Summer Sea Term

Chronicling Cadet’s Sea Chronicles

Johnson working during maintenance on Summer Sea Term

During Summer Sea Term 2024, Texas A&M University at Galveston sophomore Lance Johnson ’27, looking for a way to document his experience, decided to post his day-to-day life on social media. The marine engineering technology student initially intended his aptly named “Sea Chronicles” as a personal record of his first summer spent on TS Kennedy, but it quickly evolved into a popular documentation of his life, academics and career training at sea. The posts caught the attention of his friends and family as well as a broader audience of those curious about the Texas A&M Maritime Academy and the maritime industry. Through this, Johnson found his niche, giving the world a glimpse into his life as a cadet. 

As he works towards his merchant mariner license from the maritime academy, Johnson is also pursuing a degree in marine engineering technology from the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies at the Galveston Campus. For Johnson, the decision to pursue this career path was simple.

“I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, especially big machinery,” Johnson said. “Marine engineering technology allows me to combine my love for engineering with my passion for being on the water. It’s a perfect fit.”

Johnson embraced his first sea term wholeheartedly. His daily updates provided insight into life and learning on the ship, exploring the ports of call with his shipmates and the unique challenges and rewards of life on the water. After his freshman year of classes, Johnson was ready to put what he learned to the test during sea term. His excitement for being at sea was palpable, even through a screen.

“From working on engines to performing maintenance on various ship systems, everything I learned in the classroom was applied in real-world situations,” Johnson said. “You can learn about how things work in textbooks, but physically troubleshooting problems and working on maintenance takes that knowledge to the next level.” 

The summer at sea was not just about training. In port, Johnson enjoyed the history, culture and scenery from this year’s ports – Fort Lauderdale, Quebec, Boston and Philadelphia. And though he expected sea term to be academically enriching, he was surprised by the deep sense of community he experienced with his fellow cadets on board.

“I knew I would learn a lot, but I didn’t expect the bonds I would form with my shipmates. We supported each other through the highs and lows.”

Johnson’s last entry of the summer reads: 

Sea chronicles day 43: this will be my last post of summer Sea Term 2024. It’s crazy to think that it’s been 68 [days] since we first got on board. It’s hard to put into words the knowledge I’ve gained, the things I’ve gotten to experience, and the friendships that have been forged. I’ve tried my best to give everyone a view of what happens on a day to day basis, and I think I’ve accomplished that. I’ve included a collage of some of my favorite pictures that I’ve taken, some of these I’ve already posted before but some should be brand new. Just because cruise is over don’t expect me to stop posting about my adventures. I love being able to allow people an insight into [a] marine engineering field, and how it’s being used to encourage others to explore this path. I want to say thanks to everyone for reading my stories, and for spreading them for all to hear. But as for now, this is 3/C Lance Johnson signing off. #sst24

A dedicated student with a love for the sea, Johnson has a natural talent for sharing his experiences with others. With his sights set on the future, Johnson plans to continue Sea Chronicles next summer, so stay tuned to follow along on his adventures.