Jeff Lawrence 2006 – NOAA Teacher at Sea Blog

June 2, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, June 2, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: June 2, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge as of 0730 Hours:
Visibility: 10.0 miles
Wind direction: 0 deg. (N)
Wind Speed: 0 calm
Sea level pressure: 1005
Temperature: 48 deg. wet/dry 51 deg.

Science and Technology Log

Today is my last full day on the RAINIER. We came into port at Juneau this morning. Today I will tour around Juneau trying to see and do as many things as I can since I am leaving early in the morning to fly back to Oklahoma. The trip from Hot Springs Bay to Juneau last night was beautiful and spectacular. The crew of the RAINIER did an excellent job piloting the ship through some treacherous narrows. They know these waters well since they have surveyed most of this part of Alaska. Captain Guy Noll has a lot of experience in these waters and has a well-trained crew.

Personal Log

I have thoroughly enjoyed my trip and want to thank NOAA personally for allowing me this opportunity to live and work aboard the RAINIER. This trip has provided with memories that will last a lifetime and I am thrilled I took the time to apply and come to Alaska. Alaska is such a beautiful stat—every American should put it on their schedule of things to do. There is so much to see and experience. NOAA gave me the opportunity at literally no cost to myself. I also learned a lot of about what NOAA scientists are doing in Alaskan waters as well as around the world.

I would also like to give a special thanks to LTJG Nicola Samuelson and ENS Laurel Jennings who took the time to explain what they were doing in detail. They didn’t seem to be afraid of overwhelming me with information, and I found them to be very helpful in helping me understand how and why the data collected was used. Both were very professional, skilled, knowledgeable, and helpful in every endeavor that I was involved in. NOAA has done well to secure two such bright, motivated, and eager officers. I am sure they will have a positive career and impact while at NOAA. All the crew were a great help and very nice to me while aboard the RAINIER. Also AB Tonya Watson and Survey Tech Nick Gianoutsos have shared many stories with me about their lives on and off the RAINIER. It was nice to talk to Nick, a neighbor from Texas. You meet a lot of fascinating people on board the RAINIER. AB Leslie Abramson was always willing to explain to me her role on the ship and how to do certain things in the deck department.

On the bridge I found ENS Nathan Eldridge, GVA Kelson Baird, and ENS Megan McGovern to be very helpful when I was attaining weather data from the ship or had general questions about the bridge and the function of different departments on the ship. The FOO, LT. Ben Evans, was helpful in explaining the scientific research of the vessel and its main goals and objectives. ENS Sam Greenaway was very helpful in taking time each day we set sail to explain how the ship would navigate the waters, how to read the charts, and how the charts were developed and used by the ship. LTJG Abigail Higgins was always nearby when we were launching and recovering boats to explain to me what everyone was doing and what I would need to know to do some of the tasks. She was very instrumental in making me feel a part to what was going on during operations. In the deck department I would like to thank everyone—all the crew, made me feel welcome, whether it was aboard their boat or as a fellow crewmember of the RAINIER. Thank you Chief Scientist Steve Foye for all the information on the native Alaskan wildlife. I found it very useful and will use it with my students next year. Thanks to Kenny Keys for teaching me about the navigation on the small boats through the Wrangell Narrows. Thank you to Floyd Pounds for always greeting every morning with a warm smile and welcome and the great meals you and the other stewards provided me while at sea.

A special thanks to Captain Guy Noll and the XO, Julia Neander for making me feel right at home, answering all my questions, allowing their crew to be at my disposal for questions and interviews, and for a really terrific time aboard the RAINIER. I am usually a little quiet and reserved and make friends slowly. However, aboard the RAINIER I feel that I have made many friends in a short time and I will think of them quite often and have fond memories of my time aboard the RAINIER. Surely no other ship in the fleet could be as complete as the RAINIER. THANK YOU NOAA FOR A GREAT TIME!

Question of the Day

What does each letter in the acronym NOAA stand for?

Name 5 projects from around the world that NOAA is involved in.

