Teacher Aboard

Date: Sunday, February 22, 1998
Position: Hawaii Maritime Center, Pier 7; Honolulu, Hawaii, island of Oahu
Entered By: Teacher Aboard Leslie Bridgett
Aloha!

Each time I write "aloha," it reminds me of the spirit of this beautiful state. Hawaii is not only visually a tropical paradise, but the friendliness of the people adds to its inviting nature. Apparently this warmth which is extended to all people has some of its roots in the melting pot history of this island state. In the early years of agricultural (farming) development, laborers were brought here from all over the world. Additionally, its location in the Pacific creates an ideal outpost for travelers in their efforts to cross the vastness of the Pacific. Then of course, its eternal summer climate draws tourists from all over the world. It is a way of life for Hawaiians to come in contact with a multitude of ethnic groups (other races and cultures).

At every turn, I have met nothing but friendly helpful people. I only wish I could package this "aloha spirit" and sprinkle it in those corners of the world where there is so much turmoil and anger between people. Maybe in your classes you could set aside an "Aloha Spirit Day." On this one day everyone would make a special effort to be friendly, helpful, and kind to everyone they meet. As a special activity, you could do something thoughtful for someone and don't tell anyone else that you did it. "Doing it" is good for the person you selected. However, "telling about it" is good for your ego. So, don't tell! Then it comes from your heart. As practice for being goodwill ambassadors for Pride of Baltimore II in Asia, the Hawaiians have taught us a valuable lesson about people. Mahalo! (thank you)

VOLCANIC HOT SPOTS

I'm putting on my science teacher's hat here, so come along for a quick tour of some of the most interesting islands in the sea. The Earth is believed to be divided into large plates that fit together like a pieces of a giant cracked egg. The Hawaiian islands are located on the Pacific plate which is moving northwest at about the same rate that your fingernails grow (4 inches per year). As this plate moves over a stationary hot spot, a string of islands eventually emerge (develop) from the ocean floor with Kure, the oldest island, to the north and Hawaii, the newest island, to the south. The process continues. Southeast of Hawaii, a new island of Loihi is forming 3,000 feet below the surface of the ocean.

The lava from these volcanoes is very fluid which allows the gases to escape and causes the eruptions to be less explosive than continental volcanoes, like Mt. St. Helens in Washington state that blew up like a bomb some years ago. The lava primarily forms a rock called basalt which is easily eroded by roots, wind, and rain. The landscape of the Hawaiian islands is dramatically etched by these forces.

Crossing these volcanic mountains can be particularly challenging. They are steep and deeply eroded. Even early footpaths were precarious (dangerous) to travelers new to the islands. Today the mountains of Oahu have been conquered by a few highways and tunnels which were constructed at great expense over many years of effort. However, one only has to stand at the overlook where King Kamehameha I won a historic battle to appreciate the huge task of building these roads.

At this overlook King Kamehameha shoved an estimated 400 opposing warriors off the cliff and established himself as King of all the islands. The view is breathtaking, but the first step is definitely a doozie!

PEARL HARBOR

Hawaii's position in the middle of the Pacific not only serves as an oasis for travelers and tourists, but as a strategic (good) military position. It is not surprising, therefore, to find the island of Oahu peppered with military bases packed full of ships, planes, and communication devices. Around the mid 1800s, Japan's leaders recognized the need for resources such as coal, oil, and iron in order to develop Japan into a more modern country. To acquire these resources, Japan began to invade neighboring countries, which by 1941, included several countries in Southeast Asia. Many of the European countries were preoccupied (busy) trying to prevent invasions by the Germans during World War II. So they could not protect their colonial possessions in Asia. Japan became allies (partners) with Germany and took advantage of this window of opportunity to continue its invasions.
The United States did not approve of these aggressive acts and placed an embargo (stop) on all trade with Japan. Japan, fearing that the United States would interfere with its plans in Southeast Asia, launched a surprise attack on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base to destroy a large number of ships stationed there. On December 7, 1941, at 7:50 AM on a quiet Sunday morning, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor Naval Base. By 9:45 AM the American losses numbered:
  • planes - 169 lost and 159 damaged
  • ships - 13 sunk and 8 damaged
  • casualties - 2,403 killed and 1,178 wounded

This attack stunned the world. After being struck with a 1,760 pound bomb, the U.S.S. Arizona sank to a watery grave in 9 minutes, taking with her 1,177 sailors and marines. Even today as one stands looking out at the bright blue sky over the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, it sends chills down your spine to imagine the sky black with smoke. You can imagine the horror the soldiers must have felt as they began to realize what was happening.

Memorials have many purposes. The most obvious purpose is to provide a place where we can pay respect to people who gave their lives for our country. Memorials also teach us lessons as we unravel the stories which led to the loss of our fellow countrymen. Let's pause for a moment and ask: What did you learn about the importance of keeping a watchful eye on our homeland, even when an attack was not expected? What did you learn about another country's need for resources as a reason for war? And having learned these things, how do you feel about the importance of history as a means of keeping track of all these lessons? What can you do now to take action on what you have learned?

