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| Home > Info Centre > Publications > Alert 1998 > A Sailor’s True Glory | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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To share one’s cherished experience of a dream come true whether in the line of duty or otherwise, is a privilege. As a sailor, one always has a burning desire to "sea" the world, or rather circumnavigate the world. On Wednesday, 8th January 1997, at approximately 1530 hrs the phone at my desk rang. It was my Commanding Officer, Commander Hardley LEWIN, who instructed me to report to his office immediately. I wondered, on my way, "What have I done, or rather, not done?" On my arrival, he handed me a sheet of paper that had the following written on it:
He then asked me what was the link? I had not the slightest idea what to answer. Seeing the blankness in my face, he then said, "The link, Lt (sg) WRIGHT, is you" and smiled. "You have been nominated to represent the Jamaica Defence Force on board the Colombian Naval Training Ship Armada Republica de Colombia (ARC) "GLORIA", which will be going on a nine-month sea deployment around the world with planned port stops at the countries listed." I arrived in Cartagena, Colombia on 14th February 1997, and was greeted at the airport by a Colombian Naval Officer who transported me to the ship’s berth at the Colombian Atlantic Naval Base ARC "BOLIVAR". I was immediately attracted by the array of naval flags flying from the tall masts of ARC "GLORIA" in all her glory; this was to be my home for the next nine months. ARC "GLORIA" is a 65 meter bark type sailing ship and is the Flagship of the Colombian Navy. The ship’s compliment consisted of 22 Officers, 53 Senior and Junior Ratings, 86 Officer Cadets and the ship’s mascot, Morgan, a Labrador. "GLORIA" provides the initial sea training for all officers entering the Colombian Navy. However, 1997’s cruise was to be unique with a dual mission of not only providing training for the Officer Cadets, but to carry to the ports and seas worldwide, a proud and noble message of peace and progress. On embarking, I was introduced to the other invited international Officers from the Venezuelan and Ecuadorian Navy and also members of the Colombian Army, Air Force and Police Force. Subsequently, I was introduced to the ship’s Captain, Captain (N) David MORENO who officially welcomed me to Colombia and aboard ARC "GLORIA’. My responsibilities whilst onboard would include teaching English to the Officer Cadets, preparing and conducting presentations on Jamaica and the countries we were going to visit, being Second Officer of the Watch both in port and at sea, and being Communications Officer.
ARC "GLORIA" sailed from Cartagena on the 16th of February 1997 after a very colourful send-off ceremony, and proceeded on a 38-day voyage towards our first port, Hawaii, leaving behind tearful families and friends of the crew. Once into the Pacific Ocean after crossing the Panama Canal, GLORIA’s sails were hoisted. All sail manoeuvres were conducted promptly, safely and smartly, using the boatswain’s call as the primary mode to convey instructions. Once under sails, the ship’s engines were secured, thus, an eerie hush of silence, replaced the mechanical clamour. One could hear the wind as it filled the sails, the seagulls as they hovered over the surface of the water with the hope that a fish would come flying out of the water. Only a ship under sail could produce this poetic picture, I thought. However, aware of the unforgiving nature of the sea, discipline had to be absolute, and individual security and safety were stressed continuously. Regular drills and exercises were conducted throughout the voyage to ensure that each person was fully aware of his responsibilities and tasks during the different evolutions and in the event of emergencies. Life onboard was a happy marriage of hard work and fun, including the symbolic water "Baptisms" to celebrate geographical datums, such as, the crossing of the International Dateline, the Greenwich Meridian and the Equator. Each port brought a unique and different culture, and of our many tours, the highlights included the "USS ARIZONA" memorial in Hawaii; the Gaza Desert in Egypt, home of three of the world famous pyramids; the Parthenon Marbles of Acropolis in Greece, just to name a few. In keeping with the good traditions of the JDF Coast Guard, I received Jamaican newspapers at most ports, and this gave me the opportunity to keep abreast of the tides and currents of home. The unforgettable moments experienced during this cruise, enhanced and tempered the character of the crew as true knights of the sea. On thev15th Nov 97, we returned to Cartagena, Colombia, to the cheers of families, friends and well-wishers, thus completing 218 days at sea, 54 days in port and a total distance of 31,336 nautical miles underway. Once alongside, we were officially welcomed back by the Colombian President Dr Ernesto SAMPER along with dignitaries of the Colombian Armed Forces. The world is unpredictable, but at the same time filled with what I now believe to be unparalleled opportunities. My tour onboard the ARC "GLORIA" was filled with challenges, such as breaking down the language and cultural barriers, which initially existed. Of greater importance, and through the use of the traditional boatswain call for all sail manoeuvres, obtaining the ship’s position by astro-navigation and being propelled by sails, this voyage was indeed a review of the fundamental rules, principles and traditions upon which the sailor and going to sea are founded. It exemplifies the theme of Alert 98 "THE WAY FORWARD". In order to move forward confidently and assuredly, it is wise that one thoroughly understands the fundamental rules and principles of one’s profession, without which one tends to be hesitant. The training voyage of the ARC "GLORIA" in my opinion achieved this aim. |
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