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The first week aboard the R/V Marcus Langseth was an eventful one full of new experiences! While the workflow was initially jarring and hectic, it’s clear the crew, scientists, and technicians aboard the vessal are professionals in handling unexpected situations. Their adaptability and ability to quickly diagnose and solve problems is an impressive sight: I hope to learn more from them during this voyage!

During the time out at sea, I was able to explore the vessel and experience the greatest phenomena of all: Seasickness, induced by the unfamiliar motions of the ship but has subsided since the first day. Despite the ill feeling, it did not diminish my enthusiam in seeing the many features of the vessal with the guidance of Todd and Riley. From the OBS Deck filled with its many instruments to the Main Lab that monitors the majority of the Langseth’s features, the vessel is equipped to handle seismological research. The Main Lab is especially relevant for the required operations: the deployment of OBS’s and the monitoring of seismic airguns that trail behind the ship. Working in tandem, the OBS’s are set out in a 450 km (240 NM) line across the seabed over several days, collect seismological data from the airguns firing above it, and are then retrieved for data collection. Being able to physically handle the equipment and participate in setup and deployment was very enjoyable; personnel like Koray, Klayton, and Aaron were especially helpful as I became familiar with the process. The journey has only begun, yet I’ve experienced so much already, the Marcus G. Langseth keeps moving! Next on the agenda, recovering the devices and disassembly!

Construction of an OBS (Scripps)

Week 8 with JASON/WHOI

By Sarah Sergent

On August 28, 2023

In MATE Blog Archive, R/V Thomas G. Thompson, University of Washington, School of Oceanography

August 21st-August 27th

Two months in and it just keeps getting better! This last week we finished up the first leg of the Kelley Cruise, and even though we had a few weather days, we finished strong with 3 successful dives on Tuesday, August 22nd and were back at port by 6pm. Since these cruises were follow-ups of each other, we were given the day off on Wednesday, August 23rd. It was much needed, and many of us spent the day running into town to get supplies and then ended the evening with a fire on the beach, enjoying the ocean sunset.

This port stop was short lived, and by Thursday, August 24th, we were heading out again by 6am. This time, we transited for 18 hours over to the Mt. Axial locations to continue replacing science equipment. Along the way, we prepped JASON and completed predive checks so it was dive-ready as soon as we got on location. Friday and Saturday 12am-12pm shifts were composed of multiple dives, replacing cameras and junction boxes at various depths ranging from 2000-2200 meters. One of the sites we visited is called the Ashes location and was absolutely stunning! Seeing these hydrothermal vent locations and stacks is definitely a favorite of mine.

Nearing the end of our shift on Saturday, our crew received a distress call from a nearby MBARI team, who lost their AUV in the thermocline area at approximately 60 meters. It was incredible to see not just our JASON team, but the science members and Thompson’s crew all pitch in to help out. I assisted in concocting a quick, clip-on float that we rigged to JASON’s basket that would be connected one of the AUV’s handles, which would give the vehicle enough positive buoyancy to bring it to the surface. In under one hour, we launched JASON with the float and utilized the AUV’s tracking address (provided by MBARI’s team) with our own Sonardyne system to track the AUV. Within 15 minutes, we had visual of the AUV, grabbed onto it with one of JASON’s manips, while the other manip removed the float from the basket and attached it to the AUV’s handle. The Thompson repositioned itself so it would be clear of both JASON and the AUV upon surfacing, and we were able to release the float, which promptly surfaced the AUV within seconds. I was so very excited and proud to be a part of something like this!

Once the AUV was recovered, we began a long transit back to shallower locations (700-800 meters) and spent Sunday, August 27th visually surveying the seafloor and then swapping out junction boxes, cables, and connectors. With only a couple days left of this leg of the cruise, we are hoping to complete all science objectives tomorrow and use the added morning on Tuesday for exploration of uncharted areas.

***Look closely! You can see JASON about to surface (left), the recovered AUV at the surface (above and to the right of JASON), and the vessel in the background (on the right) waiting to swoop in and collect the AUV***

**Here is a shot of the clip-on float we attached to the basket that carried the AUV to the surface (left)

Tip of the week: “Shift and eating adjustments are a must! Plan ahead.”