June 1, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, June 1, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard Research Vessel Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: June 1, 2006

Alaskan beauty, Humpback Whale in the distance

Weather data from bridge
Visibility: 8.0 miles
Wind direction: 0 deg. (N)
Wind Speed: calm winds
Sea level pressure: 1019 mb
Present weather: light sprinkles, partly sunny, calm seas
Temperature: 51 deg. wet/dry 52 deg.

Science and Technology Log

Alaska has to be one of the most beautiful places on the Earth. Add to this working aboard a beautiful ship like the RAINIER with a wonderful crew and it equals a really good time. I saw a variety of wildlife I never thought I would see up close and personal. I also learned so much about hydrography. Before this trip I didn’t know the term even existed.

NOAA provides a wealth of data and information for the general public, private industries, and scientists all over the world. The trip aboard the RAINIER is a lifetime experience that I will cherish and remember. Any teachers reading this log who have thought about applying for the Teacher at Sea Program ,but for some reason haven’t done so yet, need to apply NOW! If you like to learn new things, meet interesting people, see fascinating wildlife, and see extraordinarily beautiful scenery, than a trip aboard the RAINIER is your ticket. The staff at NOAA, take care of all the travel arrangements— all you have to do is be at the airport on time. I have had the best time of my life. I have been to teacher camps, workshops, and conventions all around the country, but none compare to my time aboard the RAINIER.

Captain Guy Noll and XO Julia Neander have gone out of their way to ensure that I was involved in the activities aboard the ship and a part of the crew. The crew on board the RAINIER, are very helpful and all of them have made my stay at sea a pleasurable experience. I hope I have the opportunity to partake in this program again. Thanks again to the crew of the RAINIER and the staff at NOAA for taking care of everything. In the 19 years I have been teaching this has been one of the most rewarding and exciting opportunities of my career. If you are a teacher thinking about the Teacher at Sea Program, wait no longer, apply today!

Personal Log

Terrific, outstanding, excellent, a perfect 10 on the rating scale of what an exciting teacher learning experience should be. I can’t wait for school to start to share this trip with my students. Developing lessons that correlate with my experience should be quite easy due to the wealth of information I attained from the crew of the NOAA ship RAINIER. Today I helped them take bottom samples from around the area.

Question of the Day

FOR TEACHERS: How do I apply for the Teacher at Sea Program? ANSWER: go here.

This could be you working aboard a NOAA science research vessel.

May 31, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 31, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 31, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge as of 0730 Hours
Visibility: 10.0 miles
Wind direction: 340 deg. (NNW)
Wind Speed: 1 knot, light winds
Sea level pressure: 1014
Present weather: mostly cloudy, cool outside, calm seas
Temperature: 49 deg. wet/dry 50.0 deg.

One of the RAINIER’s boat launches going off on a beautiful day in SE Alaska.

Science and Technology Log

Today I was invited to ride along to Sitka to pick up four crew members and the mail. The day was beautiful and the boat ride was terrific. Sitka has been a part of Alaskan history for a long time. The Russians were the 1^st Europeans to settle at Sitka. It was also where Russia turned over Alaska to the U.S. after the purchase by Secretary of State Seward. It was an early capital of Alaska before moving to Juneau. The harbor and city were spectacular, off in the distant background was Mt. Edgecumbe.

Three of the crew we picked up will be returning to the RAINIER after leave. The other passenger has just finished NOAA Corps officer basic training and will be boarding the RAINIER for the first time. ENS Tim Smith will begin his career with NOAA aboard the RAINIER. Tim is a native of Rhode Island.

Personal Log

Today was a spectacular day in SE Alaska full of warm sunshine, calm winds, and calm water. Later in the day it began to cloud up but the winds remained calm. On the way to Sitka I was able to observe dozens of sea otter, a sea lion, and a porpoise. Sitka looks like a picturesque town and popular tourist location for large cruise ships. There was a large cruise ship in the bay when we arrived. The surrounding mountains and the backdrop of Mt. Edgecumbe makes for beautiful landscape photos.

