Área Geográfica de Expedición: Costa de Washington
Fecha: 4 de agosto de 2022
Introducción
¡Saludos desde Puerto Rico!
¡Saludos a todos desde Isabela, Puerto Rico! estoy muy contento de que te unas a esta travesía conmigo en alta mar. Mi nombre es Michael Gutiérrez Santiago y en una semana estaré a bordo de la embarcación NOAA Bell M. Shimada participando de una expedición junto a los científicos de la NOAA realizando un sondeo de merluza del pacífico. Viajaré a Washington, lo cual son 10 horas aproximadamente para comenzar esta travesía. Espero que te unas y seas parte de esta expedición conmigo.
Estoy muy contento y agradecido de formar parte de esta experiencia. Recuerdo la mañana del 2019 que conocí sobre el programa de Teacher at Sea, estaba asombrado que educadores podían tener la oportunidad de estar en una expedición en alta mar con científicos y tripulantes de la NOAA. Sin dudar solicité y fui aceptado en el 2020. Como todos saben, el COVID-19 puso una pausa en el mundo, pero luego de dos años aquí estamos, ¡listos para abordar!
El vivir en Puerto Rico me ha hecho enamorarme de las playas, los bosques, cuevas, ríos junto a su flora y fauna. Es por esto que decidí realizar un Bachillerato en Ciencias Ambientales, para poder conocer más sobre lo que nos rodea y como poder conservarlo. Esta pasión al medio ambiente me ha llevado a compartir mis conocimientos a personas que me rodean y me di cuenta de que no hay mejor manera de conservar nuestros recursos ambientales que a través de la educación. Así que decidí certificarme como maestro de ciencias a nivel secundario.
A comienzos del 2017 me uní al EcoExploratorio: Museos de Ciencias de Puerto Rico, donde logré llevar la educación científica y la conservación ambiental a todo la Isla. Fue aquí mi escuela, donde aprendí a como ser un educador, tuve la oportunidad de llevar charlas educativas a diversas partes de la Isla, realizar talleres, webinars y ser parte de otras exhibiciones. El EcoExploratorio recibe una visita anual de 300,000 personas, teniendo la oportunidad de conozcan sobre que nos rodea y como conservarlo. Por otra parte, el EcoExploratorio se enfoca en la preparación de eventos atmosféricos como huracanes y eventos naturales como terremotos.
Que bien se siente educar a la nueva generaciónEducando sobre la Vida en el MarExplicando la importancia de la radiosonda
Actualmente soy profesor de Ciencias Ambientales a 12mo grado en la Escuela Abelardo Martínez Otero en Arecibo Puerto Rico. Logramos este año realizar diversas actividades, laboratorios y experimentos gracias a la excelente calidad de estudiantes que tuve. A pesar de que las limitaciones por el COVID-19, esos estudiantes dieron el máximo, teniendo así una excelente clase de Ciencias Ambientales.
Laboratorio: Energía Solar
Ciencia en Alta Mar
Mi tiempo en el mar será en el océano pacífico, a bordo de la embarcación NOAA Bell M. Shimada en la segunda etapa del sondeo de merluza del pacífico, donde estaré trabajando y aprendiendo de Beth Phillips Chief Scientist y bióloga de NOAA Fisheries Service y el equipo de científicos. Algunos de mis objetivos en esta expedición es compartir lo aprendido en esta expedición con ustedes a través de los blogs, proporcionar datos vitales para ayudar a gestionar la población costera migratoria de merluza del Pacifico, llevar a cabo una calibración entre embarcaciones con el barco de la Guardia Costera canadiense Sir John Franklin en coordinación con los científicos del DFO para garantizar que los datos sean comparables para el 2023 y puedan combinarse para la evaluación de la población, recoger muestras de agua y plancton en la Línea Hidrográfica de Newport, muestreo de eufáusidos, la recopilación de datos oceanográficos y la recopilación de datos acústicos de banda ancha.
Para mí es un honor y un privilegio poder ser parte del programa Teacher at Sea. El poder ser parte de esta expedición es un sueño hecho realidad. Pondré todos mis esfuerzos para hacer orgulloso a Puerto Rico, a mi familia, maestros, estudiantes y al programa de Teacher at Sea. Me encantaría que fueran parte de esta expedición, mis blogs serán en inglés y español para poder llegar a todos ustedes. En confianza me encantaría que me hagan llegar sus preguntas o me dejen saber que ha sido lo más que le ha llamado la atención.
Greetings to all from Isabela, Puerto Rico! I am so glad you are joining me on this journey on the high seas. My name is Michael Gutiérrez Santiago and, in a week, I will be aboard the NOAA Bell M. Shimada in an expedition with NOAA scientists on the Pacific Hake Survey. I will travel to Washington, which is approximately 10 hours to begin this journey. I hope you will join and be a part of this expedition with me.
I am very happy and grateful to be part of this experience. I remember in 2019 that I learned about the Teacher at Sea program, I was amazed that educators could have the opportunity to be on an expedition on the high seas with NOAA scientists and crew members. Without hesitation I applied and was accepted in 2020. As you all know COVID-19 put the world on pause, but after two years here we are, ready to board!
