Category: David Babich

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David Babich, July 13, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
David Babich
Onboard NOAA Ship Fairweather
July 5 -14, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Date: July 13, 2006

Weather Data 
WX Cloudy, fog
Wind  NW 20 kts
Sea 6ft
Temp 50’s

The Shumagin Islands’ spectacular scenery
The Shumagin Islands’ spectacular scenery

Science and Technology 

For the past 30 hours the FAIRWEATHER has been on route back to port. We had beautiful weather most of the way back, which made it perfect for whale watching. Yesterday evening, many of the crew made their way out to the ship’s bow to watch at least 8-10 humpback whales swimming around the ship. It seemed like everywhere you looked, you saw another whale spout. It was quite exciting, as we all were snapping pictures trying to get the perfect shot. Unfortunately, they were just a little too far away. Later in the evening, the ship stopped to let some of the crew (those with valid fishing licenses) get a chance to do a little fishing. Several had good luck in catching halibut, before the ship had to continue on the voyage back to port. The FAIRWEATHER arrived back at port today at 11:00am. This gives the officers and crew time to prepare for tomorrow’s Fleet Inspection.

FAIRWEATHER Profile: Able Seaman Emily Evans 

More spectacular scenery.
More spectacular scenery.

Emily works in the Deck Department where she is responsible for a variety of duties. She is in charge of cleaning and general maintenance of the ship as well as operates cranes, stands bridge and anchor watch, and pilots the small boats (she drove the survey launch I was on). Not a position you might expect from someone with a B.S. degree in Physics!

Emily grew up in New York, close to Lake Ontario, and raced sailboats competitively. After college, Emily soon realized she wanted to get back to what she loved doing – sailing. She spent the next five years working on sailboats, primarily teaching environmental science classes aboard educational vessels and sailing skills. But she wanted to work with serious boat people. After discounted shipping out commercially, feeling it wouldn’t be stimulating enough, she looked into NOAA. It became a perfect fit!

Able Seaman Emily Evans is relaxing in the ship’s mess hall.
Able Seaman Emily Evans is relaxing in the ship’s mess hall.

Working for NOAA has everything Emily was looking for – a serious, science oriented experience that has a lot of variety and opportunities. She actually heard about NOAA through her older brother, Ben. Ben happens to be the Field Operations Officer on the RAINIER. So it is very comforting to know she has family close by. Emily loves being on the water and driving the small boats. She feels very fortunate to be able to see parts of the country like Alaska that very few people get a chance to see. For now, she is just savoring her time aboard ship. She is studying to get certified for the survey department which will provide many more opportunities for her in the future.

Personal Log 

I’ve had a wonderful ten days in Alaska!  I want to thank everyone at NOAA and especially the officers and crew of the FAIRWEATHER for allowing me to join them for this leg of their hydrography season.  The knowledge I’ve gained from this experience will be shared with my students for years to come!

The NOAA ship FAIRWEATHER off the coast of the Shumagin Islands.
The NOAA Ship FAIRWEATHER off the coast of the Shumagin Islands.
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David Babich, July 11, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
David Babich
Onboard NOAA Ship Fairweather
July 5 -14, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Date: July 11, 2006

Weather Data 
WX Cloudy, fog
Wind  NW 25kts
Sea 8ft
Temps 50’s

The Ambar boat leaves the FAIRWEATHER for the shore.
The Ambar boat leaves the FAIRWEATHER for the shore.

Science and Technology 

Today was the last full day of hydrography before heading back to port. The ship planned to take full advantage of the time.  Starting off at 8:15, the small Ambar boat aboard the FAIRWEATHER was launched. The Ambar is about 20 feet long with a shallow reinforced hull to make it ideal for getting even closer to shore than the survey launches. The Ambar’s mission is to check for hazards close to shore that were previously detected. While the Ambar is out working the coastline, the FAIRWEATHER continued surveying in the deeper water, making it a very productive day.