Questions of the Day

How many ships are in the NOAA fleet? What is the name of the 2 ships that do hydrography in Alaska? Approximately how many glaciers does Alaska have? What is the capital of Alaska? What is the capital’s latitude and longitude? When did Alaska become a state?

After a dip at the Hot Springs, back to the RAINIER paddling a kayak in calm waters.

May 30, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 30, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 30, 2006

AB Leslie Abramson & Chief Steve Foye piloting the ship

Weather Data from Bridge as of 0730 Hours:
Visibility: 10.0m miles
Wind direction: 350 deg. (N)
Wind Speed: 2 knots
Sea level pressure: 1018
Present weather: Scattered cirrocumulus clouds, sun shining brilliantly – It’s a beautiful morning in SE Alaska.
Temperature: 49 deg. wet/dry 50 deg.

Science and Technology Log

Earlier this week I went out on launch RA 6 to run some lines off Biorka Island. The weather was a little dreary and cold but made much warmer by the crew, which consisted of Chief Boatswain Steve Foye, AB (Able Body Seaman) Leslie Abramson, and LTJG (Lieutenant Junior Grade) Nicola Samuelson.

LTJG Nicola Samuelson collecting sonar data aboard RA 6

Seas were a little rough running between 4 and 6-foot swells, but the crew did an excellent job staying on their lines and completing the task assigned. Conditions are not always ideal, yet the job must still be done. If seas are too rough the crew will head to a bay or protected area that still needs to be worked. Steering a boat in rough sea conditions isn’t easy. Chief Foye was on board to assist AB Abramson if needed. Leslie did an excellent job controlling the boat while down below LTJG Samuelson was collecting the data from the sonar. LTJG Samuelson has finished her 2-year assignment with the RAINIER and will be heading to Rhode Island for her next duty station when we reach our next port stop of Juneau.

Personal Log

This day was an interesting one. I learned when you feel nausea or seasickness it is better to eat something even though you don’t fell like doing so at the time. I really enjoyed learning so much about the day-to-day data collection techniques used by the crew of the RAINIER. The equipment is quite sophisticated and the people using it are very well trained. LTJG Samuelson was very helpful in explaining how the data is collected, stored, retrieved, and used to make the nautical navigation charts that NOAA publishes. The boatswain crews are well trained and do a good job piloting the launch boats through strong tide currents, rocky coastlines, and even rough seas.

Questions of the Day

How deep is a fathom?

When a ship anchors there are red, white, and blue chain links to show how deep the anchor is. What is the length between these colors called?

How long is this length of chain?

How much does one anchor on the RAINIER weigh?

How much does one marked length of chain weigh on the RAINIER?

What is the keel of a ship?

What is meant when people are talking about a ship or boats draft?

What does it mean when a ships bell rings continuously for 5-6 seconds every minute when it is anchored in open water?

Thanks to Ordinary Seaman Megan Guberski for helping me to pose and answer some of these questions.

May 29, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 29, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 29, 2006

Laurel Jennings & Tonya Watson Nick Gianoutsos — Laurel Jennings & Tonya Watson

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: 10.0 miles
Wind direction: 290 deg. (WNW)
Wind Speed: calm
Sea level pressure: 1016
Present weather: scattered to mostly cloudy skies, calm winds
Temperature: 48 de. wet/dry 50 deg.

Science and Technology Log

Today I visited the plot room. It is always a busy place. After the data has come in from the launch boats which have run the lines they were assigned for that day, the data is then downloaded to computers for processing so that accurate navigation charts can be made. Nick Gianoutsos and Shawn Gonzales both showed me how they clean up the data so it can be processed to make charts of the bottom of the channels, narrows, and waterways used by navigators throughout Alaska. The final product must both be accurate and reliable so that ships can trust the charts they are reading and using to plot navigation points and travel safely through hazardous coastal areas.

