishes. hat you make of your careers in the field in which you have qualified, is now up to you. Together with the learning of much sujject matter, you have acquired many unscheduled qualities to fit you for the life ahead. Courage, determination, perserverance, resourcefulness and a soundness of judgement; these are our instruments of successful know- how . There is a place for you if you want it. So, my advise is to go forth full of confidence and show the world that a Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduate can do his duty to the satisfaction of all oonoerned. Good luck and God oless you all. Sincerely, John W. Thompson, Rear Adud-al, U.S. M.S. Superintendent 27

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Admiral Thompson is a graduate of the Mass. Nautical School, Class of 1912, after which he spent 5 years in the Lighthouse Service and one year with the New York to Puerto Rico Line and the Savannah Line. During the First World War he served with the U. S. Army mineplanters. Following the war, Admiral Thompson returned to the Schoolship as Navigator where he remained until 1925. After a ten year separation he returned to the Nan- tucket as Navigator, retaining that position until 1941 when the Mass. Nautical School became the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the Academy was relocated in Hy- annis, Mass. At this time Admiral Thompson became Executive Officer of the training ship. In 1948 he became Commanding Officer and in 1959 he was promoted to Super- intendent, a position which he held until his retirement in 1963. As we look back over our three years at the Academy it seems that our association with Admiral Thompso ' n was a brief one but during this period he has displayed an at- titude toward the midshipmen which was taut but at the same time understanding. By his concern for the welfare of the Midshipmen, Admiral Thompson will be remem- bered and with him go our best wishes and a sincere, thank you. 26

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Dedicated To Ronald I Sorry, the marks aren ' t in yet . For the cheerfulness, sincerity and friendship you have so unselfishly shown to the Midshipmen of the Academy, we, the graduating class of 196 dedicate our yearbook to you. Ronald G. Coghlan. Ronald Gerard Coghlan was born on May 15, 1910, in Brooklyn, New York. Upon finishing his secondary education he studied one year at Secretarial School and in October, 1927 enlisted with the United States Navy at Boston. This proved to be the commencement of a thirty year naval career during ivhich he would serve in World War II on many ships throughout the Pacif ic, as a Instructor at Yeoman School, Bainbridge, Maryland, during the Korean Conflict and eveyitually retiring as Chief Yeoman in 1957. In 19Jt3, Miss Sophie Restey of Auburn, New York, became Mrs. R. G. Coghlan and now, twenty-one years later, the Coghlans reside in Buzzards Bay along with their four children; Ronald Jr., Stephen, Dwyn and Mary. With the exception of the years occupied at Bainbridge, the Chief has served as Principal Clerk at the Academy since 1950. His duties are many and varied ranging from orientating the youngies in their new and unique way of life to keeping the Academy ' s clerical system functioning properly. Yet, even with such a rigorous schedule confronting him each day, he is always a man who will permit himself to be interrupted to listen to even the most trivial problems of the Midshipmen. By accepting this dedication we hope to convey to you our message of thanks for helping and guiding us through the past few yeais. Again, for all you have done, thank you, it has been a pleasure to serve as your shipmate. The Class of 196Jt Massachusetts Maritime Academy 28