Changing shifts can be quite the task, especially going from 4hr-split shifts to 12-hr shifts. I am usually in bed early and an early riser, but this shift has me flipping my natural rhythm. I now work 12am-12pm, work out, shower, eat lunch (well, to me it is “late night dinner”) and then try to sleep from 2:30pm-10:30pm. I have struggled with falling asleep, especially since I am used to split shifts and only sleeping 4-6 hours. As I start to adjust, we then head into port, where we flip back to day shift for only a day or two, and then switch right back to our 12-hr shifts. I continuously plan my days out to be sure I am resting enough, but also eating too! Since I work at unregular serving times, I tend to stash meals from one day to eat that following morning from 12am-8am. So when I wake up before my midnight shift start, I have a sort of “breakfast” and “lunch” option. Otherwise, you can get stuck in the cycle of grazing through the sugary snack treats available in the mess throughout the night. I have been nicknamed “the squirrel” since I squirrel away meals for my next midnight shift. In the end, I feel better with the healthier options and have more energy without the sugar crash later on. Just a little something to think about if you consider working in this field!

Week 1 – Haley Holcomb

By Haley Holcomb

On August 26, 2023

In MATE Blog Archive, R/V Atlantis, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

I made it! After a few delays from the hurricane in California, I flew into Portland and stayed in an airport hotel for the night. The next morning, I met up with the Sentry Team in the lobby to drive down to Astoria together. We stayed one more night in a hotel there before boarding the Atlantis.

The crane we were meant to use broke down, so we had a bit of delay getting our equipment on the boat. I got to watch the team’s software engineer update Alvin’s GUI while we waited, which was really interesting to me because it closely aligned with the work I’d been doing back home. I also unpacked my room and got a tour of the boat. Seeing how big it is really calmed my nerves and I got even more excited for the weeks ahead. To make better use of our time, we ended up carrying a lot of our things onto the ship, but eventually Sentry and the vans made it on with a new crane.

Once we had everything we needed, we unpacked our lab and set up the equipment. My first mechanical task was to connect and test the hoses for Sentry’s cooling system. I also put batteries into the beacons and strobes and cleaned their o-rings. We ended the day with dinner on shore and a quick stop at a department store before returning to the boat for our first night sleeping on board.

The next morning, I wiped our drives and assembled Sentry’s recovery poles. The stores came in, so we formed an assembly line to get the food from the freight elevator to the fridge/freezer/pantry. Everyone on board has some really cool stories from other research cruises and I had a great time chatting with them and getting to know everyone between loads.

When that was finished up, I comped and bled Sentry’s servos, junction boxes, and thrusters. Bleeding for air is necessary because any air in the lines would compress upon descent, potentially allowing seawater into the system. I also installed the wings as well as the beacons and strobes I had assembled the previous day. We took a break from working on the vehicle for an orientation meeting to discuss life on the boat and to meet all of the scientists. Afterwards, my roommate and I secured the van for sea. This turned out to be very hard work with so many heavy boxes, but by the end, I felt like I had finally familiarized myself with the layout of the boat.

We set sail around 10:00 this morning. I was really worried about getting sea sick, but (knock on wood) the water has been relatively calm. My chief complaint is that I wore one of those behind-the-ear patches and must have accidentally touched it and then touched my eyes in my sleep last night because I’ve barely been able to see all day. My pupils are enormous. While I was fine helping with mechanical things, I couldn’t read anything for the life of me and it was very unsettling.

The electrical engineer on the team taught me how he pots cables and I ballasted Sentry with lead weights. We also participated in a safety orientation and drill for emergency ship abort procedures. I was shown the emergency exit closest to my room, which happens to be through the engine room, so I got to briefly see that. I also installed Sentry’s propellers and learned how to tie up taglines.

We did a deck test that involved turning the beacons on and off, using a controller to test the propellers/wings, and checking the drop weight triggers. The day culminated in a meeting where the scientists shared their goals for the trip and I have a much better understanding of our mission now. Yesterday was a very long day so we’re turning in early tonight, but we’ll be up bright and early for Sentry’s first dive tomorrow!

Week 1: Atlantic Explorer

By Harpoon Seabring

On August 26, 2023

In Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences & Arizona State University, MATE Blog Archive, R/V Atlantic Explorer

My introductory post is here

I arrived in Bermuda on Monday just before a brief downpour of rain. Just after boarding the RV Atlantic Explorer, I was informed of a change of plans. Our first cruise was meant to leave later in the week, giving me a couple days in port to get ready and acclimate to the ship. However, in response to the approaching tropical storms, the departure date was moved up to Tuesday. Lydia, my mentor and one of the ship’s marine techs, immediately started giving me a tour of the place. At the same time, our visitors from NIOZ (Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research) brought their equipment aboard and prepared for their experimentation.