Wrangell Narrows is where the data has been being collected from for the past couple of weeks. Wrangell Narrows extends almost 21 miles from the Sumner Strait to the south up to Frederick Sound to the north, near Petersburg, Alaska. The channel is very narrow in places, with dangerous ledges and strong tidal currents, and can be a treacherous waterway for larger boats if not marked and navigated properly. Cruise ships, Alaska State Ferries, tugs and barges, freight boats, pleasure boats, and commercial fishing boats navigate the channel. Some of the cargo that travels through the Narrows includes: lumber products, fish products, petroleum products, provisions, and general cargo. There are no roads to Petersburg, so everything has to come by boat or plane. The narrows can be a busy place for traffic in this area of Alaska. All known dangers in the Narrows are charted and most are marked. The mean range of the tide is 13.4 feet and diurnal range is 15.7 feet at Petersburg.

Members of the crew aboard the NOAA ship RAINIER are entering and analyzing data from the survey lines run from the launch boats during the day. This data will give an accurate indication of what lies below the water and also what lies above it. The crew aboard RAINIER keeps working, long after regular work hours are over. Crunching the numbers from a launch into useable data for charts for navigation.

Personal Log

Today I was privileged to see a part of Alaska, Biorka Island, which is northwest of where we were near Petersburg in the Wrangell Narrows. The change of scenery was exciting and nearby are hot springs which are very warm and relaxing according to some of the crew who spent time there after hours.

Question of the Day

Using the information from log #4, which was Thursday’s log, how long will it take a ship that travels at 15 knots per hour to transit 231 miles?

May 28, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 28, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 28, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: 7.0 miles
Wind direction: 210 deg. SSW
Wind Speed: 8 knots
Sea level pressure: 1006 mb
Present weather: overcast with light rain
Temperature: 48 deg. wet/dry 48 deg.

Mt. Edgecumbe Volcano near Biorka Island

Science and Technology Log

Today is the first full day at Biorka Island, the ship anchored here yesterday afternoon. In the background is Mt. Edgecumbe a volcano on Kruzof Island. On the journey from the Wrangell Narrows we encountered some small swells but overall a smooth trip. It takes many parts to make a whole when it comes to keeping a ship the size of RAINIER running. Engineers and Stewards are the people aboard RAINIER who keep the ship moving. The engineers work about the ship fixing any problems that arise, do general maintenance, and keep the RAINIER in ship shape condition. There are 4 stewards aboard the RAINIER and have the most important job, which is feeding the crew of the RAINIER. To keep up moral on a ship it is important to feed the crew quality meals that satisfy their appetites after a busy day at sea. The stewards aboard the Rainier are:

Chief Steward: Sergio Taguba
Chief Cook: Doretha Mackey
2^nd Cook: Floyd Pounds
2^nd Cook: Raul Quiros

The same day I flew into Petersburg and boarded RAINIER Milton Ellison from Michigan arrived to begin his new job as a general vessel assistant (GVA). He has spent 8 years in the Navy and several more years in the civilian workforce. Milton has signed on to finish up retirement with NOAA. There are ten crews members aboard the RAINIER that make up Electronics and Engineering departments. NOAA provides many opportunities for those eager to experience new adventures.

The stewards always have a good variety of delicious food.

Personal Log

Crew member GVA Milton Ellison doing ship maintenance on the RAINIER. — GVA Milton Ellison doing ship maintenance

We are anchored in Hot Springs Bay, another beautiful view of the Alaskan coastline. Mt. Edgecumbe is in the distant background giving spectacular panoramic views of the area. The crew was able to visit the hot springs in the area last night. Today we will run lines around Biorka Island in the launch boats.

Questions of the Day

What is the name of the large volcano on an Island just to the northwest of Biorka Island near Sitka? Is the volcano active or dormant? How high is the volcano in elevation (ft.)? What is the latitude and longitude of this volcano? What is the highest peak volcano in Washington State? How high is it? What ship in the NOAA fleet is named after it?

May 27, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 27, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 27, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: Fog 0.0 miles
Wind direction: 310 deg. NW
Wind Speed: 8 knots
Sea level pressure: 1011 mb
Present weather: Very foggy with small swells
Temperature: 46 deg. wet/dry 46 deg.

