NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Widdig
Aboard NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson
June 17 – June 30, 2026
Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographic Area of Cruise: Lake Erie and Lake Ontario
Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
Weather Data from the Bridge
Latitude: 42º54.5’N
Longitude: 079º14.6’W
Sky Conditions: Sunny
Visibility: 10+ miles
Wind Speed: 10 Knots
Wind Direction: W
Dry Bulb: 15.5º C
Wet Bulb: 17º C
Science and Technology Log
All Lines Away In High Winds
Before the NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson ever left the Port of Cleveland, the energy on the bridge already reflected that this would not be a routine departure. The navigation team met to review weather forecasts, vessel traffic in the harbor, and the tight physical space of the slip. They walked through the voyage plan for the upcoming transit of the Welland Canal.
The forecast added a layer of challenge: waves building up to 11 feet offshore and wind gusts reaching 40 knots. Even while still tied to the dock, the ship would feel the effects of those winds pushing against the hull. The crew specifically discussed which lines would need to remain in place to best counteract strong winds pushing on the port side. It was a reminder that even leaving the dock is a maneuver that demands planning, not just movement.
After a short rain shower and a two-hour delay, line handlers moved into position along the pier, and the deck team coordinated each step of letting go. The goal was simple in theory but complex in execution. The bridge crew had to free the ship without allowing the stern to swing toward a barge positioned on the starboard side of the ship.
Every action had timing behind it. Lines were released in a deliberate order, engines were brought in carefully, and the rudder responded in small corrections. At the same time, the bridge team monitored traffic on the Cuyahoga River and ensured communication was successful even though it was made difficult in the wind. Amid all of this, Junior Officer James Hutzenbiler had control of the commands, gaining valuable experience managing a complex departure in high winds and restricted maneuvering space. The situation provided a practical test of shiphandling skills under pressure, reinforcing both decision-making and situational awareness in real-world conditions.
What stood out most was not just the difficulty of the conditions, but how smoothly the crew worked through them. Each person understood their role, anticipated the next step, and supported the overall movement of the ship. It was less about individual actions and more about a shared rhythm.
A Stairway between the Great Lakes
The Welland Canal is one of North America’s most impressive feats of marine engineering, linking Lake Ontario and Lake Erie and allowing ships to bypass the powerful and steep Niagara Falls.
The idea of a canal connecting the lakes dates back to the early 19th century, when growing trade made the Niagara Escarpment a major obstacle. The first version of the canal was completed in 1829, but it was narrow, shallow, and quickly outdated as ships grew larger. Over time, the canal was rebuilt and expanded through multiple iterations, with the modern fourth version completed in 1932. Each upgrade reflected advances in engineering and the increasing demands of industrial shipping. Below is an image of the different canal routes over time. The first canal had 40 locks and the current one is down to 8, taking about 9 hours for the Thomas Jefferson to complete.
Transiting the canal is a unique experience for any vessel. Rather than open-water navigation, ships move carefully through a series of eight locks that raise or lower them approximately 326 feet between the two lakes. Each lock demands precision, coordination, and patience. Crews adjust positions and engines in short, controlled bursts to keep the vessel centered as water levels change.
Large cargo ships can use MoorMaster automated vacuum mooring systems to hold the ships in place while in the locks.
However, the Thomas Jefferson has too many port holes for the vacuum to attach. This means the crew is constantly on the bridge adjusting controls to keep the ship off the concrete side walls. It takes an extreme amount of teamwork and concentration. The CO (Commanding Officer) and XO (Executive Officer) found that “crabbing” the ship in at an angle instead of straight in allows for better control.
What stands out most during a transit is the teamwork involved. Every movement onboard is deliberate and communicated clearly. Deckhands, officers, and pilots work in close coordination. Even in tight quarters and changing water levels, there is a steady rhythm to the operation. It is a reminder that successful navigation is not only about technology or infrastructure, but also about people working together with trust and professionalism.
One of the most impressive aspects of the transit was watching the Junior Officers and Operations Officers navigate the entire 12-hour journey through the Welland Canal with only the supervision of the CO and XO.
Personal Log
The Quiet Influence of Great Leaders
One of the most impressive aspects of my time aboard the ship has not been the technology, the navigation, or even the massive engineering feats we encounter. It has been the culture of learning.
From the moment I stepped aboard, I noticed that the ship operates much like a highly effective classroom. Every day presents opportunities to learn, practice, make mistakes, and improve. What makes this environment so successful is the leadership demonstrated by Commanding Officer Kidd and Executive Officer Duffy. They have fostered a culture where learning is woven into every aspect of daily operations.
After every drill, change of conn, and operational briefing, etc. the leadership team takes time to reflect. Rather than immediately telling crew members what they did right or wrong, they observe, listen, and encourage discussion. Team members are asked to evaluate their own performance, identify challenges, and suggest improvements. This process transforms every event into a learning opportunity.
One example came after Junior Officer James Hutzenbiler successfully guided the ship out of the Port of Cleveland in challenging wind conditions. Once the maneuver was complete, Operations Officer Jessie Spruill gathered the bridge team and asked a simple question: “How do you think that went?” Rather than providing answers, she encouraged the team to analyze their own decisions. The officers discussed what worked well, what could have gone smoother, and what they might do differently next time.
OPS Jessie Spruill then added her own observations and expertise, helping connect their experiences to larger operational concepts. Finally, the XO built upon the discussion, adding further insights and training points that everyone could apply in future situations.
As a teacher, the entire exchange felt remarkably familiar. These are the same instructional strategies educators strive to use in the classroom: reflection, self-assessment, guided discussion, and constructive feedback. The difference is that instead of discussing a math problem or science experiment, the crew was analyzing real-time decisions that affected the safe movement of a ship.
Boarded and Underway
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about living on a ship for two weeks. Fortunately, those worries began to fade almost as soon as I stepped aboard.
One of the biggest reasons was the people. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and willing to answer questions, offer advice, and help me navigate life at sea. From the very beginning, the crew made me feel less like a visitor and more like part of the team.
I was especially fortunate to be paired with Junior Officer Bridget Ruiz as my roommate. She had just started her leg aboard the ship as well, which meant we were both experiencing many of the same first-day questions and uncertainties. Having someone to attend orientation with, explore the ship alongside, and compare notes made the transition much easier.
The living quarters were also a pleasant surprise. Before arriving, I imagined a small, cramped room with barely enough space to move around. Instead, our stateroom is surprisingly comfortable, complete with dressers, desks, a sink, a mini refrigerator, and closets for storage.
Of course, shipboard life comes with a few unique experiences. Once the waves started rolling, so did the contents of various tanks throughout the vessel, creating an aroma that can only be described as “memorable.”
Despite the occasional smell and the constant motion beneath my feet, I am quickly settling into the rhythm of shipboard life. Between the incredible views, delicious meals, comfortable accommodations, and supportive crew, I can easily see how people come to love this lifestyle. After only a short time aboard, the ship is already beginning to feel like home.
Did You Know?
The tallest wave recorded on Lake Erie was a 22-foot seiche in 1844, and it killed 78 people.