Once the cruise got going, each of our days were basically laid out the same way. We deployed a VMP 6000, a device which belongs to our visitors, then lowered our CTD (pictured later in this post) to a depth just above the bottom of the ocean, raised the CTD back up, recovered the VMP 6000, then set out to find and recover mooring lines, one line each day, that our visitors deployed over a year ago.

Unfortunately, however, recovering said mooring lines was never an easy task. Out of the four lines, three were missing the uppermost section, making them difficult to bring aboard. One was missing entirely, perhaps still underwater, perhaps broken and floating off to who knows where. Every day, it took hours to locate the mooring lines. I spent those times circling the bridge deck, staring into the ocean looking for small buoys that marked the upper end of the mooring, but finding nothing but water and sargassum. Once a buoy was spotted by someone aboard, we then spent hours hauling the lines onto the ship by winch, a process that generally stretched well into the evening.

One of the mooring line’s buoys

While I may seem a little unenthused by this tedious process, I want to make it clear that I’m having the time of my life. Being able to have a hands-on interaction with this research project is very fun. I enjoy hearing about the NIOZ team’s various educational backgrounds, and their past projects. As the week goes on, I am able to do more significant tasks. Lydia has been finding good places to slot me into the process of CTD deployment and mooring recovery so that I can get some experience under my belt.

Running the CTD has been my favorite part, by far. Everything from setting up the device, launching the device into the water, running up to the bridge to begin data collection, communicating with the winch operator, watching the data plot itself, and bringing the device back on board with a winch and three control lines (one which I get to handle), is an intricate and engaging process. On the last day of CTD deployment, just for fun, our visitors sent down a mesh bag with styrofoam cups that were compressed by the extreme water pressure.

Me climbing on the CTD

Outside of the work, I am adjusting to the ship just fine. The food is wonderful, everyone is welcoming, and I sleep very well, even when I’m a little seasick. The onboard stationary bike is especially delightful. In fact, my laptop is zip tied to the handlebars as I write this. We are coming into port soon, and I look forward to exploring Bermuda for a bit before hurricane Franklin hits.

Next week I’ll be starting on some personal projects, and I’ll get to tell you about it in my next post!

7th week at sea with JASON/WHOI

By Sarah Sergent

On August 21, 2023

In MATE Blog Archive, R/V Thomas G. Thompson, University of Washington, School of Oceanography

My oh my, how the time is flying by! Another week in the books from Monday August 14th to Monday, August 21st of the first leg in the Kelley Cruise series. This leg focused on utilizing JASON to carry down equipment ranging from BEPs (benthic environment profilers), to junction boxes (power supply boxes essentially), and undervators which are extremely large and heavy under-water elevators (thus the name undervator) which we used to transport camera and light systems to the seafloor.

We started out of port on Monday and immediately switched to our 12-hour shifts. I was assigned to the 12am-12pm shift, which took a couple days to adjust to. This is set up so teams can work 24/7, with each team consisting of 5 people: 2 pilots, 1 engineering position, 1 navigator, and 1 data/support person. My role continues to be in the engineering position. This expedition entailed multiple dives each shift usually. We would latch JASON onto the science equipment on deck, crane it over, and gently fly it to the seafloor where the rov would detach, assemble, plug in, and turn on these pieces to start collecting data. Once completed, JASON would then load up the older equipment and bring it up, where it was unloaded on deck. This swapping of equipment was done quickly but carefully. The larger loads can be dangerous to launch with JASON, especially when applying the tether floats in large swells. The load sway can create slack in the tether cable and then snap back with thousands of pounds of force, so communication with the football handlers (myself included) and the crane operator were very important.

Our multi-dive shifts continued throughout the week until the weather worsened with high winds, waves, and large swells. Unfortunately, this led to a weather hold which lasted Saturday and Sunday. By Monday morning the weather calmed, and we were able to get back to diving! We started out at an 80-meter site, which is a new one for me! These shallow dives can be very challenging, but we were able to launch a dive test first at 9am and successfully completed it. By 11:15am we recovered JASON and finished post dive checks so that the next shift would be dive-ready!

We only have 1 more day left before returning to port, but the new experiences I have gained in the last week alone is incredible! I look forward to what tomorrow brings!