Launch boat in action in Wrangell Narrows

Science and Technology Log

Yesterday I was invited out on a boat launch with LTJG Abigail Higgins, Junior Survey Tech Tonya Watson, and Deck Utility Man Kenneth Keys. We were sent out to set a couple of buoys to mark locations where divers from the RAINIER could go down later in the day and take a closer look at some peculiar features from the sonar soundings. We also had to run a couple of survey lines around an object near Petersburg Harbor on something peculiar Captain Guy Noll had spotted in the sonar record. I was able to pilot the launch for part of the trip and DU Keys gave me a quick course on navigation around marked points in the Wrangell Narrows. This was really cool! LTJG Higgins showed me how the boat collects data to take back to the RAINIER where it is processed to be used on navigation charts.

When on a boat launch you may have to take lunch with you because you will not be back to the RAINIER in time for lunch. The skies were clear and full of intense Alaskan sunshine, which makes it feel warmer than the actual temperature outside. It was a beautiful day enjoyed even the more by having lunch on the boat. When the launch boat returns to the RAINIER the data is downloaded to the ships computers where it is processed so that charts and graphs can be made or updated. Below physical scientist Shyla Allen from the Pacific Hydrographic Branch assist ENS Laurel Jennings in making plans for running lines at the next stop near Sitka. ENS Jennings is in her first year on the RAINIER and a part of the NOAA officer corps aboard the RAINIER.

Crunching the numbers are: Shyla Allen (back) and ENS Laurel Jennings (front) — Crunching the numbers are: Shyla Allen (back) and ENS Laurel Jennings

Personal Log

Today was an absolutely beautiful day in SE Alaska. I really enjoyed working with the survey technicians and people aboard the RAINIER. I have learned much more than I thought ever existed when comes to navigating the waters, coastlines, and harbors of Alaska. Today we are traveling to Biorka Island, which is northwest of where we were the previous week.

Questions of the Day

When approaching a green buoy from sea in a channel in North America which side should your boat approach on?

When approaching a red buoy from sea in a channel in North America which side should your boat approach on?

Assignment

Plot a course if you were the pilot of the RAINIER that you would follow from Wrangell Narrows near Petersburg to Biorka Island.

May 26, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 26, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 26, 2006

several of the deck crewmembers recovering RA 1 back to the RAINIER for the day.

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: 10.0 miles
Wind direction: 70 degrees ENE
Wind Speed: 3 knots
Sea level pressure: 1016 mb
Present weather: overcast 1400’ clouds above ground
Temperature: 50 deg. wet/dry 52 deg.

Science and Technology Log

Today the ship will raise anchor and head for Biorka Island. First the crew will have to secure the temporary tide station equipment and make sure all the lines have been completed for the Wrangell Narrows. While onboard I have had the chance to meet all of the crew of the RAINIER. The Chief Boatswain is Steve Foye and he has been a part of NOAA for 20 years now. He has served on many ships and is now on the RAINIER. His duties include making sure all boat launches are conducted in a timely and safe manner. When boats finish their day Steve and his crew are responsible for getting the boats back onboard the RAINIER for the night. They also make sure the boats are fueled and ready for the next days work. Without Steve and the other deck hands little would get accomplished throughout the day. Steve is chief of the deck and is helped by

Able Bodied Seamen: Leslie Abramson, Jodie Edmond, and Jonathan Anderson
Ordinary Seamen: Dennis Brooks and Megan Guberski
General Vessel Assistant: Kelson Baird
Deck Utility Man: Kenneth Keys
Seaman Surveyors: Carl Verplank and Corey Muzzey
Boatswain Group Leader: Erik Davis

Steve Foye, Chief of the Deck Crew and admirer of nature!

