Updates
Sunrise over the Multi-Function Node
February 22, 2023
The OOI-CGSN team on the RV Neil Armstrong is in transit to the test mooring deployment sites. The Multi-Function Node is deployed with the Coastal Surface Mooring and provides a platform for seabed measurements like turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, temperature, pressure, currents.
Out of Drydock
February 21, 2023
The RV Neil Armstrong was floated out of drydock and is now ready to go! The team departed on the Pioneer MAB test mooring and mapping cruise on Feb. 21st and will be offshore for approximately one week. They will map the seabed using sonar, perform ROV visual inspections, and deploy two test moorings.
A View From Below
February 21, 2023
Not a view many get to see! Chief Engineer Pete Marczak waving from the stern and Irene Duran, Jennifer Batryn, and Dee Emrich standing in the Charleston, SC drydock give a good sense of the size of the RV Neil Armstrong below the waterline.
Voulgaris Visit
February 21, 2023
Chief Scientist Al Plueddemann describes OOI equipment on the deck of the Armstrong during a visit by NSF Program Director George Voulgaris (right). The equipment was prepared for deployment as a part of engineering tests for the MAB Pioneer Array. Details about instrumentation and electronics were provided by OOI team members (left to right) John Reine, Jennifer Batryn and Irene Duran.
Moving Quickly
February 20, 2023
The mobilization of the Pioneer MAB test moorings is moving quickly thanks to the expertise of the OOI-CGSN team, the crew of the Armstrong, and the support of the dockyard. The buoy builds are complete and the profiler and surface buoys were moved to the ship.
Assembly Complete
February 20, 2023
Jim Ryder and Kris Newhall complete assembly of At-Sea Test 3 surface buoy to be deployed at new Pioneer Mid-Atlantic Bight location this month. The test moorings will confirm the design of the systems to be implemented within the new array in Spring 2024.
Well and Tower Preparations
February 20, 2023
The OOI-CGSN team members Alex Franks and Jared Schwartz, with dockyard support, prepare the At-Sea Test 3 surface mooring well and tower for integration into the buoy.
Moving Parts
February 20, 2023
The RV Neil Armstrong crew move the buoy frame and buoyancy foam for the At-Sea Test 3 surface mooring from the ship to the dock in Charleston, SC. At-Sea Test 3 is the deployment of test moorings at the new OOI Pioneer Mid-Atlantic Bight location.
Double Duty
February 20, 2023
Doing two things at once. The R/V Neil Armstrong is in a Charleston, SC drydock for inspection and also supporting the mobilization of the At-Sea Test 3 surface and profiler buoys for OOI-CGSN.
Hull Inspection
February 17, 2023
The R/V Neil Armstrong in dry-dock for hull inspection prior to departing for the Pioneer MAB test cruise. Shipyard workers, crew, and the science party are able to access the ship for preparations.