I can suggest an answer to that last question - ride your bike instead of always traveling by car. And use less disposable (throw away) plastic. Both glass and plastic is made from oil. Globally speaking, oil is in short supply and is a resource over which wars have already been fought? You might also keep a journal. Think of yourself as the historian of your life. Who better than you to keep track of your perspectives (view) on life and the lessons you learn along the way. You might want to appoint a class or club historian to record highlights of the year. Make history fun!

While visiting Honolulu, I had a chance to learn about our watchful eye in the Pacific. As another example of the "aloha spirit", Lt. Ken Weeks of Camp Smith gave me a tour of Pearl Harbor and gained permission for me to tour the U.S.S. Russell (DDG 59), the most advanced warship in the world. This 505 foot battleship can attack planes, other ships, submarines, and targets on shore including sites hundreds of miles away. It was awesome to see a ship designed to do battle in so many different environments. Mahalo (thanks) to Lt. Weeks, and the officers and crew of the U.S.S. Russell for the tour and being part of that constant vigil (watch for danger) for the United States.

JENNIFER MUTHER
Just for the record, there are actually two teachers on board Pride II . Yours truly and Jennifer Muther who has a degree in elementary education. Jennifer completed her student teaching at Daniel of St. Jennifer Thomas Elementary School, which is located two miles from my high school in Waldorf. As if that isn't enough to make the world seem smaller, she was there in 1994 which means that some of my present ninth grade students were taught by Jennifer Muther. I know this isn't world news and I ask you to bear with me in this personal moment of discovery. But honestly, that really is too funny! It reminds me of that "six degrees of separation" the is supposed to connect every person in the world.

Jennifer's enthusiasm and perky personality makes her a natural for teaching. The good news is she uses her talent back home in Maryland as part of the Living Classrooms Foundation. She also takes an active role in providing lessons on board Pride II when school groups visit. And of course, there's always me, her prime pupil at the moment. She was my fearless leader as she taught me how to climb into the rig while sailing in the middle of the ocean. If nothing else, I am living proof that she is a good teacher!

Jennifer is also an excellent deckhand. Time and time again, I have heard the folks in charge use these words to describe her. This is not a compliment to be taken lightly. This translates to mean she can do an incredible number of jobs on the ship - and do them well. Not only is she a valuable crew member because she is knowledgeable about sailing the ship, but she knows a great deal about how to maintain it. This is her third tour on Pride of Baltimore II. She has previously traveled on the ship to Europe and the Great Lakes giving her a tremendous amount of experience. It's no wonder she is a welcome addition to the crew on our Asia with Pride Tour.
I should also mention that Jennifer loves it aloft - that means climbing just about anywhere the rig will allow her to go. She spends hours up there creating additions to Leather World by sewing bits of leather to lines that might chafe or wear due to friction. I took advantage of her eagerness to climb around way up there, by asking her to take my camera for a spin. She brought back some awesome shots! Mahalo, Jennifer!

One would think that all of this wouldn't leave time for anything else. Not so. Jennifer has a passion (love) for several other sports. She is an avid wind surfer and enjoys running. She credits her interest in basketball to Joe Smith. It seems they both attended the University of Maryland where she really enjoyed watching him play in his college years.

Final reminder - when looking for Jennifer, look UP!

OPEN HOUSE
Today we're having an open house for the public to view the ship. We have received a good bit of attention since we have been docked in town. Many people are familiar with Pride of Baltimore II because she was used in the filming of the movie Amistad. So put on that crew shirt and tan shorts, and on deck with you. We have friends to meet!
On our next set of adventures, we will meet Dan Nelson. No doubt his dry sense of wit, which weaves in and out of so many of my stories, has already given you a glimpse of his intriguing personality. We will also discover how the Polynesians sailed regularly to the Hawaiian islands without any modern navigation equipment. This is an incredible story - don't miss it!

Aloha,
Leslie Bridgett

YOUR THOUGHTS

  1. List some reasons that Hawaii has been exposed to so many ethnic (different races) groups?
  2. In the "aloha spirit" of Hawaiians, make a list of four people you know and record something small, but thoughtful, that you could do for them.
  3. As the Hawaiian Islands move northwest away from the hot spot, where is the newest volcano erupting?
  4. Why are the eruptions in Hawaii less explosive than those in America, like Mt. St. Helens?
  5. In the mid 1800's, why did Japan invade neighboring countries?
  6. Recording events orders our thoughts and gives us a greater sense of appreciation of our accomplishments. Make a chart of the last three years. Fill in your proudest or most memorable moments. Include awards, good grades, classes, special friends, and vacations. You are now acting as a historian for your life.
  7. How might a shortage of oil, which is necessary for gasoline, cause a war?
  8. In what ways has Jennifer Muther used her background in education?

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