Living in Puerto Rico made me fall in love with the beaches, forests, caves, rivers along with its flora and fauna. That is why I decided to do a Bachelor Degree on Environmental Sciences, to learn more about what surrounds us and how to conserve it. This passion for the environment has led me to share my knowledge with people around me and I realized that there is no better way to conserve our environmental resources than through education. Therefore, I decided to get certified as a high school science teacher.
Cambalche Forest, Arecibo P.R.Rio Grande of AreciboQuintin Rivera Cave in Guajataca Forest, Isabela P.R.
Starfish in Mosquito Pier, Vieques P.R.
My early beginnings
At the beginning of 2017 I joined the EcoExploratorio: Science Museums of Puerto Rico, where I was an informal educator teaching science and and environmental conservation to the entire Island. It was here that I learned how to be an educator, I had the opportunity host workshops, webinars and be part of other exhibitions. The EcoExploratorio receives an annual visit of 300,000 people, having the opportunity to educate about what surrounds us and how to conserve it. On the other hand, the EcoExploratorio focuses on preparing for atmospheric events such as hurricanes and natural events such as earthquakes.
I enjoy teaching the new generationWhat we can find on the beach?Explaining the importance of a radiosonde
I am currently a 12th grade Environmental Science teacher at the Abelardo Martínez Otero School in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. This year we managed to carry out various activities, laboratories, and experiments thanks to the excellent quality of students I had. Despite the limitations we had due to COVID-19, these students gave their best, thus having an excellent Environmental Science class.
Solar energy laboratory with solar balloon
Science on the high seas
My time at sea will be in the Pacific Ocean, aboard the NOAA Bell M. Shimada in the second leg of the Pacific Hake Survey where I will be working and learning from chief scientist Beth Phillips, biologist at NOAA Fisheries, and rest of the research team. Some of my goals on this expedition are to share what I am going to learn on this expedition with you via blogs, provide vital data to help manage the migratory coastal population of Pacific hake, conduct an Inter-Vessel Calibration with Canadian Coast Guard Ship Sir John Franklin in coordination with DFO scientists to ensure data is comparable in 2023 and can be combined for population assessment, collect water and plankton samples at the Newport Hydrographic Line, euphausiid sampling , collecting oceanographic data, and collecting broadband acoustic data.
For me it is an honor and a privilege to be part of the Teacher at Sea program. Being able to be part of this expedition is a dream come true. I will put all my efforts to make Puerto Rico, my family, teachers, students, and the Teacher at Sea program proud. I would love for you to be part of this expedition; my blogs will be in English and Spanish to reach all of you. It would be great to send your questions or let me know what has caught your attention the most.
Have you ever wondered what the seabed (lakebed) made of? This information is important for several reasons: knowing where to anchor, pipeline &/or structure construction, habitat, dredging, etc. Information about the sediments can be found on navigational charts. Periodically, hydrographers need to take bottom samples to update these charts. To do this, they bring the ship to a halt and drop a spring-loaded sampler to the seafloor. The sampler snaps shut, capturing a sample of the bottom substrate. The sediments that are brought aboard are analyzed according to grain size which range from clay (< 0.002 mm) to stones (4.0 mm and larger).
Spring-loaded bottom sampler
Physical Scientist Abebe and Chief Hydrographic Survey Technician Cziraki get ready to deploy a bottom sampler.
Teacher at Sea Grimm practices retrieving the bottom sampler.
This chart is used to measure grain size of the bottom sample.
This chart is used to classify the bottom sediment according to grain size.
What is it called to drive a ship? The action of driving a ship is probably most often called piloting the ship. You may also hear people use the words steer, navigate, guide, maneuver, control, direct, captain, or shepherd. Whatever you want to call it – I was super excited to pilot the ship. I was also a bit nervous because it is so big! Maneuvering a 208’ vessel seemed a bit daunting.
I first got some excellent tutoring by Helmsman AB Kinnett and Conning Officer ENS Brostowski. All I needed to do was to make a 180ᵒ turn. How difficult could it be? I needed to take the ship out of the navigation system (commonly called, Nav Nav), go from autopilot to manual steering, follow the Conning Officer’s rudder directions, do some fine tuning, switch from manual steering to autopilot, and turn on the Nav Nav system. Easy shmeezy!
My legs were shaking just a bit. I guess I did okay. Someone did call up from the plot room and ask, “Just who is driving the ship?” Haha. They calmed down once they learned it was just “the teacher”.
After some fine tuning, Helmsman AB Kinnett makes sure that I return the ship to autopilot! (He looks a little worried!)
I am not sure which turn is mine, however, I was comforted to know that they were not all the same. 😊
Parallel Parking
We came into the Port of Cleveland on July 22. The crew did a super job of parking! (I am sure “parking” is not the correct term.) They used the windlass and ropes to secure the ship to the port (on the starboard side) and then put the gangway in place. Don’t forget to take out the garbage!
Coming into port
The Cleveland Port lighthouse through my stateroom porthole.
Go Browns! First Energy Stadium is just east of the Port of Cleveland.
Getting ready to throw the lines
The crew uses the windlass to tighten the lines.
The crane moves the gangway off the ship.
Carefully, the gangway is moved to the correct place.
That’s a good place to put the gangway.
Here come the steps.
It took a group effort and a lot of communication to get the gangway and steps in place.
Don’t forget to take out the trash! By the way, much of the food waste is collected by a local farmer and composted. Very Earth friendly!
