The Mail Buoy

The name “mail buoy” refers to a decades-old running joke that the US Postal Service maintains postal box buoys at various middle-of-the-ocean locations. Before the training ship had internet connectivity, Texas A&M Maritime Academy cadets could go weeks without hearing from family and friends, so the idea of a mail buoy was particularly enticing. Former students fondly recount both sides of the prank, with some details varying by class year.

    TS Lone Star State Stern

    Captain’s Log #3

    We are back underway after our first port of the sea term and now bound for Belfast, Northern Ireland. Cadets, crew, faculty and staff enjoyed the sights and sounds of New York City, visiting museums, restaurants, monuments and more. Docking ... Read More

    Captain’s Log #2

    "And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch it, we are going back from whence we came.” - President John F. Kennedy, the namesake of TS Kennedy. We left Galveston on May ... Read More

    Gulls flying in front of TS Kennedy during sail away 2024

    Captain’s Log #1

    Howdy!  As we get ready to kick off Summer Sea Term 2025, I’m excited to share the first Captain’s Log of the summer. I’ll be sharing updates and sea stories here throughout the sea term. Planning a sea term is ... Read More