The Ambar boat heads out to see if certain hazards detected by LIDAR were accurate. Several days ago, the FAIRWEATHER welcomed aboard a senior hydrographic surveyor, James Guilford, from the Tenix LADS Company. He was here to support his product – LIDAR. NOAA works with several independent companies that uses a different hydrographic technology called LIDAR. LIDAR is a laser that is used from planes rather than boats. These planes generally fly at between 1,200 and 2,300 feet along mainly coastline, to survey those difficult areas that are hard to reach by boat. The LIDAR can generally reach water depths of 20-25 feet and can be used 24 hours a day. The only drawback is that the LIDAR has trouble penetrating the water surface when there are obstructions like heavy kelp areas or whitewater. However, between data collect from the boats and planes, NOAA can create a very complete survey of an area.

Commander Beaver stands next to a coast guard rescue helicopter at their base in Kodiak, Alaska.
Commander Beaver stands next to a coast guard rescue helicopter at their base in Kodiak, Alaska.

Personal Log 

I have been amazed at how smoothly the ship operates 24 hours a day. It can be a bit overwhelming watching the crew head to their posts and rotating through the mess hall throughout the day. At first, I found life at sea a bit of an adjustment, but then you fall into a routine and it becomes easier.  As a visitor to the ship, it can be a bit hard because you have no set role. Those crew members new to the ship that have a specific job seem to quickly adjust. I don’t know if I would ever make a very good sailor, but it is fun to get a little taste of what it is like at sea.

FAIRWEATHER Profile: Commander Andrew Beaver

The FAIRWEATHER recently underwent a change of command. Commander Andrew Beaver officially took command in June of 2006. The FAIRWEATHER is fortunate to have been assigned such an experienced commander. However, you would never have expected it based on his upbringing. Commander Beaver was born and raised on a 180 acre farm in Iowa, where his family raised corn, soybeans, and pigs.  In fact, he could easily have followed his father’s footsteps and become a farmer.  However, he went on to Iowa State where he graduated from Agriculture Engineering. After graduating, jobs were not readily available, so Commander Beaver pursued the NOAA corps. It provided many unique opportunities and he took to life on a ship right away.

Before joining the FAIRWEATHER, Commander Beaver was assigned to a variety of posts including service with the NOAA Diving Program office, Navigation, Field Operations and Executive officer of the WHITING, and also Commander of the NOAA ship RUDE. Commander Beaver and his family are delighted to be here in Alaska.  Everyone is very nice and his home port in Ketchikan even reminds him of the small towns in Iowa where he grew up. His family loves the beauty and wildlife of Alaska.  He feels it’s a wonderful place to bring up a family.

He is enjoying the new challenges of his new job and getting to know the ship’s crew.  The surveying has been different because the coastline is more sheer in Alaska, whereas on the east coast it tends to be more gradual.  He loves the fact that there is a lot less boat traffic on the water and that the remoteness of his survey work forces the ship to be more self-sufficient.

NOAA provides employees a variety of opportunities.  Commander Beaver always enjoyed knowing that every 3-4 years he can move on and try something different.  He would encourage any student interested in the math and sciences to look into employment opportunities like those found with NOAA.  NOAA allows you to “make a difference in the world” and you would be “doing something that your parents and grandparents would be proud of”!

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David Babich, July 9, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
David Babich
Onboard NOAA Ship Fairweather
July 5 -14, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Date: July 9, 2006

A Humpback whale breeching off the FAIRWEATHER’s stern.
A Humpback whale breeching off the stern.