As you can tell it takes a lot of people working together to make sure the RAINIER gets boats in and out of the water, to their destinations, and ready for the next day. The crew aboard the RAINIER are very skilled in what they do. Steve is also very interested in the local wildlife, marine mammals, and fauna of the Alaskan coastline. He has had many years of experience in identifying the wildlife of this area. Anytime there happens to be wildlife near the ship, Steve is quick to tell me about it so that I can photograph the animals. Chief Foye has a wealth of documents from the Alaskan Wildlife and Fisheries Department that help to identify the varying wildlife in the area. While onboard the RAINIER I have had the opportunity to view three Northern Sea Lions, two Alaskan Black Bears, numerous Sitka Black-Tailed Deer, a Dall’s Porpoise, many species of ducks and other birds, including the American Bald Eagle. I’ve only been aboard for 5 days and have taken numerous photos of local wildlife that I can share when with students when I return to Oklahoma. Chief Foye has sat down with me to help me identify all the wildlife I’ve seen so far and pointed out some that he still expects to see on our way to Biorka Island.

Tomorrow we leave for Biorka Island and I am told that there is a good chance we will spot various species of porpoises and maybe a few whales. We should arrive at Biorka Island sometime Saturday afternoon where the crew will begin readying their plans for running lines of that area.

Personal Log

Today I roamed through the ship talking to people aboard the RAINIER with various jobs. I learned many specifics about each of the crew and their responsibilities and also learned a little about them personally. The RAINIER has a good mix of people who seem to work well together. All the crew’s members have treated me very well and I am enjoying my time aboard the RAINIER.

Questions of the Day

Can you name 10 marine mammals that can found in Alaskan waters sometime throughout the year?

Can you name land mammals that can found in Alaska?

Can you name 10 bird species that live or migrate to Alaska?

May 25, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 25, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 25, 2006

Photo of ENS Nathan Eldridge logging weather data from the RAINIER to be sent into NOAA for weather analysis of the area. — ENS Nathan Eldridge logging weather data to be sent to NOAA for analysis of the area.

Weather Data from Bridge as of 0730 Hours
Visibility: 10.0 miles/16.1 Km
Wind direction: calm/no wind
Wind Speed: calm
Sea level pressure: 1015 mb or 29.97 inches
Present weather: scattered cirrocumulus clouds, lots of sun
Temperature: 48 deg. wet/50 deg. dry

Science and Technology Log

After completing breakfast I spent the rest of the morning on board the RAINIER and visited with the crew on some of their duties on the ship. At 1000 hours I had a briefing on the bridge with Nathan Eldridge on how the RAINIER collects weather data every six hours that it then sends to NOAA so that, the data can be used by meteorologists for weather observations and predictions. Nathan has been aboard the RAINIER since Nov. of 2005, so this is his first full season at sea. Nathan is an ensign signified by the acronym ENS. He attended the NOAA Corp’s program for officer training before coming aboard the RAINIER.

ENS Sam Greenaway explains navigational charts. Navigation is crucial to the ships success through the Alaskan waterways. — ENS Sam Greenaway explains navigational charts. Navigation is crucial to the ships through the Alaskan waterways.

ENS Sam Greenaway has been aboard the RAINIER since Nov. of 2004. Sam is the ships navigation officer and plots paths through the Alaskan waterways. There are many things to read on a navigational chart, a good understanding of the charts allows Sam to plot a safe and direct path to the location at which the RAINIER will anchor next. The ship will be leaving Wrangell Narrows for the Biorka Islands in the next day or so.

Personal Log

Last evening I was invited by the XO, Julia Neander and AB Leslie Abramson to go kayaking in the Wrangell Narrows just before dusk. The water was calm and the sun was slowly disappearing behind the snow-capped mountains. The trip was very tranquil and serene. I enjoyed the experience immensely. The crew aboard the RAINIER are very helpful and assist me in any way they can to make my stay as enjoyable and productive as possible.

Questions of the Day

What is the Beaufort scale and how is it used? What is the difference between a nautical mile and a statute mile? What is the difference in speed between miles per hour and knots per hour? What is the length of a fathom?

