TS GOLDEN BEAR
July 7, 2023 | Vallejo, California, United States of America
On July 7, 2023, the TS Golden Bear (Cal Maritime) returned from the 2023 Cal Maritime Summer Cruise, marking the end of an over 60-day journey that included stops in Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas, Samoa, Hawaii, and Oregon, before returning to Vallejo. My son was on board for his first training cruise as a student at California State University Maritime Academy, a renowned institution that prepares students for careers in the maritime industry through rigorous academics and hands-on training. During this voyage, the ship crossed both the equator and the international date line, earning everyone on board the title of Golden Shellback—a designation given to sailors who cross the equator at the international date line.
The TS Golden Bear is a training ship operated by the California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime). Launched in 1986 and originally serving as the USNS Maury (T-AGS-39) for the U.S. Navy, the vessel was transferred to Cal Maritime in 1996 and renamed TS Golden Bear. The ship provides practical, hands-on training for maritime students, allowing them to gain essential sea time and experience in navigation, engineering, and ship operations.
Information List
Name: TS Golden Bear
Operator: California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime)
Year Launched: 1986 (as USNS Maury)
Transferred to Cal Maritime: 1996
Length: 152 meters (499 feet)
Beam: 27 meters (88.6 feet)
Draft: 8.5 meters (27.9 feet)
Tonnage: 13,000 GT
Capacity: Accommodates cadets and crew for training purposes
Facilities Include: Classrooms, labs, living quarters, and a full complement of navigation and engineering equipment
History and Purpose
Cal Maritime: Established in 1929, California State University Maritime Academy is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States. The school prepares students for careers in the maritime industry with a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience at sea.
USNS Maury: The TS Golden Bear began its life as the USNS Maury, a Pathfinder-class oceanographic survey ship for the U.S. Navy. The vessel was utilized for surveying and mapping the ocean floor.
Training Ship: As a training ship, the TS Golden Bear is used to provide cadets with real-world experience in ship operations. Cadets participate in extended training cruises, practicing navigation, engineering, and shipboard management, which are crucial for their maritime education and future careers.
