Fleet Cruise Summer Training

 

Summer Fleet cruise training is an essential element of professional development of midshipmen. Therefore, the goals and objectives for summer cruise are ambitious but essential to the development of professional competencies within midshipmen.

 

 

Summer Training Objectives

 

First Fleet Cruise –

  • To familiarize midshipmen with life at sea aboard a U.S. naval vessel
  • To familiarize midshipmen with shipboard organization and administration, ship systems, evolutions, and standard naval safety precautions at sea and in port
  • To develop an appreciation for the duties and responsibilities of enlisted personnel, as well as living and working conditions of enlisted personnel onboard ship
  • To gain a first hand experience in a ship’s work center, so as to understand the function of a work center and the relationship between the division officer and his/her subordinates
  • To emphasize the importance of military courtesies, smartness, and discipline

 

Firstie Fleet Cruise -

  • To prepare midshipmen for commissioned service through active participation in the duties and responsibilities of a junior officer
  • To enhance the development of officer qualities and leadership skills
  • To afford midshipmen additional time at sea for practical application of skills acquired in the classroom environment
  • To further familiarize midshipmen with warfare systems found in the operational Navy and Marine Corps
  • To reemphasize the importance of military courtesies, customs, and traditions as well as maintaining smartness and discipline as a commissioned officer

 

 

Evaluation of Midshipmen during Summer Training

 

Midshipmen fitness reports during summer training cruises are encouraged, but optional.  Midshipmen fitness reports must be signed by either the commanding officer or executive officer. Midshipmen must have their original fitness report given to them prior to detaching from cruise.

 

Evaluation Objectives -

  • To determine to what degree midshipmen possess officer qualities and qualifications for positions of authority and responsibility within the battalion and to provide a comparison with their peer group.
  • To provide counseling and guidance based on an assessment of midshipmen in a fleet environment toward improvement of officer qualities of midshipmen.

Professional Expertise –

Did the midshipman:

·        properly utilize the chain of command?

·        display basic knowledge of shipboard systems?

·        understand watchstanding procedures?

·        apply knowledge to day to day performance?

Equal Opportunity –

Did the midshipman:

·        fully support the Navy’s policy on minorities, their presence and mission, by his/her actions and words?

·        present fair and impartial treatment of his/her subordinates and peers without regard to race.

·        religion, or gender?

·        show a sensitivity to minority issues?

·        help to maintain an environment free of discrimination and harassment?

Military Bearing/Character -

Does the midshipman:

·        show correct posture, appearance, and uniform?

·        know and observe navy courtesies and tradition?

·        show a commitment to physical fitness?

·        display sobriety, moral courage, and maturity?

Teamwork -

Does the midshipman:

·        exhibit enthusiasm for support in crew and team activities?

·        understand the reasons for unpopular or difficult policy decisions regarding limitations/restriction on liberty?

·        perform their fair share of work in planning and executing activities?

·        work well with others, or try to take over the group?

Mission Accomplishment and Initiative –

Does the midshipman:

·        have an aggressive attitude toward mission accomplishment?

·        aggressively pursue PQS qualifications?

·        through force of personality carry others along towards accomplishing assigned tasks?

·        actively seek out additional learning opportunities?

Leadership -

Does the midshipman:

·        effectively motivate both subordinates and peers?

·        anticipate problems before they occur and plan accordingly?

·        perform well in stressful situations?

·        communicate clearly?

 

Civilian Clothes for Midshipmen

USNA midshipmen are strongly encouraged to take appropriate civilian clothes on summer training and are authorized to wear civilian clothes while ashore during summer training. In certain parts of the Mediterranean and the Western Pacific, civilian clothes must be worn on liberty and for commercial travel. Civilian attire appropriate for wear by midshipmen will correspond to that worn on liberty by officers. Some ships/ports require pants with loops/belt and shirt with a collar. Only an extremely limited amount of civilian clothes may be taken by midshipmen participating in summer training.  Wash and wear is highly recommended. If northern climates are included in the itinerary, heavier clothing should be included. Midshipmen are again cautioned that in most cases space aboard ship will be severely restricted.  Collapsible baggage (duffle bag) is required as space for suitcases is not available.

 

Bunk Area

Life at sea demands a high standard of personal cleanliness, cooperation, and safety among shipmates.  Each midshipman is responsible for the cleanliness and orderly arrangement of his/her assigned bunk and locker. Each midshipman has the additional responsibility to the compartment cleaner to cooperate in keeping the entire space clean and orderly.  It is the midshipman's responsibility to stow personal gear.  Lockers are available use them!

 

Passports/Visas

Passports/Visas may be required for midshipman summer cruises.

 

Liberty

All midshipmen will request permission to leave the ship from their supervisor and will not assume this privilege to be granted by appearing before their supervisor in civilian clothes.  Midshipmen departing the local area for a weekend will ensure that a correct address and telephone number are on file aboard the ship or station prior to departure.

 

Naval Academy Leave Policy For Summer Training -

USNA will issue a leave policy prior to commencement of training.  When individual orders do not indicate leave dates, leave policy will be in accordance with the following guidelines:

Prior to the start of summer training:

·        Leave terminates at USNA for midshipmen utilizing government transportation at time specified by the USNA Summer Training Officer.

·        Leave terminates at time/place specified by USNA Training Officer for midshipmen desiring to report directly to summer training.

Upon completion of summer training, including any USNA follow-on training:

·        Midshipmen will return immediately to USNA via government transportation and commence leave upon arrival.

-OR-

·        Commence leave at port of debark.

 

It should be noted that midshipmen who report directly to their training from home, or who commence leave at their port of debark are responsible for their own travel arrangements and expenses.  Reimbursement will not exceed GTR from point of debark to USNA.  Ask before you make travel plans.

 

Running Mates

Every Midshipman on a Fleet Cruise is assigned a “running mate".  A midshipman's running mate is not expected to be a constant companion.  Rather, they are to be the one person in the ship's company that the midshipman meets soon after reporting aboard and from whom he/she can find out about how the ship operates on a day-to-day basis and their responsibilities.  The midshipmen will work alongside the running mate, learning the day-to-day routine.   In addition, the running mate will be a source for answers to questions such as, how a petty officer or junior officer is expected to perform, where the mess line forms, what to do in the event of an in-port emergency, etc.  The running mate will provide comments on the midshipman's fitness report.

 

Source: https://www.cnet.navy.mil/cnet/ote/sumtra03.pdf