April 5-6: Leg 1 Wraps with ROV Survey and Full Expedition Success
Leg 1 of the Pioneer 21 cruise has officially wrapped with the successful completion of all planned objectives in the Mid-Atlantic Bight.
Following several smooth surface mooring recoveries—supported by calm seas and expert deck work—the team conducted a final ROV survey at the alternate Western Shallow Water (WESW) mooring site. The ROV was launched shortly after breakfast and surveyed both the northern and southern target areas. The dive revealed no major issues, giving flexibility for future deployment planning.
Leading up to the ROV work, the team completed meteorological comparisons at the Central Mooring (CNSM) site, recovered two more surface moorings, and used high-speed shipboard Wi-Fi to check and shut down recovered instruments, including diagnostics on the plankton imaging system (PLIMS). Wildlife sightings and steady weather added to the momentum and success of the operations.
With the final gear secured, the ship departed the array and is transiting back to Woods Hole in time for the morning slack tide. Along the way, the crew will complete additional CTD casts along the LTER line and collect clean seawater samples for MIT.
The science team is now focused on documentation and compiling the Leg 1 cruise report. Up next: preparations for Leg 2.
R/V Neil Armstrong returning back from Leg 1 of the Pioneer 21 cruise. (c) Croy Carlin, WHOI
R/V Neil Armstrong pulls up to WHOI dock. (c) Croy Carlin, WHOI
Drone shot of WHOI deck with returning equipment. (c): Croy Carlin, WHOI