On dry land after 19 days! This crew was amazing! From left to right: 1AE Perry, ENS Castillo, TAS Grimm, BGL Bayliss, AB Thompson.
Personal Log
In late April 2022, I was informed by the NOAA Teacher at Sea office that I would sail aboard NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson on a hydrographic survey of Lake Erie in July. Truthfully, I didn’t know what hydrography entailed – but I was familiar with Lake Erie.
I grew up only 20 miles from the Port of Cleveland. As a child, my family spent a week each summer on Middle Bass Island where I learned to swim and fish for walleye and perch. I was a sun-kissed, towheaded child that liked to catch frogs and talk with insects. My daughter and I vacationed on Kelleys Island for many summers. I even took an oceanography class on Gibraltar Island. I was very excited to learn more about the Lake of my childhood.
The Great Lakes share borders with many US states and Canada. H.O.M.E.S. = Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.
The Canadian province of Ontario and eight U.S. states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) have shorelines on the Great Lakes.
A large amount of land is included in the Great Lakes watershed. (A watershed is an area of land that drains to a common body of water.)
This map shows the Great Lakes superimposed on a map of Western Europe. It gives you a relative size of the lakes and how big they really are.
Here are the world’s 25 largest lakes side by side. All the Great Lakes are included in this list.
So, why are the Great Lakes so Great?
The following video will help you get an idea of why these lakes are so significant. See if you can answer the following questions while watching the video.
How many lakes make up the Great Lakes?
Why is the word “HOMES” a good way to remember the names of the lakes?
How many states border the Great Lakes?
What country is north of the Great Lakes?
Geologically speaking, how did the Great Lakes come to be?
How much of the world’s fresh surface water is in the Great Lakes?
Which lake is the deepest, coldest, and contains ½ of the water in the Great Lakes system?
Which two lakes are “technically” one lake? Why?
Which lake has the longest shoreline?
Which lake is the warmest and shallowest?
How does water get from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario?
How does water that starts in Lake Superior finally get to the Atlantic Ocean?
List three reasons why the Great Lakes are so great!
List a few things that are causing problems for the Great Lakes.
What effect is climate change having on the Great Lakes?
How are people and governments trying to protect this GREAT resource?
What is so great about the Great Lakes?
When I travel, I like to read books that have a connection to my experience. While on Thomas Jefferson, I read The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan. It outlines the vast resources provided by the Great Lakes. Not only do they hold 20% of the world’s supply of surface fresh water, they also provide food, transportation, and recreation to tens of millions of Americans and Canadians. The Great Lakes are so very lifegiving, however, they are in trouble. They are under threat as never before. They need our help.
In his book, Egan describes how invasive species – like the sea lamprey, zebra and quagga mussels – have colonized the lakes, issues associated with these invasions, and what has been done to mediate and prevent the arrival of future invasive species. He also discusses the massive biological “dead” zones caused by outbreaks of toxic algal blooms. Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Forecasts are a regular part of the NOAA weather forecast for the western basin of Lake Erie. Human-made climate change, dredging of shipping channels, and threats to siphon off Great Lakes water to be used beyond the watershed boundaries all pose threats to this incredible resource. He ends the book with what was being done in 2017 (publication date) to “chart a course toward integrity, stability and balance” of the Great Lakes.
All in all, it was a pretty depressing book. It caused me to reflect, however, on what I can do as an educator to bring this knowledge to my students. Even more importantly, how can I have students experience and eventually love the lakes and all they represent? How can I get them to become familiar with and care for the nature in their backyard? My work is cut out for me.
“We cannot protect something we do not love, we cannot love what we do not know, and we cannot know what we do not see. Or hear. Or sense.”
— Richard Louv
The week before leaving on my “Grand NOAA Adventure”, I was nervous and started to doubt my own abilities and why I had applied to Teacher at Sea in the first place. Was I cut out to be a successful Teacher at Sea? Did I have the knowledge, skills, and fortitude to thrive at sea? What happens if my technology crashes? What if I am seasick for 19 days?
Four things happened to help me move forward.
My husband – my chief cheerleader – gave me many doses of encouragement. If he believed I could do it – I knew I could.
I came across a saying on a tea bag (of all places) that gave me great strength, “Personal growth lies within the unknown; courage permits you to explore this space.” This experience would take courage. I am courageous.
My daughter reminded me of a poem by Mary Oliver. The last lines of which, “What are you going to do with your one wild, precious life?” That’s right! You only go around once. Take the bull by the horns – so to speak. Jump on and hold tight. Life is short, and the world is wide.
NOAA and NOAA’s Teacher at Sea Program believed in me enough to provide me with this awesome opportunity. They have seen many a teacher come and go. They believed I had what it took to be successful. I chose to believe them.
NOAA TAS stresses the 3 Fs: Flexibility, Following Orders, and Fortitude. These are words to live by.
Flexibility = Everything doesn’t always turn out as planned. Be flexible. Those who are not flexible, break.
Following Orders = On a ship, this is essential. In life, rules are made for a reason. Follow them. If you believe that the rules are unjust, work to change them.
Fortitude = Have courage. Be strong – physically and in your convictions. Be tenacious and believe in yourself.
