Scripps Institution of Oceanography invites scientists from the US oceanographic community to participate in Science Verification Cruises (SVCs) aboard the Ocean Class research vessel Sally Ride beginning in the fall of 2016.
The goal of SVCs is to exercise the ship, the crew, and all scientific systems to verify satisfactory operations, and to characterize the capabilities of each system. Our SVC operations are intended to be complementary to SVCs aboard Neil Armstrong, in order to evaluate the Ocean Class vessels (AGOR 27 & 28) collectively.
To be successful, this process needs participation by experienced researchers who can use their knowledge of shipboard scientific operations to evaluate, comment on, and improve the capabilities of Sally Ride.
Scientists will sail aboard science verification cruises and provide input while underway, as well as in summary reports. This feedback will be used to document the performance characteristics of the vessel and all its scientific systems, and to identify areas for improvement. This information will in turn be used to inform the community, and to guide plans for improvement so that Sally Ride can quickly meet the diverse needs of ship users and sponsors.
Science verification cruises will be conducted offshore southern California, lasting five to seven days each. We currently have availability in October 2016 and early January 2017. We anticipate additional opportunities in 2017, contingent on ship scheduling.
We are seeking broad expressions of interest and scientific foci to inform our early planning. If you would be willing to participate in this process, please send an email with the following information:
- Instruments/sensors/scientific systems you use at sea
- Description of how you would use those systems so they could be effectively demonstrated and characterized
- Location of a test survey/sampling area near San Diego
- Length of time at sea required.
- Number of individuals you would bring.
- Dates you are available (range).
- Description of possible multi-disciplinary collaboration at sea, and the names of possible co-investigators.
Funds are available to support the travel and logistical expenses of participants. Ship time will be supported by the Office of Naval Research.
A description of Sally Ride and the scientific systems on board is available at https://scripps.ucsd.edu/ships/sally-ride
For more information, contact Scripps ship scheduler Liz Brenner <ebrenner@ucsd.edu>
*photo by Jeff Dillon, SIO 2014