Cadet Leadership Spotlight: Summer Sea Term 2025
TS Kennedy in the Galveston Ship Channel With the final summer of steam nearly underway, bldg. 311 sat down with our cadet leadership to talk about the details of their roles, what they’re most looking forward to this summer and what they hope life after graduation has in store.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with Maine Maritime to build the best possible sea term as well as working hard and learning a lot on the last summer of steam for Texas A&M. My role is the overall coordination and leadership of the sea term, working with both deck and engine cadets, as well as faculty, staff and crew to help sea term run safely and smoothly. I’m excited to graduate in August and start sailing on my license!”
– Tyler Heffernan ’25, Marine Engineering Technology major and Sea Term Commander
“I cannot wait to spend my final Sea Term as the deck lead. Getting to work with my close friends on making a memorable experience is truly amazing memories we will make throughout the Summer. It’s been almost two years since I last sailed on the Kennedy and I can’t wait to see how I can apply my gained knowledge to my craft. I’ve always had a lure for adventure, my biggest goal off of the ship during the summer is to surf in Ireland and Canada as well as go to the top of the Empire State Building. Because of my career, these activities which I thought would take a lifetime to achieve are now doable in only one summer.”
– Mason Watthuber ’26, Marine Transportation major and Lead Deck Cadet
“I am looking forward to being out on the open water with all of my peers. I am also excited to work with Maine Maritime Academy and for the opportunity to explore some amazing ports! To pass the time, I enjoy working out and boxing in the ship’s gym. As lead engine cadet, I am in charge of the Echo, Foxtrot, Hotel and Golf companies aboard the TS Kennedy, overseeing maintenance, watch and ship life.”
– Alexander Ziegler ’26, Marine Engineering Technology major and Lead Engine Cadet
“I’m looking forward to working with the new class of freshmen and being able to teach and show them what I wish I was taught during my freshman cruise. Responsibilities of a sea term CO consist of ensuring accountability is being held and promoting camaraderie and teamwork within the company. On top of that, morale is the most important trait to be maintained while at sea.”
– Nikolas Sotirelis ’26, Marine Transportation major and Commanding Officer of Alpha Company
“I am most looking forward to exploring Belfast and Northern Ireland! As Bravo company XO, I will be responsible for ensuring smooth day to day operations and supporting the Bravo Company Commander.”
– Jacob Granberry ’26, Marine Transportation major and Executive Officer of Bravo Company
“I’m looking forward to visiting Northern Ireland for the first time, as well as making a port call in my hometown of Portland, Maine. As Charlie Company executive officer and a deck utility rate, I will be responsible for overseeing the training of Charlie company, and for leading various projects around the vessel throughout SST ‘25. Upon graduation, I plan to join a maritime union and sail aboard deep sea cargo ships as a mate.”
– Aidan Willits ’25, Marine Transportation major and Executive Officer of Charlie Company
The thing I am looking forward to most is being out on the ocean as well as getting to visit cool places. As a Company Commander, my role consists of mentoring the freshman cadets and ensuring accountability among the unit. I am hoping to sail on tankers once I graduate.
– Aidan Ussery ’26, Marine Transportation major and Commanding Officer of Delta Company
“I look forward to sharpening my navigation skills in the Cadet Navigator position this summer. As well as exploring Belfast, Ireland. I plan on captaining large, ocean-going research vessels one day. Before my time at TAMUG, I spent seven months hiking over 2400 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and managed a small restaurant to become a better leader and better value my education.”
– Cedric Standbridge ‘25, Marine Science major and Executive Officer of Delta Company
“I am looking forward to helping make our last “Summer of Steam” the best it can be for the cadets on my watch. I really want to build cadet mentorship and leadership while underway on this historic last cruise of the TS Kennedy. And I look forward to doing that while steaming for Ireland. I look forward to building camaraderie between both of our academies and inspiring a culture of learning and taking initiative among my cadets.”
– Ian Stinson ’25, Marine Engineering Technology major and Commanding Officer of Echo Company
“I look forward to working with Maine Maritime and sharing knowledge and experiences throughout our time at the maritime academies. I also hope to inspire the next generation of leaders at our respective academies and help freshmen learn the ins and outs of life at sea as an engineer. As an XO, my job is to help the CO with the day-to-day running of our company and hold all company members accountable. This will be my third summer sailing on a steamship. For my commercial cruise, I sailed around Europe and saw different people and cultures. While I am not sure where my career will take me, I hope to see the world doing a job that I love.
-Grant Bishop ‘26, Marine Engineering Technology major and Executive Officer of Foxtrot Company
“I am looking forward to another SST with Maine cadets. Additionally, I am very excited for Ireland! As a commanding officer, it is my job to oversee the completion of the company’s required duties. I will also ensure the freshmen learn everything they need to know for SST.
– Lily Sharp ’26, Marine Engineering Technology major and Commanding Officer of Golf Company
“I am most looking forward to furthering my skills as a future marine engineer through a leadership role where I can bond with those from other academies to inspire the next generation of mariners while also sharing memories with those who have been with me since the beginning. As an executive officer I must collaborate with other leadership to ensure the efficient command of an engineering company that performs necessary tasks while maintaining accountability of those within my company. As a second generation mariner I look forward enthusiastically to continuing the mariner bloodline, hoping to move into the commercial tanker industry.”
Brian Caudill ’26, Marine Engineering Technology major and Executive Officer of Hotel Company