I wish to thank NOAA TAS program and all the people who live and work aboard NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson. Thank you for the long conversations and my seemingly endless questioning. My curiosity is insatiable. Thank you for checking my blog for accuracy – it needed to be “ship shape”! Thank you for brainstorming with me inventions that could be created to make hydrographic technology easier if there were no budgetary restrictions. Thank you for opening my eyes to a world of science, technology, and research that I previously did not know existed. Thank you for teaching me what it meant to be part of the crew.
This experience has taught me many things about science and technology, career possibilities, what it is like to live on a ship, relationships and work culture, and the power of reflection. I learned so much more than is represented in my blog posts. I am looking forward to sharing my experience with my students and the community.
All my best to my new friends. May you continue to have fair winds and following seas.
Sincerely,
Laura Grimm
Dalton STEAM & NOAA Teacher at Sea
Hand-made bandana signed by the crew of Thomas Jefferson
For the Little Dawgs . . .
Q: Where is Dewey? Hint: He was getting ready to come home.
Dewey stayed up past his normal bedtime.
A: He was watching his final sunset aboard NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson.
Q: What is Dewey up to now?
A: Dewey is climbing into my backpack. I cannot wait to take him on more adventures in the future.
Dewey and Teacher at Sea Grimm will remember this adventure for a very long time!
Future Weather Forecast: Showers likely and 70% possibility of afternoon thunderstorms
Science and Technology Log – and a Little History
Shipwrecks & Sonar
Lake Erie has an astonishing 2,000-plus shipwrecks which is among the highest concentration of shipwrecks in the world. Nobody knows the exact number of shipwrecks that have occurred in Lake Erie, but estimates range from 500 to 2000. Only about 400 of Lake Erie’s wrecks have ever been found. There are schooners, freighters, steamships, tugs and fishing boats among them.
So why does Lake Erie have more known shipwrecks per square foot than most any other body of water – with the possible exception of the English Channel? At its deepest point, Lake Erie is only 210 feet. Its shallowness is one of the reasons so many ships have sunk.
The red dots on the map above show known shipwrecks off the coast of Presque Isle.
Hydrographers have found their share of ships over the years! I am unable to identify where, however, the TJ found a shipwreck recently. The following shows various multibeam echo sonar images of items found on the seafloor. Not all have been found in Lake Erie. 😊
This four-masted schooner was found by NOAA using multibeam echo sounder technology.
Multibeam data collected on a submerged wreck near Kodiak, Alaska.
Multibeam data collected on an underwater wreck found in the Gulf of Mexico
Reason 7123 wreck off Northpoint, NY
Crane
Small wreck found using multibeam sonar.
Bird’s eye view of a barge
Same barge as previous picture from a different angle
Side scan sonar is a specialized sonar system for searching and detecting objects on the seafloor. Like other sonars, a side scan sends out sound energy and analyzes the return signal (echo) that bounced off the seafloor or other objects. Side scan sonar typically consists of three basic components: a towfish, a transmission cable and the topside processing unit. In a side scan the energy that is sent out is in the shape of a fan. This fan of energy sweeps the seafloor from directly under the towfish to either side. The width of the fan is about the length of a football field.
Side Scan Scan (SSS) and Multibeam Echo Sonars (MBES) are often used simultaneously. Thomas Jefferson did not use a SSS while I was aboard due to the depth of water we were surveying.
The strength of the return echo is recorded creating a “picture” of the ocean bottom. For example, objects or features that stick out from the seafloor create a strong return (creating a light area) and shadows from these objects create little or no return signal (creating a dark area).
This diagram illustrates how SSS technology produces images and acoustic shadows of objects.
Side Scan Sonar pictures help find and identify features on the seafloor, like this underwater wreck.
U-boat
A whale! The red line is where the seafloor meets the water column, the white image of the whale is the acoustic shadow of the whale on the seafloor, and the dark blob above the shadow is the whale as it swam underneath the sonar. (This was most definitely NOT taken in Lake Erie!)
NOAA hydrographic survey units use side scan sonar systems to help find and identify objects. The shape of the seafloor and objects can be seen well with a side scan sonar. This technology, however, does not give scientists information with respect to how deep the object is. That is why the side scan sonar is often used along with the multibeam echo sonar.
Comparison of side scan (black and white) and multibeam sonar (colorful) images of the same shipwreck surveyed by NOAA Ship Rude using different methods and different kinds of equipment.
NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson field work is focused in the Great Lakes for the 2022 field season. Thomas Jefferson’s hydrographers are surveying the floor of Lake Erie in the vicinity of Cleveland, South Bass Island and Presque Isle, PA. They are identifying hazards and changes to the lake floor and will provide this data to update NOAA’s nautical charts to make it safe for maritime travel.
So why did NOAA decide to focus on this part of Lake Erie? “The Port of Cleveland is one of the largest ports on the Great Lakes and ranks within the top 50 ports in the United States. Roughly 13 million tons of cargo are transported through Cleveland Harbor each year supporting 20,000 jobs and $3.5 billion in annual economic activity.” The Office of Coast Survey continues to explain that “most of this area has not been surveyed since the 1940’s, and experiences significant vessel traffic.”
Hydrographic survey work completed in the vicinity of South Bass Island prior to me coming aboard Thomas Jefferson.
A Little Bit of History – Have you ever been to Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island?
Our National Anthem, a naval officer with the middle name “Hazard”, the War of 1812, and Lake Erie have connections.