Weather 
WX Rain Wind ESE 20 kts
Sea 14ft Temps  50’s

Science and Technology 

The ship has been on “24-hour Ship Hydro” all day, and for the foreseeable future.  When the weather is a bit rough, like we have now, we can not send out the smaller boats to survey areas closer to shore. This rougher weather, however, is not a problem for the well-built FAIRWEATHER.  Each day, the navigational officer and the survey technicians decide what area in the deeper water needs surveying.  This area is then further broken up into smaller, more manageable polygons.  Each small polygon is created based on the expected depth of the sea.  They try to make the smaller polygons of similar depths.  The FAIRWEATHER can then can pass over these areas using similar radar to that used on the smaller survey launches, except radar more appropriate for deeper water. The FAIRWEATHER can continue this mapping of the ocean bottom around the clock for many days in a row.  When the weather starts to calm down, the ship will then return to more off-shore surveying.

Physical Scientist Megan Palmer takes a break before her survey watch begins.
Physical Scientist Megan Palmer takes a break before her survey watch begins.

Personal Log 

While out in deeper water, I’ve enjoyed standing on the bridge watching and looking out over the ocean. Today we were fortunate to see humpback whales playing in the waters close to the boat. First, you spot the waterspout shooting out over the water’s surface. Then if you’re lucky, about a minute later you’ll see the whale breech, or jump out of the water.  When a whale breeches, a cheer is heard from everyone in the bridge, as it’s a special show for even the experienced sailor.  The two types of whales most common in the area are Minke and Humpback whales, but I’m still holding out hope I’ll see some Orca’s!

FAIRWEATHER Profile: Physical Scientist Megan Palmer Megan is one of three physical scientists currently aboard ship. She actually works at NOAA’s home office in Seattle but rotates out to ships several times each year. She is currently spending six weeks on the FAIRWEATHER and earlier in this year spent a month out at sea in Hawaii with another NOAA ship. Her role on the FAIRWEATHER varies. She’s primarily here to offer support wherever needed. She helps review survey’s, train employees, helps facilitate communication between the ship and home office, as well as increase her own awareness of what goes on aboard ship.

At an early age, Megan wanted to be an architect.  However, she was always interested in the math and sciences.  In college at Frostburg State she greatly enjoyed taking environmental classes which eventually led her to a degree in geography. It wasn’t long before Megan found a position with NOAA and has been very happy ever since. She loves being on water, although she admits it can sometimes be a love/hate relationship. At times you just want off the boat.  But the ability to use her geography background and the many opportunities NOAA offers employees, really excites her about this job.

For those girls thinking about a possible career with NOAA, Megan says, “Go for it. Don’t be intimidated by math and science courses.”  After all, one third of the personnel aboard the FAIRWEATHER are female, including women in the deck department, officers, survey department, and scientists!

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David Babich, July 7, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
David Babich
Onboard NOAA Ship Fairweather
July 5 -14, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Date: July 7, 2006

Physical Scientist Martha Herzog monitors data being received from the survey launch’s sonar.
Physical Scientist Martha Herzog monitors data being received from the survey launch’s sonar.

Weather Report 
WX some rain, patchy fog
Wind NW 15kt
Sea 2-4 ft
Temp low 60’s

Science and Technology Log

Today was yet another exciting experience out at sea.  I was aboard one of two survey launches sent out to survey designated areas around Andronica Island in the Shumagin Islands.  These 30-foot boats weigh a substantial 6-7 tons, making it a comfortable ride in and out of the waters around the island. Each boat is equipped with the latest sonar equipment to accurately map the ocean bottom. Surprisingly, most of the area was last surveyed in 1953, and some areas weren’t surveyed since the 1920’s! Once we arrived at our starting point, we sent down a CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth) device. This device tells the survey technicians the conditions of the water, to accurately interpret the sonar.

A raft of Steller Sea Lions sunning themselves off the Shumagin Islands.
A raft of Steller Sea Lions sunning themselves off the Shumagin Islands.

We ended up taking several CTD readings throughout the day, to make sure the conditions in the water haven’t changed.  Once the CTD readings were done, the survey launch proceeded to conduct the survey of the designated areas. Before we left the FAIRWEATHER, we were given small areas around the island to survey. The survey launch goes back and forth over these areas, generally parallel to shore. It is much like mowing your lawn. As the launch goes over the area, it sends out sonar beams down to the ocean floor.  By recording how quickly the beams bounce off the ocean floor and return to the launch, the computers can determine how deep it is.  It will clearly identify any places where shallow rocks or other obstacles may be a hazard.  This survey will make it safe for other boats to navigate around the area without any surprises.

