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Tall Ship Eagle2/c David Boyle
So far the cadre experience onboard Eagle and leading the swabs has met my expectations. Our leadership style is different from what we are used within Chase Hall as Swab Summer cadre, but it also comes with different challenges. While on watch tonight, I took two separate groups of swabs aloft on the mainmast and foremast topgallants (the second highest sails on the ship) to douse sail. One of the swabs decided halfway up the mainmast that he didn’t want to climb out onto the yard. Consequently, we were short-handed, but the sail still had to be doused. Making do with the personnel we had, the 2nd class petty officer and I led the swabs in dousing half the sail at a time – unconventional, but effective.
I’m looking forward to the next few weeks of instructing swabs aboard Eagle. Although I don’t feel I know that much about the Coast Guard, the Academy, or Eagle yet – I’m coming to realize that, from the swab perspective, I’m very knowledgeable. Like them, I’m learning more everyday, usually by making mistakes. I’m also reminded daily how important it is to be open-minded when in a leadership position. The ability to listen to and hear what my subordinates report to me in every situation (no matter how fatigued or distracted I may be) is extremely important. This has been a great learning experience so far.
2/c Boyle
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