So, what does all of this have to do with Lake Erie? In 1812, America found itself at war with Britain. They were at war for three reasons: 1) The British were trying to limit U.S. trade, 2) they were also capturing American seamen and making them fight for the British (this is called impressment), and 3) they did not like the fact that America wanted to expand its territory. Both the British and the Americans were anxious to gain control of Lake Erie. Late in the summer of 1813, American troops were moved into Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island, Lake Erie. They hoped to cut off the supply routes to the British forts.
On the morning of September 10, 1813, British naval forces attacked. Commander Oliver Hazard Perry was on his flagship (a flagship is the ship that carries the commanding officer), the USS Lawrence. (Isn’t “Hazard” a great middle name for someone in the Navy!) He directed his fleet into the battle, but because of light winds, the sailing ships were slow to get into a position where they could fight. His ship suffered heavy casualties. Perry’s second flagship, the USS Niagara, was slow to come into range to help. Four-fifths of Perry’s crew were killed or wounded. He made the decision to surrender his ship, the USS Lawrence, and move his remaining crew and battle flag to the USS Niagara. He was rowed half a mile under heavy fire, bearing his now-famous blue and white battle pennant with the words “Don’t Give Up the Ship.”
Perry’s Battle Pennant
Oliver Hazard Perry is rowed across Lake Erie to take command of the USS Niagara, escaping his damaged ship, the USS Lawrence. (Painting by Edward Percy Moran)
Portrait of Oliver Hazard Perry
(Painting done by Jane Stuart)
The British thought Perry and the rest of the American fleet would retreat after the surrender of the USS Lawrence. Perry, however, decided to rejoin the battle. At 3:00 pm, the British fleet surrendered, marking the first time in history that an entire British naval squadron had surrendered to an American vessel. Huzzah!! Huzzah!!
Perry wrote to General William Henry Harrison (who eventually became the 9th President of the United States):
Dear General:
We have met the enemy and they are ours. Two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop.
Yours with great respect and esteem, O.H. Perry
A great victory against the British
Oliver Hazard Perry was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1814 for his actions in the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812. You can visit Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial on South Bass Island, Lake Erie.
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
“Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie that took place near Ohio’s South Bass Island, in which Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry led a fleet to victory in one of the most decisive naval battles to occur in the War of 1812.” (Wikipedia)
This video gives you a nice overview of the War of 1812:
Overview of the War of 1812
Oh, so you might be wondering what all of this has to do with our National Anthem? The poem that eventually became our National Anthem was written during the War of 1812. It was written in 1814 by a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key during the battle of Fort McHenry.
Watch this video for information about Mr. Key and our National Anthem:
The History of the “Star-Spangled Banner”
The National Anthem of the United States of America
Did you know that our National Anthem actually has four verses, but most of us only know the first one? Look it up!
I’ve been part of the mission leg that is surveying off the coast of Presque Isle – as the survey around South Bass Island had been completed prior to me coming aboard. The area around Presque Isle also has important historic roots.
Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie and is 4 miles west of Erie, PA. According to a tourist website, “As Pennsylvania’s only “seashore,” Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating.” Recorded history of Presque Isle began with the Erielhonan, a Native American tribe who gave their name to Lake Erie. Erielhonan is the Iroquoian word for “long tail”. The French first named the peninsula in the 1720s; presque-isle means peninsula or “almost an island” in French. It served as a base for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s fleet in the War of 1812.
The Perry Monument on Presque Isle commemorates the U.S. naval victory on Lake Erie in the War of 1812.
In the 19th century, Presque Isle became home to several lighthouses and what later became a United States Coast Guard station. In 1921, the peninsula became a state park. The Presque Isle peninsula formed because of glaciation and is constantly being reshaped by waves and wind. Since 1967, the park has been named one of the best places in the United States for watching birds.
Aerial view of Gull Point and Presque Isle State Park from the east.
Aerial view of Presque Isle State Park from the west. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built 55 offshore segmented breakwaters to prevent the beach erosion at Presque Isle State Park.
The breakwaters may have helped the erosion problem but may have caused the loss of important recreational access and been environmentally detrimental to wildlife habitat. It is interesting to look at what happened to the beach because of the breakwaters.
Migration of Presque Isle from 1790 to 1971 – No wonder it is important to survey these waters!
During the War of 1812, Presque Isle played a part in the victory over the British in the Battle of Lake Erie. Oliver Hazard Perry, commander of the American fleet, made strategic use of the bay as a place to construct six of the nine ships in his fleet. The “Little Bay” near the tip of the peninsula where the ships sheltered was later named “Misery Bay” because of the hardships during the winter of 1813–1814, after the men returned there from battle. Many men suffered from smallpox and were kept in quarantine near the bay. A great many infected men died and were buried in what is now called Graveyard Pond.
Misery Bay
After the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813, Perry’s two largest ships, the USS Lawrence and USS Niagara, were badly damaged, and intentionally sunk in Misery Bay. Both ships were eventually raised. The Lawrence burned while on display at the 1876 Centennial Exposition and parts of the Niagara were eventually used to build a replica of the current Niagara, based in Presque Isle Bay.
We sailed past the USS Niagara in early July.
The British really did not appreciate Commodore Perry!
Personal Log
For the Little Dawgs . . .
Q: Where is Dewey? Hint: This controller is used to move a heavy object.