Teacher at Sea Dave Babich sits on Survey launch with Steller Sea Lions in background.
Teacher at Sea Dave Babich sits on Survey launch with Steller Sea Lions in background.

Personal Log 

Throughout the day, I marveled at the beauty of the lush, but rocky islands surrounding us.  These islands are home to millions of birds, the most entertaining being the puffin.  Often the survey launch will startle some puffins floating on the water, sending them in all directions. Unfortunately with their fat, little bodies, it can be quite a chore for them to get airborne. When the water is choppy, many times they fly right into waves, unable to rise above them!  However, once in the air they are quite maneuverable. The highlight of the day, however, was passing a low, flat, rocky outcrop with a raft of Steller Sea Lions sunning themselves in the late afternoon. The size of some of the male sea lions was extraordinary. They didn’t seem to mind us driving past at first, but something evidently spooked them.  About half the sea lions jumped into the ocean with amazing speed. It is hard to imagine animals that large moving so quickly!

After a day on the water, I had new appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the scientists and survey technicians that collect and analyze all the data. It is challenging work and a tribute to the dedication of the NOAA personnel aboard the FAIRWEATHER.

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David Babich, July 6, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
David Babich
Onboard NOAA Ship Fairweather
July 5 -14, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Date: July 6, 2006

Weather Report 
WX some rain, patchy fog
Wind NW 15kt
Sea 2-4 ft
Temp low 60’s

The FAIRWEATHER officers listen to a briefing about the helicopter rescue drill planned for later in the day.
The FAIRWEATHER officers listen to a briefing about the helicopter rescue drill planned for later in the day.

Science and Technology Log 

Yesterday, the crew was excited about a planned safety drill with the U.S. Coast Guard. We were going to have a Coast Guard helicopter meet us out at sea and conduct some drills raising and lowering the emergency rescue basket. Very few crewmembers had experienced the excitement of the helicopter hovering over the ship simulating rescue missions.  The ships officers attended a briefing in the morning to discuss plans for later in the afternoon. Unfortunately, due to some mechanical problems aboard ship, the drill was forced to be cancelled. The FAIRWEATHER finally headed out to sea around 1:00 pm, towards the Shumagin Islands.  It would take about 36 hours to reach the Shumagins, which gave me a chance to adjust to time at sea. The next morning, the FAIRWEATHER survey technicians began data collection. Even though we hadn’t reached our starting point yet, data on the profile of the ocean bottom is still being collected. One instrument the survey technicians need to send out periodically is called the CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) device. This device is sent down to the bottom of the ocean to collect data about the current conditions of the ocean.  This data is then used to help develop the profile of the ocean bottom.

The FAIRWEATHER crew getting ready to lower the CTD device into the ocean
The FAIRWEATHER crew getting ready to lower the CTD device into the ocean

Later in the afternoon, the crew went through both fire and abandon ship drills. The drills were both thorough and precise. Everyone on ship has a role to carry out and they are expected to be in the right place at the right time. It was comforting to see such a commitment to boat safety being emphasized.  The crew was very well prepared and professional throughout the drills.

FAIRWEATHER Profile: Ensign Michael Gonzalves Mike was the first member of the FAIRWEATHER crew I met.  As one of the junior officers, he welcomed me aboard ship and gave me a brief orientation and tour of the ship. Mike’s main duty is as a navigational officer. As a navigational officer, his duties might include things like laying out all tracks for the ship, keeping charts up to date, and overseeing the navigational duties of others aboard ship. In addition, all officers are scientists, so they do everything the survey technicians do as well!

