We were falling into our groove this week on the ALVIN team and by our increasing comfort with the basics of launching and recovering the sub, responsibilities incrementally expanded. For me, this included the new and coveted task of throwing the tow line during the recovery process. In recovery, a small boat (a Zodiac) is deployed with a team of swimmers from the RV Atlantis, with the objective of preparing the sub for recovery once it surfaces. It is an intricate choreography with many steps beyond the scope of practice of an intern. Part of the on-deck duties related to sub recovery is throwing the tow line, which attaches the sub to the back of the ship and brings it into position. This allows for attachment of all of the accouterment which allows for the sub to be lifted back onto the ship. I have never been called the Walter Johnson of my generation, so I found the prospect of throwing the tow line off the back of the ship to be intimidating. It turns out, I was in a “League of My Own,” by which I mean I did an acceptable job and threw it sufficiently far to allow the recovery process to continue. Truly a win for interns everywhere. I cannot wait for the parade in my honor. I would like to thank the Academy and the MATE Program for making this day possible.
