“All survive Coast Guard helicopter crash on island near Sitka” –Must Read Alaska

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Must Read Alaska reports,

“A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter air crew from Air Station Sitka crashed with four people aboard on Read Island during a search and rescue mission late Monday night. The crash took place while the helicopter crew was assisting a vessel that had taken on water.”

Thanks to David for bringing this to my attention.

Addition: Below is the a D17 News Release.

Nov. 14, 2023

Coast Guard helicopter crashes in Alaska during search and rescue response

D17 Public Affairs

JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter air crew from Air Station Sitka crashed with four people aboard on Read Island during a search and rescue mission late Monday night.

Rescue crews from Alaska Wildlife Troopers and Petersburg Fire and Rescue arrived on scene at approximately 12:50 a.m., and a second MH-60 Jayhawk air crew from Air Station Sitka arrived at approximately 1:39 a.m. Together, they provided preliminary medical care to two crew members who were reported to have sustained serious injuries.

The four crew members were hoisted aboard the second Coast Guard helicopter and were transported to Petersburg for medical care. They were then transferred to Seattle via a C-130 Hercules aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak for a higher level of care.

The watchstanders received notification of the crash at approximately 11:05 p.m. from the fishing vessel Lydia Marie, who was initially receiving search and rescue assistance from the aircrew due to flooding on their vessel.

“Our priority is to provide the highest level of care possible for our injured members and their families,” said Rear Adm. Megan Dean, commander of the Coast Guard’s 17th District. “We are grateful for the swift response and professional skill shown by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and Petersburg Fire and Rescue members who answered our call for assistance during this critical time. We have opened an investigation into the cause of this event and will be forthcoming with the results as they become available.”

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Elderberry (WLI-65401) and Douglas Denman (WPC 1149) crews assumed responsibility for providing search and rescue assistance to the Lydia Marie and have established a security zone around the crash site.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

An Update.

Nov. 14, 2023

Update 01: Coast Guard continues response to helicopter crash in Alaska during search and rescue case

D17 Public Affairs

JUNEAU, Alaska — Coast Guard crew members injured in the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crash Monday night on Read Island continue to receive medical care, and the search and rescue case for fishing vessel Lydia Marie is complete.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the four service members from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka involved in the crash were transported to the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for a higher level of care via a C-130 Hercules aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak.

The two Coast Guard members reported to have serious injuries were listed in serious condition, while the other two members were listed in good condition with minor injuries.

The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Elderberry (WLI 65401) oversaw the de-watering of the fishing vessel Lydia Marie and escorted the vessel back to Petersburg. There, the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Pike (WPB 87365) conducted a post-search and rescue boarding with no violations, closing the original search and rescue case.

On-scene weather at the beginning of the search and rescue evolution with the Lydia Marie was reported with wind speeds at 28-34 miles per hour and seas at four to five feet. Upon arrival at the scene of the crash, a second Coast Guard MH-60 rescue helicopter reported wind speeds of 46 miles per hour, visibility at one-quarter of a mile, and seas at one to two feet.

Four people were confirmed aboard the Lydia Marie, and their initial call for assistance was transmitted on VHF-FM channel 16 Monday night at approximately 8:06 p.m.

The investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash is ongoing.

Further requests for information by members of the media can be made by contacting the Public Affairs duty watchstander at D17-DG-PublicAffairs@uscg.mil.

Nov. 15, 2023

Update 02: Coast Guard continues investigation of helicopter crash, two released from hospital

D17 Public Affairs

JUNEAU, Alaska — Two Coast Guard crew members have been released from the hospital, and the investigation into the cause of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter air crew crash on Read Island continues, Wednesday morning. 

The remaining two crew members who were previously listed in serious condition have improved and are now listed in fair condition.

The investigation into the crash is still ongoing. 

Cutter Size Combatants for Australia

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Australia is seeing an urgent need to augment the Strike capability of their Navy. This is reflected in a requirement for light frigate/corvette sized combatants with strong anti-surface (ASuW) and self-defense as well as ASW capability.

The resulting ships are about the size of the latest large US Coast Guard patrol cutters, the 4,600 ton Bertholf class National Security Cutter (NSC) and the 4,500 ton Argus class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC), in fact two are smaller. While this may not be an exhaustive list of potential competitors, all three proposals I have seen, are discussed in the video above and outlined below. Each includes 16 to 32 vertical launch system (VLS) cells for a variety of missile types and 16 to 24 deck launchers for Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCM, presumably Naval Strike Missiles). (As these designs are about a decade newer than the OPC, the winning design might form the basis for a future cutter class.)

Navatia’s offer, the Tasman class corvette, is the same length as the Argus class Offshore Patrol Cutters (110 meters / 360′), but considerably lighter at 3,600 tons full load (vs 4500 tons). This class is to be based on a class built for Saudi Arabia, which is in turned based on a class of Offshore Patrol Vessels built for Venezuela. The proposal includes 16 VLS and 16 ASCM launch tubes. Presumably they will be diesel powered with a speed about the same as the parent designs, 25 knots.

The Australian Light Frigate (foreground) and Constellation class (background) on the Gibbs and Cox stand during Indo Pacific 2023.

