For the crew the expedition was a routine "shakedown," an opportunity
to practice safety drills and test equipment in preparation for a trip with
the students of Dr. Ben Giese's Oceanography course the next day ("Letter from the students in Oceanography 251").
For oceanography staff, marine science undergraduates, and their families,
the trip provided a glimpse of life aboard a research vessel and the chance
to learn about the tools of oceanography from professionals!
[85K] Oceanography accountant
Cindy Williams (left), her daughter, Molly, and oceanography department
head Dave Brooks watch with fascination as Megan Gardner, the daughter
of Professors Mary Jo Richardson and Wilford Gardner, examines a jar of
plankton caught in a towed filter.
[51K] Assistant professor Mead
Allison explains the operation of oceanographic sampling equipment to physical
oceanography secretary Marcia Arnold and undergraduate Regina Robles.
[85K] Ken Bottom, an oceanography
technician, demonstrates the deployment of a box coring device to marine
sciences undergraduate, Regina Robles.
[60K] Marine Operations Manager
Dean Letzring, Marine Sciences Program Head Tom Schmalz, and Department
of Oceanography Head Dave Brooks enjoy an afternoon at sea.
[51K] Crew members Greg Penton
(right) and Dana Dyer (left) conduct a man-overboard drill.
[60K] Gyre captain
Mike Field explains a nautical chart to Marcia Arnold, the secretary in
physical oceanography.
Oceanography, Texas A&M
University
