NOAA Teacher at Sea
Kimberly Pratt
Onboard NOAA Ship McArthur II
July 2 – 24, 2005
Mission: Ecosystem Wildlife Survey
Geographical Area: Pacific Northwest
Date: July 17, 2005
Crew Interviews: “Dynamite Deck Crew”
If you walk around the McARTHUR II you will encounter hardworking and dedicated Mariners. These individuals are the deck crew. Outside my door every morning is Korie Mielke, diligently sweeping and swabbing the hall. On the deck below you will find Charles Sanford painting along with Dave Hermanson, and Teresa Moss. In the evenings, Jake Longbine operates the cranes and wenches for the CTD tests. Throughout the day you’ll find Steve Pierce and Kevin Lackey busily fixing items or on the bridge.The deck crew is responsible for the operation of all the ship’s machinery. They also paint and clean the ship. They are instrumental in helping the scientists complete their mission assisting with collections and run the small boat operations. A deck hand will do watches as a quartermaster who is a lookout for things that may damage the ship and also report on weather observations. In addition, they drive the ship at the Officer’s command.
The deck crew comes from a variety of backgrounds, some have college degrees, and others have prior military experience. Teresa has a fashion and marketing background. She joined NOAA through her mother who is a security officer for NOAA in Seattle. Charles’ who has a military background often thinks about becoming a teacher. Kevin’s background is in wildlife conservation and his position with NOAA is the first sea duty he’s had. Kevin really likes the variety and has enjoyed going to see Alaska and sail in Russian waters. He, like some of the other deck crew found that being on duty with no weekends is taxing. Also, living and working with other people in a space the size of 224 x 42 ft, (about the size of Cabello’s cluster of classrooms #22 – 26), can be difficult at times. The deck crew like being a part of the McARTHUR II and it is evident by their good nature and hardworking spirits. After porting in San Francisco, they will be headed off to Hawaii – to warmer waters and climates.
School Questions:
Aira grade 5: What is the size of one room on a ship?
Answer: Average size is 10×12
Tania, grade 5 – Where do you guys sleep?
Answer: Some people have a single room with a double sized bed. Others sleep in bunk beds.
Malka, grade 5 – What type of food do you eat?
Answer: The food is very good, usually at every meal there is a meat choice and a vegetarian choice. At lunch and dinner, you can have salad bar and there is always dessert.
