Pioneer 23

With support from the R/V Neil Armstrong small boat team and favorable weather conditions, the OOI-CGSN team successfully completed critical repairs on the Northern Surface Mooring (NOSM), helping extend the operational life of this important observing platform. During the operation, damaged wind turbines on the buoy were replaced, restoring essential power-generating capabilities for the mooring…

The OOI-CGSN team successfully completed recovery of the Central Surface Mooring (CNSM), marking another major operational milestone for the Pioneer Array expedition. This complex recovery included retrieval of the surface buoy, the Near Surface Instrument Frame (NSIF), and the seabed Multi-Function Node (MFN), which also serves as the system’s anchor. A key strength of the…

The Pioneer Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) Array includes four glider track lines strategically designed to fill geospatial gaps between mooring locations and extend observations into offshore regions beyond the core array. During the Pioneer 23 expedition, the OOI-CGSN team successfully deployed all four gliders, each of which will patrol these track lines for approximately three months…

The OOI-CGSN team successfully deployed the Northern Profiler Mooring (NOPM) from the R/V Neil Armstrong, marking another important step in maintaining the Pioneer Array’s advanced ocean observing capabilities. Deployment of the NOPM is a carefully coordinated operation. The buoy is deployed first, followed by a buoyancy sphere, the profiling vehicle, and finally the anchor. Each…

The OOI-CGSN team successfully deployed the Central Shallow Water Mooring (CNSW) at Pioneer MAB, adding another critical component to the Pioneer Array’s comprehensive ocean observing network. A standout feature of CNSW is the Prawler, an innovative profiling vehicle designed to move up and down the mooring wire while continuously sampling the water column. As it…

The OOI-CGSN team successfully deployed the Central Surface Mooring from the R/V Neil Armstrong as part of ongoing Pioneer Array operations at the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Among the many sophisticated instruments deployed at Pioneer MAB, one of the most exciting is the Imaging FloCytoBot—a cutting-edge phytoplankton imaging system designed to capture high-resolution images of microscopic life…

During the Pioneer Array expedition, the OOI-CGSN team successfully completed an inspection and data download from the Northern Surface Mooring (NOSM), highlighting the remarkable durability and performance of this critical observing platform. Surface moorings are typically deployed for about six months before recovery and replacement. However, NOSM has now remained at sea for more than…

For the first time in more than four years, the R/V Neil Armstrong and R/V Atlantis crossed paths at sea – an exciting reunion for two vessels dedicated to advancing ocean science. Years of important research have taken both ships across vast stretches of the ocean, supporting critical scientific missions far and wide. Their meeting…

While transiting to Pioneer MAB, the R/V Neil Armstrong crossed paths with fellow research vessels R/V Atlantis and R/V Hugh R. Sharp—a striking reminder of the collaborative scientific efforts underway across the Mid-Atlantic Bight and New England Shelf. Each vessel plays a vital role in advancing oceanographic research in this dynamic region. Together, these ships…

After successfully wrapping up the Pioneer 23 load aboard the R/V Neil Armstrong, Project Manager Teddy took a well-earned break—stretching out in the sunshine and soaking up some rays on deck. From overseeing critical operations (and boosting crew morale), Teddy proved once again that every expedition benefits from a dedicated team member with four paws.…