"A SHIP"

A ship is a large vessel that floats on water. Ships are generally distinguished from boats based on size and cargo or passenger capacity. Ships may be found on lakes, seas, and rivers and they allow for a variety of activities, such as the transport of people or goods, fishing, entertainment, public safety, and warfare. Historically, a ship referred to a vessel with sails rigged in a specific manner.

Ships and boats have developed alongside mankind. In major wars, and in day to day life, they have become an integral part of modern commercial and military systems. Fishing boats are used by millions of fishermen throughout the world. Military forces operate highly sophisticated vessels to transport and support forces ashore. Commercial vessels, nearly 35,000 in number, carried 7.4 billion tons of cargo in 2007.^[1]

These vessels were also key in history's great explorations and scientific and technological development. Navigators such asZheng He spread such inventions as the compass and gunpowder. Ships have been used for such purposes as colonization and the slave trade, and have served scientific, cultural, and humanitarian needs. New crops that had come from the Americas via the European seafarers in the 16th century significantly contributed to the world's population growth.^[2]

As Thor Heyerdahl demonstrated with his tiny craft the Kon-Tiki, it is possible to navigate long distances upon a simple log raft. From Mesolithic canoes to today's powerful nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, ships tell the history of human technological development.

"A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CADET"

CADETS are housed in large open-bay dormitories with approximately 30 bunk-style beds. Each cadet is assigned to a bed and shares a wall locker with another cadet. At 5:30 a.m., cadets are awakened to shower and dress. Breakfast is served at 6:00 a.m. Cadets line up outside the cafeteria and enter the dining area in single formation. Inspection begins at 7:00 a.m. T.A.C. staff inspect the cadets -- and their living quarters -- on a daily basis. Discrepancies in neatness, orderliness, cleanliness or regulation are noted and corrected. Classes begin at 8 a.m. and continue until 5:30 p.m. with breaks every hour and a one-hour break for lunch.

Each day the cadets participate in one hour of physical training. The regimented Physical Training Program is emphasized from the time the cadets report to the Academy. Their daily routine includes running, exercising and weight lifting. Cadets are periodically tested in flexibility, abdominal strength, upper body strength and cardiovascular endurance. Upon graduation, all cadets must meet the minimum standards in each of these categories.

Dinner is typically served at 5:30 p.m. After dinner, the cadets have supervised study time unless there is necessity for remedial classes. Only emergency messages are to be received by the cadets. The cadets' day ceases at 10 p.m. with "lights out."

During the week, the cadets spend all of their time at the Academy. The cadet class coordinator will release the cadets for weekend liberty on Friday night at 5:30 p.m. They usually report back to the Academy at or before 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening.