NavList:

Hi Frank,

I have been a part of this forum for over 20 years and I can appreciate all of the great people and amazing work that is been posted.

I've read the article from the USNI and am not wondering why there are issues with restablishing the celestial training and competency at the US Naval Academy. The Navy has been speeding into high tech navigation for over 30 years. As a "Deckie" gradate of Massachusetts Maritime and a US Navy Mercahnt Marine Program officer, I was able to be apart of USN Academy training aboard their YP vessels. While on several cruises, and when possible, went out to the deck and shot sun lines and stars . TThe Middies were fortunate to have a PC and  software for the calculations.  Made things much faster and easier for them.

As I'm sure you are aware, while attending the merchant marine academies, we are required to learn and become seriously profficient in the use of the Sextant. Since 1985, navigation has been a passion. I can only hope that the US Naval Academy can re institute the program and find a place within its Vessel OPS to use and practice cel nav when steaming. The Midshipman and the Junior officers shuold become proficient in looking out the window, reading and correcting the compass, and shooting celestial fixes.

Thanks for the many years with this forum. Please keep it going for as long as possible

Always,

LTC John Rizzuto USA  (Past CDR USN)