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Eleventh Coast Guard District |
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| NEWS RELEASE |
DATE: CONTACT: |
March 28, 2009 LTJG Tasha N. Thomas (206) 217-6300 Ext. 0 |
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USCGC Healy to pull into Dutch Harbor after first phase of scientific research patrol |
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DUTCH HARBOR, Alaska -- The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy is scheduled to pull into port, here, Tuesday, for supplies and personnel, after completing the first phase of a Bering Ecosystem Study patrol, a multi-year research program sponsored by the National Science Foundation. BEST is an on-going study of how marine microorganisms, plants, animals, and local human communities, are affected by the retreat and decrease in duration of sea-ice throughout the Bering Sea. Dr. Carin Ashjian, leading scientist of the program, explained that their work was focused on improving the ecological understanding of the Bering Sea.
Healy is designed to conduct a wide range of research activities, providing more than 4,200 square-feet of scientific laboratory space, numerous electronic sensor systems, oceanographic winches, and accommodations for up to 50 scientists. Healy is also designed to break a little over four feet of ice, continuously, at three knots and can operate in temperatures as low as negative 50 F. At a time when scientific interest in the Arctic Ocean basin is intensifying, Healy substantially enhances the United States Arctic research capability. Healy will not be available for tours.
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