What do all those controls do, Dewey?
A: Dewey is sitting on the piece of technology that is used to control the davits. Davits are hydraulic machines that take the small boats on and off the ship.
Able Bodied Seaman (AB) Thompson uses the davit controller to lift the boats
This time-lapse video shows the crew using the davits to pick up and then redeploy one of the small boat launches. (Video taken by Physical Scientist Dan Garatea)
This time-lapse video shows the crew using the davits to pick up and then redeploy one of the small boat launches. (Video taken by Physical Scientist Dan Garatea)
Human-Interest Poll (HIP)
Miss Parker makes a lot of yummy desserts! I recently asked the crew to list their favorite.
It looks like Peach Cobbler is the crew’s favorite dessert made by Miss Parker! It is made using one of her mother’s recipes.
Meet the Crew
Hydrographic Survey Tech (HST) Sarah Thompson and my roommate, Hydrographic Senior Survey Technician (HSST) Chloe Arboleda, are fixing the Moving Vessel Profiler (MVP)
Able Bodied Seaman Evan Kinnett is a helmsman who likes to sing sea shanties and teach the ensigns about electricity by using the windows as dry erase boards.
Dan Garatea and Surafel Abebe are physical scientists (PS) who work in Silver Spring, MD for NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey (OCS) where they plan hydrographic surveys for chart updates. They research and develop the plans and instructions for NOAA ships, contractors, other governmental agencies, and other interested parties to develop hydrographic priorities. When on board during a survey, they manage and provide guidance for the surveys in the field.
PS Dan Garatea and PS Surafel Abebe enjoy another beautiful day aboard Thomas Jefferson
It is nice being home. I do, however, miss the crew aboard Thomas Jefferson. They are now back out surveying on the Lake Erie after a much needed shoreleave. I am having fun thinking about how I will use what I learned during this adventure to enrich the K-8 STEAM curriculum of the Dalton Local School District.
I thought it would be interesting to compare some specifications of NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson = TJ (research vessel) with my 2010 Toyota Sienna minivan + 2019 Viking camper = VV (recreational vehicle). I would also like to thank Chief Marine Engineer (CME) Tom Cleary and Husband Phil Grimm for information concerning the specifications of the research vessel and recreational vehicle, respectfully.
NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson taken from the launch = TJ Research Vessel
2019 Viking camper + 2010 Toyota Sienna minivan taken in my driveway = VV Recreational Vehicle
What is the size of engine? How much power is produced?
TJ = 7,740 cubic inch, 2500 Horsepower. 12-cylinder mechanically injected EMD (a division of Caterpillar) diesel engine. This engine is commonly used on locomotives.
Engine of Thomas Jefferson
Engine of Thomas Jefferson with the “hood” open
What kind of fuel do you use and how big is your storage tank?
VV = Minivan uses 87 octane unleaded gasoline & has a 21 gallon fuel tank. Camper has a 20-pound liquid propane (LP) gas storage tank.
TJ = The ship uses #2 ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and has a 131,789-gallon storage tank.
Where is the electricity stored? Quantity?
VV = Minivan has a 12-volt battery + Camper has a 12-volt “marine”, deep cycle battery
TJ = The ship has two 24-volt starting banks (2 batteries in series) for the emergency diesel generator (EDG), and two 24-volt emergency power banks for general alarm and other emergency circuits.
Where is the electricity produced? Quantity?
VV = Minivan: belt-driven alternator keeps battery charged. Camper: battery can be charged by the van or with the charger/inverter when plugged into AC.
TJ (underway / while at sea) = Three generators capable of generating 345 Kilowatts each (over 1 megawatt combined); one generator is online at a time. TJ has increased its energy efficiency (LED lighting, more energy efficient AC and appliances, etc.). Now, under normal house loads – not running any of the davits or cranes – TJ requires only 30% of the electricity generated with one generator.
TJ (onshore / while at port) = The ship has the capability to use power from shore via a plug on the port and starboard side. It uses power cables standard to all maritime ships. Each of its NATO plugs is capable of carrying 480 Volts of 3-phase power (400 amps). Typically, TJ only uses one of its NATO plugs while in port unless there is need for additional electricity.
First Assistant Engineer (1AE) Perry checks fluids in one of three generators
Each generator can generate 345 Kilowatts of electricity
How does the driver / engineer know what is happening with the engine and generators?
VV = Dashboard of the van, gauges, check engine lights and warnings
TJ = Modern, Windows-based control room with remote capabilities. This system sends information to the control room, Bridge, and the Chief Engineer’s office. Lots of gauges and computer displays. Multiple lights and warnings if there are problems.
1AE Perry checks gauges in the control room
How about locomotion? How does VV or TJ move forward or backward?
VV & TJ = Both use an internal combustion engine that turns a propulsion shaft. Both use a series of reduction gears (transmission in the case of the van). Speed is maintained via a fixed gear ratio in TJ, unlike the van that has multiple gear ratios. The Chief Marine Engineer (CME), Tom Cleary, tried to convince me that the mechanics of locomotion are very similar in both vehicles except the drive shaft of TJ is much longer and larger and at the end turns a propeller; where the drive shaft of the van eventually makes the wheels turn.
How do the drivers know where to go?
