By Caitlin Bailey, Web Coordinator, Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration
July 4, 2016
Heidi Mendoza-Islas prepares a net to collect plankton from the water column. Image courtesy of Caitlin Bailey, GFOE, The Hidden Ocean 2016: Chukchi Borderlands. Download larger version (3.7 MB).
Fireworks. Parades. Picnics. Dogs with bandanas. Friends. Family. These are the things I think about when I think of celebrating the Fourth of July. However, this year is a little different as we continue our transit to the Chukchi Borderlands.
Life on a Coast Guard vessel is exhilarating, but also taxing, especially for members of the Coast Guard who are away from home for months at a time. A morale team onboard ensures that both crew members and scientists take time to enjoy. The day was full of American-made movies as well as corn hole and ping-pong tournaments. Additionally, both lunch and dinner included all-American favorites such as hot dogs, tator tots, and BBQ brisket.
SK1 Francis Purcell and Expedition Coordinator Kate Segarra take a well-deserved break with a round of cornhole. Image courtesy of Caitlin Bailey, GFOE, The Hidden Ocean 2016: Chukchi Borderlands. Download larger version (jpg, 4.2 MB).
Kyle Dilliplaine cuts a syringe as smoothly as possible to be used on the box core to take samples of benthic bacteria. Image courtesy of Caitlin Bailey, GFOE, The Hidden Ocean 2016: Chukchi Borderlands. Download larger version (jpg, 3.2 MB).
However, not everything can be fun and games, even on a holiday. The Coast Guard still has to ensure that the USCGC Healy is traveling safely and on track. The science team has to prepare for upcoming operations and check all of the scientific instruments before data collection can begin. The seabird and marine mammal observers must still stay on the bridge to count individual animals. And, of course, the web coordinator still has to create content for the website. But, despite working on Independence Day, every person onboard has a smile on, excited for the upcoming research in the Arctic.
Our expedition to the Arctic could not have happened without everything our country’s Independence Day represents. The science team would like to thank all service members who have served our country, especially the Coast Guard and their wonderful hospitality.
And while we may not have been able to set off any fireworks, the Coast Guard made sure to add a little ‘flare’ to the celebrations. I don’t know if our Fore-Fathers thought about scientific research cruises when they signed the Declaration of Independence, but I’m sure they’d be happy to see what we are doing, all together as one Healy family.
Coast Guard. Scientists. Engineers. Filmmakers. Friends. Family.
