ANACORTES, Wash. - The Auxiliary General Purpose
Oceanographic Research Vessel (AGOR), R/V Neil Armstrong, AGOR 27, delivered to
the Navy Sept. 23.
R/V Neil Armstrong will carry on the legacy of the naval
aviator and astronaut who stated, "Research is creating new
knowledge." AGOR 27 is a well-equipped modern oceanographic research
platform capable of satisfying a wide range of research activities conducted by
academic institutions and national laboratories involved in oceanographic
research. R/V Neil Armstrong is the first of two planned Ocean Class AGOR
ships.
"The delivery of this superb ship, R/V Neil
Armstrong, is a testament to the tremendous teamwork and shipbuilding efforts
of the Navy/DCI team, especially when considering this was a first in class
hull from a shipbuilder without previous Navy experience," said Mike
Kosar, Program Manager for Support Ships, Boats, and Craft in PEO Ships.
"AGOR 27 will provide significant capabilities in support of research
efforts across the world and throughout the marine science community."
Based on a single-hull commercial design, R/V Neil
Armstrong and R/V Sally Ride (AGOR 28) are approximately 238 feet long and
incorporate the latest technologies, including high-efficiency diesel engines,
emissions controls for stack gasses, and new information technology tools both
for monitoring shipboard systems and for communicating with the world.
AGOR 27 is capable of assisting with integrated,
interdisciplinary, general purpose oceanographic research in coastal and deep
ocean areas. The ship will be operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution under a charter party agreement with Office of Naval Research (ONR).
The vessel will operate with a crew of 20 with accommodations for 24
scientists.
As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition
organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and
procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support
ships, and special warfare craft.
Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships
are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to
delivering ships on cost and schedule.