Teacher at Sea Dave Babich trying on the survival (or “Gumby”) suit during an abandon ship drill.
Teacher at Sea Dave Babich trying on the survival (or “Gumby”) suit during an abandon ship drill.

Mike is a graduate of Florida Tech with B.S. degrees in both Applied Mathematics and Oceanography. His Masters degree in Applied Mathematics allowed him to teach for three years at Florida Tech before pursuing his career at NOAA. He greatly enjoys the ongoing challenges that his job provides.  In addition, NOAA personnel rotate every two years from posts on ship to posts on land.  So every few years, Mike will experience a new location, a new job position, and new challenges!  He may be in Alaska today, but then in Mississippi, Hawaii or Antarctica two years from now. NOAA offers a wide range of opportunities for students interested in a science field.  Mike’s advice to students who might be interested in a science career is that “You can do anything that you want. There is so much out there.  Don’t limit your options.  Keep an open mind”.

ENS Michael Gonzalves reviewing data during a recent hydrography run.
ENS Michael Gonzalves reviewing data during a recent hydrography run.
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David Babich, July 4, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
David Babich
Onboard NOAA Ship Fairweather
July 5 -14, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Date: July 4, 2006

My First Full Day 

Today is an off day for many of the crew.  It’s the last day to relax and rest up before setting sail tomorrow.  I joined Scott Sherman and Ellen Sanford (both visiting from NOAA’s base in Silver Spring, MD), to explore the island a little.  The island is beautiful, with lush, green mountains throughout.  We were in search of seeing some of the island’s wildlife, and spotted some bald eagles and Sitka deer. In the afternoon, a picnic was planned in a nearby state park for the crews of the FAIRWEATHER and RAINIER. We had beautiful weather, and a perfect day to celebrate the Fourth of July on the last day before we set sail.  Everyone from both crews has been so nice and friendly, making it very easy to fit in!

The crews of the FAIRWEATHER and RANIER relax at a Fourth of July picnic.
The crews of the FAIRWEATHER and RAINIER relax at a Fourth of July picnic.

Do to some unforeseen circumstances, we have had some difficulties sending and retrieving our email.  Fortunately, most of the glitches have been worked out and we’re up and running. I can now be reached at david.babich@noaa.gov. I look forward to answering any questions about the cruise.

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David Babich, July 3, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
David Babich
Onboard NOAA Ship Fairweather
July 5 -14, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Date: July 3, 2006

The FAIRWEATHER CDR, Andrew L. Beaver, prepares to bat as ENS Gonsalves looks on.
The FAIRWEATHER CDR, Andrew L. Beaver, prepares to bat as ENS Gonsalves looks on.

My Arrival 

I had picture perfect weather for most of my long trip from Detroit to Kodiak, Alaska.  The sights as the plane crossed over western Canada and southern Alaska were stunning!  The ice-capped mountains and vast glaciers looked impressive, as sunshine lit up the region. My last leg from Anchorage to Kodiak Island wasn’t as spectacular, as I was greeted with cloudy, grey conditions. However, the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the FAIRWEATHER crew, as I arrived just in time for the big FAIRWEATHER versus RAINIER softball game!

After ten hours in the air and a four-hour time change, I was ready to just relax, but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to watch the FAIRWEATHER crew beat up on RAINIER once again. Recently, the two ships play a softball game whenever they find themselves in port together, and the trash talk was flying! Alas, RAINIER avenged their last defeat by beating FAIRWEATHER 16-10, but it was a spirited game.  It was also a wonderful way to meet members of both crews in an informal atmosphere.  I knew this would be a great crew to spend the next two weeks with!

It was a fight to stay awake, and I finally relented and went to sleep at 10:00, even though fireworks were planned for that night! Since it doesn’t get dark in this part of Alaska until midnight, the fireworks would have to start without me.  It’s very odd to be in a part of the world where it doesn’t get dark until 12 a.m. and daybreak begins at 4a.m.!  Hopefully I’ll be back on a normal schedule tomorrow.