ANACORTES, Wash. - The Navy's Auxiliary General Purpose
Oceanographic Research Vessel (AGOR), R/V Sally Ride (AGOR 28), successfully
completed Builder's Trials Feb. 21 off the coast of Anacortes, Washington.
Builder's Trials for Sally Ride tested various shipboard
systems and ensured readiness prior to conducting Acceptance Trials with the
U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey.
The propulsion system, mission-over-the-side handling equipment, anchor
handling system, and work/rescue boat launch system were among the systems
successfully demonstrated.
"R/V Sally Ride performed remarkably well during
Builder's Trials these past few weeks," said Mike Kosar, program manager
for Support Ships, Boats, and Craft. "Our entire Navy and shipbuilder team
have done an outstanding job in preparing the vessel for upcoming acceptance trials."
Based on a single-hull commercial design, R/V Sally Ride
is approximately 238 feet long and incorporates 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.
Oceanographic Research Vessels provide scientists with
the tools and capabilities to support ongoing research, including in the
Atlantic, western Pacific and Indian Ocean regions across a wide variety of
missions. Upon delivery, the ship will be operated by the Scripps Institution
of Oceanography under a charter party agreement with Office of Naval Research.
The vessel has accommodations for 24 scientists and will operate with a crew of
20.
This is the second ship of its class built by Dakota
Creek Industries. The shipbuilder also constructed R/V Neil Armstrong (AGOR
27), which delivered to the Navy in September 2015.
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 boats and craft.
- NAVSEA -