VV = looking out the window, maps, GPS, and when all else fails ask the spouse
TJ = refer to my July 18, 2022, NOAA Teacher at Sea blog post, “Who is driving this ship?”
Do both vehicles have windshield wipers?
VV = 2 windshield wipers
TJ = 9 windshield wipers + 2 Clearview screens which are rotational window wipers that work via centripetal force.
Clearview Screen – Centripetal Windshield Wiper
How big is the freshwater (potable water) tank?
VV = 23 gallons
TJ = 47,382 gallons. The ship also can make its own freshwater from saltwater using a reverse osmosis system
What is greywater and how big is the collection tank?
Greywater is the relatively clean wastewater from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances.
VV = 25 gallons
TJ = 27,878 gallons
What is black water and how big is the collection tank?
Black water is sewage or the wastewater from toilets.
VV = 25 gallons
TJ = 29,440 gallons
What about the hot water systems?
VV = Has a 6-gallon water tank where water is heated using natural gas.
TJ = Has two separate hot water systems. The first uses electricity to heat water in a 60-gallon tank. This water is available for decks 01, 02, and 03. These are the three decks above the main deck. The other system has two 60-gallon tanks plumbed in series that serve the laundry room, galley, and staterooms on decks 2 and 3. These are the two decks below the main deck. Pumps constantly move water through the systems helping to provide (almost) instantaneous hot water from the tap.
What is the size and amenities of the kitchen (galley)?
VV = 2 burner gas stove, microwave, no conventional oven, two cupboards used for food storage, 1 cupboard used to store pots, pans, and other miscellaneous kitchen items, approximate size of counter next to the sink is 6 square feet.
TJ = Areas including food prep, cooking, serving, dish washer, dry storage and steward’s office are all in an area roughly 800 square feet.
What about where people eat (mess hall)? What is it like?
VV = One table (roughly 2’ x 3’) plus two benches. Entire area is approximately 24 square feet. A picnic table is also an option when available. It is provided by the campground.
TJ = Three tables (roughly 2.5’ x 10’), 20 chairs, multiple refrigerators, freezers, beverage & coffee dispensers, salad bar, sink, and snack shelves. Entire area is about 250 square feet.
Do these vehicles have refrigerators and freezers?
VV = 3 cubic foot refrigerator + ½ cubic foot freezer. Ice is made with a mini-ice cube tray.
TJ = All staterooms have a mini fridge. There are a mixture of small and home-sized refrigerators and freezers in the galley and mess hall for the convenience of the stewards and crew. There are also two very large walk-in refrigerators and freezers that are used by the stewards. An ice maker is housed in the galley and is used to fill coolers, etc.
How many berths (beds) are aboard?
VV = The camper and van each have two, making a total of 4 places where people could sleep.
TJ = There are 36 places for people to sleep, and the hospital has one bed.
What is a “head” and how many are there?
According to a Navy history website, “Head” in a nautical sense referring to the bow or fore part of a ship dates to 1485. The ship’s toilet was typically placed at the head of the ship near the base of the bowsprit, where splashing water served to naturally clean the toilet area.” (Icky!)
VV = One toilet/shower unit in the camper + a portable toilet if needed.
TJ = Each stateroom has access to a toilet/shower unit + a public toilet on the main deck.
How many stairs are there?
VV = Two steps into the camper
TJ = It all depends upon how a flight of stairs is defined and who you ask. If a flight is defined as at least 8 steps, the consensus among those asked is somewhere between 20 and 22 flights of stairs. TJ is essentially a 6-story building after all.
What about doors? How many are there?
VV = Van has 5 doors (if you count the trunk); camper has 1 door
TJ = Too many to count! There are five doors, however, that are very important. They are the internal watertight doors that isolate areas of the ship in case of emergencies. There are also additional watertight doors that one uses to go from the internal spaces to the decks of the ship.
Closed watertight door
Open watertight door
What is the outer cover made of?
VV = Van is painted steel; camper is painted aluminum
TJ = Painted steel. The deckhands really do a fantastic job of keeping TJ in great repair!
What are the external dimensions of each vehicle?
VV = Van: Length: 17”, Width: 6’ 7”, Height: 5’ 10”; Camper: Length: 16’ 7”, Width: 7’ 4”, Height: 10’; total length of the Van + Camper = 33’ 4”
TJ = Length: 208’, Width (beam): 45 ‘, Height (from the keel to the wind birds): ~ 100 feet
Meet the Crew
Chief Marine Engineer (CME) Tom Cleary got his first paycheck for a boat job when he was 16 years old and has not stopped working on boats since. This extremely competent engineer is originally from Cape Cod and has worked for NOAA for over 20 years – the last 11 years have been aboard Thomas Jefferson. His off-ship activities revolve around his wife and four children, and maintaining an 80-year-old home.
Tom states that that, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but still always better than a master on one”. He enjoys the variety presented to him by his work duties. No two days are alike. He oversees 9 people, and his duties require mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and managerial skills.
He is a classic hawsepiper. This means that he did not go to a maritime academy to become an engineer. He learned from the ground up first by working on sight seeing boats and ferries in the Cape Cod area to working on several NOAA ships. From working as a deckhand, steward, to chief engineer – he has literally crawled up the hawsepipe.