Kayaking excursion enjoyed after hours by some of RAINIER’S crew. In photo are the XO, Julia Neander and AB Leslie Abramson. Photo was taken by TAS Jeff Lawrence on the evening of May 24th in the Wrangell Narrows off the Alaskan coastline. — Kayaking excursion enjoyed after hours by some of RAINIER’S crew. In photo are the XO, Julia Neander and AB Leslie Abramson. Photo was taken by TAS Jeff Lawrence in the Wrangell Narrows

May 24, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 24, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 24, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge as of 0730 Hours:
Visibility: 0.5 miles or 0.8 km
Wind direction: 260 degrees
Wind Speed: 5 knots
Sea level pressure: 1016 mb or 30.0 inches
Present weather: mostly cloudy but clearing off earlier this morning
Temperature: 47 deg. wet/48 deg. dry ***By the afternoon the weather was sunny with calm winds and beautiful scenery.

Science and Technology Log

I began the day as usual with breakfast in the mess hall at 0700 hours. I must say the staff aboard the RAINIER know how to make a person gain weight. The food choices are great and there is plenty to eat. I was assigned to work off RA 8 with a survey crew. We left the ship at 0800 hours after a short briefing on the fantail of the RAINIER.

The RA 8 crew’s task for the day was to survey the area around the tide station to make sure the tidal data collected that shows the rise and fall of the tides was accurate. Deck Utility man, Kenneth Keys, and General Vessel Assistant, Kelson Baird, piloted the boat to the destination and delivered the survey crew onshore with great care. The survey crew was managed by ENS Jamie Wasser, ENS Nathan Eldridge, Assistant Survey Technician Tom Hardy, and myself. Using benchmarks that had been set by the National Ocean Service, we completed a triangulation survey of the dock where the tide station was located at high tide. Surveying is tool used by NOAA to make sure objects are where they are supposed to be according to charts and maps. The crew of NOAA ship RAINIER surveys sites as they set up a tide station and before they disassemble it to move it to another site.

Upon completion of the tasks we returned to the ship while Kenneth Keys trained General Assistant Baird on proper docking procedures of the launch boat. Everyone aboard the ship must work in unison to ensure a successful launch is carried out so that critical data can be collected, disseminated, and analyzed later aboard the RAINIER. Quality charts and maps can then be generated for use by navigators of the shorelines of Alaska.

Personal Log

Today I learned how critical it is for the people aboard the RAINIER to collect quality data to ensure the results are accurate on the finish product. It is a better use of time for each group to take their time and do it right the first time as opposed to having to redo the same task a second time. I hadn’t realized navigation of the ocean’s waterways was such a precise event and required such precise data collection methods. This is a good lesson to introduce to students on the collection of scientific data. Teachers must emphasize that the work can be tedious at times and that accuracy of data is the outcome that the scientist must strive to attain.

Question of the Day

What is the type of data that scientist collect that can be represented by numbers?

May 23, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 23, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 23, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge

Visibility: 5 nautical miles (nm)
Wind direction: 90 degrees
Wind Speed: 15 knots (kts)
Sea level pressure: 1001 millibars (mb)
Present weather: Partly cloudy
Temperature: 51 degrees dry/ 50 degrees wet

Science and Technology Log

I began today by getting aboard RA #8 for boat launch operations in the Wrangell Narrows at 0800. The crew went to check a tide gauge that had been placed on a pier in the narrows six weeks ago. A data logger was attached by assistant survey technician, Matt Boles, to a laptop computer and the data for the past two weeks was downloaded onto the laptop. The tide gauges give a more accurate representation of what the tide is doing in a certain area. Tide gauges are positioned throughout the narrows but may be miles apart. To get more precise data of the narrows, temporary gauges are used when the RAINIER is mapping areas where boating occurs. Also, a horizontal GPS position was measured from a known GPS location to make sure the tidewater data was correct and reliable.

At 0930 hours we returned to the RAINIER to pick up operations officer LT Ben Evans who showed ENS Laurel Jennings how to use the Trimble Backpack to map piers and dock areas in the narrows. The Trimble Backpack is a GPS system that is carried on the back of a person. As they walk the perimeter of an area, it downloads data onto a logger that then can be downloaded to a computer later for data analysis. This gives precise information to the cartographer to place the pier in the exact location that it needs to be on the map.