Tip of the week: “Team building is a must.”

In a career like this one, you become close with the members of your team not just because you are on a ship for weeks on end, but because you work together for a goal: to maintain and operate JASON to complete all science objectives. All aspects of doing this requires a level of trust and respect, knowing that we each have a vital position in making this happen. There was no better representation of this than a few days ago, when the weather worsened, and my team had to recover JASON carrying a heavy BEP in the dark. Myself and another team member were removing the tether floats, timing each one just right to avoid the dangers of the slack-snap but without seeing the wave actions. Thankfully, our crane operator had a light out to monitor the water and would call out to us when the small few seconds of a window would open for us to safely get in and remove a float. Yes, this process took some time, but we were able to finish it without injury, and safely load both JASON and the BEP back onto the deck. Without this trust and communication, the likelihood of a serious injury happening would be extremely high. I consider myself privileged to be working alongside these amazing individuals.

Week 0 – Haley Holcomb

By Haley Holcomb

On August 19, 2023

In MATE Blog Archive, R/V Atlantis, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Hi! My name is Haley and I’m going to be graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara in June. I am studying mechanical engineering and am interested in developing underwater vehicles and oceanographic instruments.

I am flying into Oregon on Monday to meet up with WHOI’s Sentry Team and board the R/V Atlantis. We will be at sea from Wednesday the 23rd until September 17th supporting research on the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents. We will first collect CTD profiles directly over the two sites to calculate the heat output at each vent and to collect plume samples. Once that data has been recorded, we will deploy AUV Sentry to survey the area around the sites.

I have gained some experience with this equipment working with the Coastal Oceanography and Autonomous Systems Lab at my school. Our most recent project culminated in a trip to Maryland to conduct field work with our AUV on the Chesapeake Bay. This was my first experience working on a research vessel and I loved every minute of it, but we were only at sea during the day so my trip with the Sentry Team will be my first time living aboard one. I’ll attach some pictures from that trip!

Week 0 R/V Neil Armstrong: Intern Introduction

By Cassie Ferrante

On August 19, 2023

In MATE Blog Archive, R/V Neil Armstrong, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Hi everyone!

My name is Cassie Ferrante and I will be the UNOLS-MATE intern on the upcoming R/V Neil Armstrong voyage. We’re scheduled to sail from Reykjavík, Iceland to Greenland, then back home to Woods Hole, MA from the end of August through September. Our main science objective is to recover and replace the NSF Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Irminger Sea Array in an area southeast of Greenland.

Some background on me:
In 2020, I graduated from Colgate University in Upstate New York with a degree in Marine-Freshwater Science. Due to covid travel restrictions, I participated in my study abroad program after graduation. In 2021, I joined Sea Education Association’s Ocean and Climate Program, sailing from California to Hawaii. I absolutely loved sailing and couldn’t wait to get back on the water. Last year, I sailed on the NOAA R/V Okeanos Explorer as an explorer-in-training, a similar internship program to this one except more of a focus on seafloor mapping. Since then, I’ve participated in two terms with the NASA DEVELOP program in Wyoming and Alabama using NASA Earth satellite observations to address local environmental concerns.

I’m thrilled to join the Armstrong and to meet everyone soon!! I’ll be traveling around Iceland for a few days before meeting the boat. 🙂

Intern Introduction

By Nikko Hernandez

On August 18, 2023

In Columbia University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, MATE Blog Archive, R/V Marcus G. Langseth

Greetings Everyone!

My name is Nikko Hernandez and I am a recent graduate from the Florida Institute of Technology having received my Bachelor of Science in the field of Meteorology. Since my graduation, I have worked as an environmental specialist. I have since stayed with the company until being selected by the UNOLS-MATE Program and have taken a leave of absence.

While I am a new to both residence aboard a vessel and the maritime field, I intend to be adaptable and broaden my viewpoint. I also hope to apply the skills I’ve gained during my employment and from my hobby in automotive repair to strengthen my foundation. I am an avid learner and strive to constantly improve myself, I am incredibly grateful for my selection onboard the R/V Marcus Langseth!