If budget was not a limiting factor, what could I invent for you that would make your job easier? He wanted to be clear that he meant no disrespect, however, he replied that he would like some robots. Much of his job is spent dealing with people. Budget management meetings, payroll, planning schedules, rating performance, training, drills, and dealing with “hotel” services for the crew (refrigeration, air conditioning, plumbing, hot water issues, etc.) take up much of his time. Tom likes the crew, however, if there were fewer people and more robots working on the ship, he would have more time on engineering challenges. (I wonder if he has contemplated the challenges presented by maintaining a gang of robots?)
1AE Perry and CME Cleary
What is the difference between a boat and a ship?
According to Britannica Kids, “A ship is a large boat that can carry passengers or cargo for long distances over water. People have been using ships for transportation, exploration, and war since ancient times.”
Parts of a Ship
Diagram showing the main parts of a ship
“Most ships are much larger than most boats, but they have many of the same parts. As on boats, the front of a ship is called the bow. The back is the stern. A ship’s left side is known as the port side. The right is the starboard side.
A ship’s frame, or body, is called the hull. The keel is like the ship’s backbone. It is a central beam that runs along the bottom of the ship from front to back. The keel keeps the ship from tipping over.
Ships usually have many decks. The decks are like the floors of a building. Cabins for passengers, engine and control rooms, and spaces for cargo are often on different decks.
An engine inside the ship provides energy to propellers at the back of the ship. The propellers push the ship through the water. The rudder, which is also at the back of the ship, helps in steering. When the ship is not moving, a heavy metal anchor may be lowered into the water. This keeps the ship from floating away.” (Britannica Kids)
This excellent video clearly defines all the parts of a ship labeled in the diagram above.
Watch this video to help you learn the parts of a ship!
Did you know?
Earlier, I stated that I use GPS (Global Positioning System) on my phone to help navigate while driving. Just what is GPS? It is a highly accurate satellite-based navigation and location system. With a GPS receiver (like my phone), users can quickly determine their precise latitude, longitude, and altitude.
If I need to drive from Los Alamos, NM to Los Angeles, CA., I place these end points into Google Maps and GPS helps me plan a path to drive. Some people use GPS-capable watches to help them determine how far they have run and how much elevation they have gained. We also use GPS on the ship. At any one time, the survey is using between 25-30 GPS satellites at a time – some from other countries.
Something else I learned today is that GPS is the system developed by the USA. Other countries have their own systems that work in much the same way. Countries cooperate and use each other’s satellite systems. Here is a list of GPS-like systems used by other countries.
GPS = United States
GLONASS = Russia
Galileo = European Union
QZS = Japan
BeiDou = China
SBAS = Korea
Watching this NASA Space Place video, “GPS and the Quest for Pizza” will also help you understand how GPS works.
GPS and the Quest for Pizza
Personal Log
For the Little Dawgs . . .
Q: Where is Dewey? Hint: You use these to climb up or down.
Dewey, what are you sitting on?
A: Dewey is sitting on a step of a flight of stairs. All the steps on the ship have a non-skid surface. They are very effective at giving you sure footing as you climb up or down the stairs. There are flights of stairs inside and outside of the ship. They go from one deck to another. All in all, there are between 20-22 flights of stairs on Thomas Jefferson.
Dewey is sitting on one of the ship’s many flights of stairs.
Many a fine sailor . . .
With only a few more days to go on this incredible journey, I was excited to read on the next day’s Plan of the Day (POD) that I would be going out on the launch (small boat) to help with surveying close to shore. We had a large area to survey and also pick up some “holidays” in areas that were previously surveyed. A data holiday is an area that was missed in a previous survey. I packed my backpack, got a good night’s sleep, and ate a small breakfast to prepare for the day.
TJ Launch = Bucking Bronco
Let’s just say, it was a rough day. The waves were not terribly high (~ 2 feet), however, the launch rode like a bucking bronco! I was fine for the first 30-45 minutes. Then, I started to feel all hot and woozy. After “revisiting” my breakfast several times and losing my TAS hat overboard, the crew brought me back to the ship. I was taken to the infirmary where the medical officer took my vitals every 15 minutes for an hour and encouraged me to eat some saltines and drink Gatorade. After a long nap, shower, and Ramen noodles for supper, I felt much better.
At supper, the three crewmembers who were on the launch with me said that they tried to look for my hat. They found a dead fish, but they thought it wouldn’t look very nice on my head. I kidded back that Dewey, who was in my backpack, threw up a little bit, also. It sure was an adventure!
I cannot say enough nice things about the crew members who took care of me in my time of need. They were professional, kind, and had my wellbeing first and foremost in their words and actions. I am very grateful. Thank you!
Later that evening the Chief Boatswain Pooser told me, “Many a fine sailor has lost their lunch on the launch.” It made me smile. I was finally part of the club.
Mrs. Grimm and her First Mate Husband Phil
Please note – As I complete this post, I am now home. I am on land, however, I have more to share. My final blog posts will be sent from my home office. (Funny. . . Why does the room seem to be rolling from side to side? No one told me that I would still feel the rocking of the ship the day after my disembarkation. I don’t mind. It is pleasant reminder of my time aboard ThomasJefferson.)
![a painting of ships on the water, a sketch of Oliver Hazard Perry, and the quote: "We have met the enmey [sic] ad they are ours...." O. H. Perry](https://i0.wp.com/noaateacheratsea.blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SW-19.png?ssl=1)
