The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M – Galveston has acquired a training vessel from the U.S. Maritime Administration! The T/S General Rudder (formerly T/S Kings Pointer) will visit Port Arthur during their summer cruise. They will be with us from July 9-12, 2012.
Port Arthur has a long tradition of hospitality for the crew and cadets of our state’s maritime training ship. The Organizing Committee is made up of several area entities, including: Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Port of Port Arthur, the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, the Apostleship of the Sea – Diocese of Beaumont, Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center, the Sabine Pilots, Neches Gulf Marine, Sabine Surveyors, the Propeller Club of the Ports of the Sabine, and Texas Sea Grant. The group has the following plans for their visit:
Monday, July 9 (The Crew will offer public tours from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. The Public is invited to attend the ceremony and tour the ship.)
3:00 p.m. - Welcome Reception for Cadets and crew at the Port of Port Arthur.
Immediately following the reception, the ship will be available for free tours until 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 10
The T/S General Rudder training ship will work with the Port of Port Arthur to provide a unique “hands-on” experience for the students of the Port’s “Camp Seaport”. The cadets and crew of the General Rudder will hold lessons onboard for the Camp Seaport students. After a fine lunch courtesy of the Port of Port Arthur, the students will have an opportunity to speak directly to the Maritime Cadets about their interest in the maritime industry, what skills are required, and what careers they are aspiring to. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the Camp Seaport students to think about their own futures, and start planning! (Sorry folks, this part is not open to the public.)
Wednesday, July 11
The Museum of the Gulf Coast will welcome the Cadets of the T/S General Rudder in a private reception to tour the museum.
Throughout the week, the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center will provide a relaxing home away from home for the cadets and crew, along with transportation to area stores, restaurants, and attractions.
What are we asking of the public?
- We want to ensure that all A&M and Texas Maritime Academy alumni, and all others who would be interested, know about this event.
- We encourage the Alumni and the General Public to attend the Welcome Reception on Monday July 9 at the Port of Port Arthur. Let’s extend our Southeast Texas hospitality to our young Cadets! The ceremony begins at 3:00.
- If you see these young Cadets in our local stores and restaurants, stop and say “hello”. Welcome them to Port Arthur, and encourage them to continue in their studies.
- Encourage your own children, grandkids, students, etc, to realize how many opportunities our area really has for them. Let them know about the Maritime Academy that is just an hour down the road, which can open up a whole new world for them!
For more information on the Training Vessel T/S General Rudder go to:
http://www.tamug.edu/corps/trainingship.html
For more information on General James Earl Rudder, a true American hero and leader in the D-Day Landings, go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Earl_Rudder