Upon returning to the RAINIER at 1530 hours we had several emergency drills including fire and abandon ship. The drills were interesting to watch as everyone went to their designated location for muster and directions on what to do next. A ship’s personnel must always be prepared for an emergency. Your shipmates may be the only help you will receive in an emergency. Drills are conducted on a routine basis so that the crew stays sharp and ready in case of a real emergency. The crew of the NOAA ship RAINIER is well-trained and prepared in the case they may have to use their training to get control of the ship in an emergency. Several members on board have specialized training that allow them to take the lead in case of a ship emergency.

Personal Log

Throughout the day I learned many new facets of global positioning and how it is used to make more accurate maps that can be used by boaters, ships, and people who live in the area. Collecting science data for NOAA maps is a slow, yet precise method that can take many weeks to get an accurate map that can be relied upon by mariners. The fire emergency and abandon ship drill was done with precision and professionalism. I am sure I am in good hands in case of an emergency aboard the RAINIER.

Question of the Day

The mapping of the characteristics of oceans, lakes, and rivers is known as___________.

May 22, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 22, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 22, 2006

Science and Technology Log

Today the NOAA ship RAINIER was set to leave port with a brief refueling stop before anchoring later in the afternoon. The RAINIER was tied to port alongside her sister ship, the FAIRWEATHER, during a brief liberty at Petersburg, Alaska. I began my day at 0700 with breakfast in the mess hall followed by a visit to the briefing room at 0800 hours on the next two-week duty schedule of the RAINIER. I was joined by another civilian from the local NPR radio station who was onboard to do an interview on the mission of the RAINIER in the Wrangell Narrows, which runs parallel to Petersburg. The radio interviewer, Emily Schwing, asked many questions about how the sonar system works and how often the RAINIER would be back to check if the currents in the Wrangell Narrows had changed the channel. She learned that the system of sonar mapping used today is much more efficient than the beamed sonar used in past years. Side-scan and multi-beam sonar are now employed to map the bottom of the shipping channels, narrows, and ports. The RAINIER mapped an area recently in a few weeks that took 19 years to map under the old system.

At 0945 the RAINIER left port for a short jaunt of about 400 yards for refueling. The fueling process on a large ship such as the RAINIER is not a quick-stop process, which many people are accustomed to while fueling their vehicles. The RAINIER took on 22,000 gallons of fuel. This process lasted over three hours due to the slow pumping, which pumped out about 150 gallons per minute. That seemed quite fast to me, but Captain Guy Noll explained that fuel could be pumped much faster for the larger ships. While refueling I received an overview from ENS Jennings of damage control onboard a ship and where to go in case of an emergency.

1) Fire emergency – Indicated by one long 10-second continuous blast of the ships horn.

2) Abandon Ship – Indicated with seven short blasts and one long blast.

3) Man Over Board – Indicated by three long blasts.

At 1330 Seaman Surveyor Eric Davis took the skiff (a small zodiac type boat) out into the narrows to check if repairs that had been made in port were adequate. He asked me to join him and while in the narrows he pointed out the channel’s navigation buoys and explained how they are used to guide both small and large craft through the narrows, which become very shallow and dangerous during low tide. Upon returning to the RAINIER refueling was just about complete so all hands manned their stations to ready for departure from the fueling depot. At 1530 we left port to travel down the narrows a few miles where we anchored for the night. We will remain in anchor here for several days while the launch boats are sent out on daily runs to map more of the Wrangell Narrows.

Personal Log

Throughout the day I found incredible opportunities for taking photos of wildlife including bald eagles, sea lions, and a variety of other birds. Alaska has to be an ornithological paradise. The surrounding landscape offered an exquisite 360-degree panoramic view that allowed for spectacular photographs of the area.

Question of the Day

What is the mean tide for Petersburg on this day using the data below?

Low tide was 4 feet at 2:33 am High tide was 13.5 feet at 8:10 am Low tide was 1.3 feet at 2:51 pm High tide was 14.5 feet at 9:14 pm