6th week with JASON/WHOI

By Sarah Sergent

On August 14, 2023

In MATE Blog Archive, R/V Thomas G. Thompson, University of Washington, School of Oceanography

6th week with JASON – WHOI

Monday, August 7th – Sunday, August 13th

The new week marked the end of the Orcutt Cruise as we began transit back to port. Unfortunately we hit a few “bumps” in the cruise and are heading home with a faulty winch/level-wind system and an elusive ground fault in the temperature probe that we have been unable to track down. The demob kicked off with emptying the vehicle’s oils to remove science cables from the j-boxes, repeated test casts to try and identify the level-wind issue, and clearing out the rov’s front basket to prepare for the next mission.

Once at port, the team detached JASON’s sled and swapped it out for a heavier, slightly shorter sled made for the heavy lifting Kelley Cruise. The last cruise is actually broken up into 4 legs, each lasting between 1-2 weeks and will go until the end of my at-sea internship, approximately September 20th. The days this week were spent mobilizing for this new, highly-technical cruise. I have been informed that when we leave port, the first dive will be within a couple hours and only 80 meters deep. We will be launching JASON up to 5 times a day to transport equipment to the seafloor, bring up old set-ups, and make adjustments/altercations as requested by the science/engineering party. The shifts will also be changing to 12 hour on/off shifts. Each shift will consist of 5 people; 3 in the control van and 2 on deck for launch/recoveries. This is a welcome change from the split shifts primarily because during your 12 hours off, you get the full 12 hours. Even if there are issues with the vehicle, the shift that is on is the only one that responds.

The weekend was spent reterminating the tether cable and completing a pull test. After that was successful, I was able to spend an afternoon prepping and splicing the optical fibers, fed it into JASON’s mainframe, connected and tested them to ensure acceptable light levels. It was my first solo optical fiber term and I was able to do it next to the vehicle, during high wind gusts, and constant crane operations overhead. It tested my focus but I really enjoyed doing it!

By Sunday, we finished all repairs and maintenance and were ready to leave port. Unfortunately, due to high winds offshore, the departure was pushed to tomorrow. I am looking forward to the new style of dives and fast-paced, technical aspects of this cruise.

Tip of the week: “Treat yourself”

It can be hard being away from home/family for long periods of time, but one perk of coming back to port is that you can receive packages that either were sent to you or that you ordered. Since coming out, I have ordered some colder-weather gear and it was almost Christmas-like when we loaded everyone’s mail onto the ship. Some people get mail from their loved ones, and others get the packages and shipments they purchased while at sea. It is also a nice treat to order some snacks or healthy options (whatever you prefer) to have while you are working. There are some snacks/food in the mess hall, but there is something special about having your own little snack station at your desk area. The comfort of your favorite treat is a little reprieve you can get while so far away from home.

For me, I like to have a bag of jerky, honey roasted pistachios, peanut butter m&m’s, electrolyte packets to flavor my water, and protein powder to have. It is a little mix of healthy and snacky that suits me just right!

Week 2: Over too Soon

By Adam Ensminger

On August 10, 2023

In MATE Blog Archive, R/V Thomas G. Thompson, University of Washington, School of Oceanography

During week two we hit our stride with diving and in turn, I feel like I got into a routine. During the cruise, I worked the 8-12 shift, working 4s was a new concept to me. This took some initial adjustment as I was unable to get a full eight hours of sleep in one go. I eventually settled into a routine of sleeping 6 hours at night and taking a two-hour nap during the day. We continued to have fantastic weather and we even saw the northern lights! I don’t think we could’ve asked for better conditions.

Despite our trouble launching at the start of the trip, we eventually had back-to-back successful dives and even found ourselves ahead of schedule at one point. When this happens the Jason team allows time for pilot training, during which I was allowed to pilot and operate the arms! Being able to control Jason was easily the highlight of my trip, it was such a cool experience. The breakdown of diving operations is fascinating to me. On each watch, three operators act as pilot, engineer, and navigator. The pilot is responsible for the operation of the vehicle and dictates to the rest of the team how to assist the vehicle. The navigator’s primary responsibility is to coordinate with the bridge on moving the ship, and the engineer helps run the cameras, winch, and auxiliary Jason functions (like the hydraulics and power).

Further into the cruise, we ended up having more difficulties. The level wind system to coil cable was acting up and the team spent much of their free time trying to fix this issue (including the transit back to shore). Once on shore we had a post-cruise party and continued maintenance Jason. I departed on the 9th. As quickly as it started my time aboard the Thompson has ended, I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity. It has truly been life-changing

My brief stint as pilot:

Me assisting in post dive check of Jason: