America's Tall Ship: Barque EAGLE

America's Tall Ship: Barque EAGLE Summer 2016

United States Coast Guard Barque EAGLE is an operational training platform that provides world class training to United States Coast Guard cadets and officer candidates.

Constructed 1936 as a German training vessel, Eagle came to service in the United States Coast Guard in 1946 as war reparations after World War Two.

Onboard, just over 200 crew and trainees spend their time conducting training and practicing professional skills learned in the classroom.

Cadets are expected to earn qualifications as basic watch standers. Helmsman, Lookout, and Engineering Auxiliary are the lowest level expectations, with more difficult standards to attain Quatermaster of the Watch, Oiler, Boatswains Mate of the Watch, and Topman.

Barque Eagle is a fully operational sailing ship that uses the wind as her primary means of propulsion. The decks are adorned with some 200 lines that cadets and crew must memorize the name and function in order to operate the ship.

Sailing Eagle involves frequent trips aloft, into the rig, to furl sails, set sails, and make other adjustments to ensure the most efficient use of Eagle's 22, 227 square feet of sail area.

Tall ship sailing is still used for officer training because it requires trainees to push themselves from their comfort zone, and teaches many essential skills necessary for a successful career afloat.

Even at night, in the worst weather, cadets and crew must climb aloft to ensure the ship's safe passage.

Crossing an ocean is a team effort. Complex tasks like navigation require a group to ensure efficiency and accuracy.

While onboard, crew and cadets practice celestial navigation.

Celestial navigation is relevant in the modern day because electronic navigation systems occasionally fail. Redundant systems are a hallmark of Coast Guard operations, and Eagle is no different.

Under sail, constant heel of as much 20 degrees can typically be expected. In rough seas, that angle is only compounded.

During the long days of training and work, cadets foster friendships that only Eagle can build. They are also able to take time for sponsored morale events.

The summer of 2016 brought foreign ports. After nineteen days at sea, all aboard are awarded gracious liberty in Dublin, Ireland. Where community service events took place and sightseeing tours taken across Ireland.

Dublin proved to be worth the wait. Offering welcoming people and fantastic new sights for all to enjoy.

The Cliffs of Moher were a crowd favorite.

All back aboard after a wonderful reprieve in Dublin, it was time for the final leg of the phase. Nine days en route to London, England.

The end of the first phase meant cadets were dispersed to operational Coast Guard units throughout the United States. The second phase of cadets would enjoy port calls on the return trip in Portugal, Bermuda and Norfolk, Virginia.

To learn more about Barque Eagle and tour schedules at her next port call check out her official Facebook page below.

United States Coast Guard Barque EAGLE

United States Coast Guard Academy

This is not an official publication of the United States Coast Guard.

Created By

Reid Wiegleb

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Credits:

Reid Wiegleb

America's Tall Ship: Barque EAGLE Summer 2016

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