We serve many small ports in the Aleutian Islands with weekly or biweekly sailings. While not all voyages visit every port, we have what we call “the milk run,” or our usual string of ports. Our usual stops include Chignik, Sand Point, King Cove, Cold Bay, False Pass, Akutan, and (in the summer) Port Moller.

While each port is different, we do the same thing at each. We work cargo. Until we reach Dutch Harbor, where we have our own CTI North terminal, we simply work until the cargo is done. Deckhands, A.B.s, and wipers all work cargo while we’re in port. Smaller ports might only have a few hours of work, while larger ports might have a full day of work.

Generally speaking, once cargo is done, the crew sleeps until their next stop. The captain and chief engineer guide the ship safely to the next port, and while they sleep, the crew works cargo at each port until it’s finished. The process repeats, all the way to Dutch Harbor, which is the biggest port we service. It’s the one with the most cargo.