Fort Schuyler Magazine Spring 2021

CAMPUS NEWS

TSES VI Sails Away for First Summer Sea Term Since 2019

Tuesday, April 27, marked the day students from the Regiment of Cadets departed Olivet Pier for the first Summer Sea Term since 2019. All cadets on board the Training Ship Empire State VI were fully vaccinated, many having received their vaccine at Yankee Stadium through a partnership with SOMOS Community Care. Key members of SOMOS Community Care were at Olivet Pier to proudly send off cadets on their long-awaited training at sea. SOMOS Community Care Founder Dr. Ramon Tallaj was pleased with the turnout of Maritime College cadets who were vaccinated at Yankee Stadium stating,“We are community doctors who serve the community and we have worked nonstop since March vaccinating throughout NewYork City.” Due to the pandemic and subsequent federal restrictions, the Empire State VI was unable to sail for its annual Summer Sea Term in 2020. The administering of vaccinations for cadets and the ship’s crew enabled Maritime College to safely conduct two 67-day terms at sea this summer.

Over 500 students were on board the training ship fromApril 27 – June 25 for the first half of the sea term. A second 67-day termwill depart on July 1.“We appreciate and thank the NYS Governor’s Office, SUNY Chancellor JimMalatras and SOMOS Community Care for the role they played in helping to protect and vaccinate our cadets and crewwhile on Summer Sea Term,” stated RADMMichael Alfultis. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and cancellation of the 2020 Summer Sea Term had an enormous impact on cadets who needed to participate in the summer program. Administration of vaccinations will allow over 800 cadets to successfully complete their training at sea requirement and obtain U.S. Coast Guard licensure this July. Through Summer Sea Term, cadets travel around the world gaining vital hands-on experience in operating a ship and dealing with port traffic. Cadets sail aboard the Training Ship Empire State VI, a 565-foot, steam-powered vessel that serves as a floating lab during the school year.

(L-R) Sara Valenzuela, SVP Government Affairs, SOMOS, Dr. Jacqueline Delmont, SOMOS Chief Medical Officer, Ramon Tallaj, Jr., SOMOS Leadership, RADMMichael Alfultis, SUNY Maritime College President, Pamela Vittini, SOMOS Director of Operations, and Lenin Campos of SOMOS send off the TSES VI at Olivet Pier.

8 | Fort Schuyler Spring 2021