Gibbs and Cox proposal (pictured above), at 117 meters in length and 3,800 tons, this design is also smaller than the OPC by 700 tons. It takes the novel approach of deleting the usual main gun entirely in favor of 32 VLS and 24 ASCM launch tubes. CIWS would be provided by Phalanx or SeaRAM and close-in anti-surface and “shot across the bow” signaling would be provided by Mk38 gun mount or equivalent. (This may be taking the trend to smaller main guns to its logical conclusion.) Speed will be at least 30 knots using CODELAG GE LM2500+ propulsion.

TKMS offers MEKO A210 Frigate. This is a bit larger, at 4700 tons, 200 tons larger than the OPC and 100 tons larger than the National Security Cutter. The proposal includes 32 VLS and 16 ASCM. It is powered, like the earlier A200 frigates, by two diesels each driving conventional propellers and a gas turbine driving a central water jet, a system TKMS calls CODAG-WARP (WAter jet and Refined Propellers). Speed is likely 28-29 knots.

“AEROVIRONMENT’S JUMP 20 MEDIUM UAS DEMONSTRATES MARITIME AUTONOMOUS TAKEOFF AND LANDING AT VESSEL SPEEDS OVER 20 KNOTS” –News Release

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Below is a news release from AeroVironment reporting autonomous takeoff and landing from USNS Burlington (T-EPF-10), pictured below, at speeds of over 20 knots. I also found the video above that shows operation from a smaller vessel and provides more detail of how the unmanned aircraft is operated and supported.

CARIBBEAN SEA (Aug. 25, 2021) The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) operates off the coast of Haiti, Aug. 25, 2021. Burlington is deployed to U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts in Haiti following a 7.2-magnitude earthquake on Aug. 14, 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jack D. Aistrup)

Another good video here:

It appears 4th Fleet is trying to fulfill their self proclaimed role as the Fleet for Innovation.

AEROVIRONMENT’S JUMP 20 MEDIUM UAS DEMONSTRATES MARITIME AUTONOMOUS TAKEOFF AND LANDING AT VESSEL SPEEDS OVER 20 KNOTS

NOVEMBER 07, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va., November 07, 2023 – AeroVironment, Inc (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced the company’s JUMP 20 VTOL Medium UAS exceeded expectations during the recent U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/4th Fleet Hybrid Fleet Campaign Event (HFCE) that demonstrated human-machine teaming in the maritime domain. The JUMP 20 provided ship-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR-T) support to USFOURTHFLT and USSOUTHCOM during the week-long, at-sea exercise onboard USNS Burlington. The JUMP 20 has previously flown over 130,000 land-based hours in support of U.S. Special Operations Command combat deployments, and the expansion of JUMP 20 operations into the shipboard environment allows AeroVironment to provide these services globally.

During HFCE, JUMP 20 showcased its ability to launch and recover at vessel speeds over 20 knots, with fully autonomous flight from takeoff to landing.  The JUMP 20 requires neither launch or recovery equipment, nor personnel on the flight deck during launch and recovery, maximizing operational safety and flexibility for users. JUMP 20’s vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, and class-leading endurance and payload capacity expand the operational capabilities of U.S. and allies to compete and win in the era of great power competition.  The JUMP 20 demonstrated how uncrewed systems will support distributed operations across multiple domains, supporting national security objectives and our warfighters.

“The shipboard flight environment is dynamic and challenging. JUMP 20 is a proven combat-effective platform, and the system’s performance during HFCE illustrates the value to maritime operations.  JUMP 20’s ability to launch and land at speed, and without personnel intervention, enhances the ship’s operational effectiveness and enables operators to focus on important mission tasking,” said Shane Hastings, AeroVironment’s vice president and product line general manager for Medium UAS. “As we continue to demonstrate and prove the effectiveness of the JUMP 20 platform, we look forward to getting this capability in the hands of our sailors, Marines, and allies operating in the maritime environment.” AeroVironment JUMP 20 is deployed to U.S. and allied militaries around the world, and it can be provided on a contractor-owned / contractor-operated (COCO) basis to maximize operational flexibility.

“U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne returns to home port following a 52-day multi-mission patrol in the Eastern Pacific” –CG News

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PERU, 10.06.2023, Courtesy Photo, USCG District 11
The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne conducts a patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of Operation Southern Shield 2023, October 2023. The Coast Guard recently completed the first high-seas boardings and inspections off the coast of Peru under a newly adopted multi-lateral agreement to monitor fishing and transshipment operations within the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO) Convention Area. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Below is a news release from Coast Guard News. This patrol was unusual enough to draw some special attention. It is not a typical patrol craft mission. It involved the pairing of a buoy tender with a “Fast Response Cutter” (FRC) to put two units far from their homeports. The Pacific Area has done this before in the Western Pacific, but I think this may be the first time it has been done in the Eastern Pacific off the West coast of South America. Pacific Area Webber class FRCs have previously conducted drug enforcement missions in the Eastern Pacific at least as far South as Central America. We talked about portions of this multiunit deployment earlier, “Buoy Tender, FRC, C-130 Used for International Fisheries Enforcement–Operation Southern Shield.” USCGC Alder, homeported in San Franciso, was the buoy tender involved.

The emphasis of the operation was international fisheries enforcement, but USCGC Terrell Horne still managed to do a bit of drug enforcement. I look forward to seeing the report of USCGC Alder’s portion of the operation.

09.25.2023, Courtesy Photo, USCG District 11
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder (background) transits in formation alongside Peru BAP (Buque Armada Peruana) Bolognesi (FM-57) as it prepares for the next exercise during GALAPEX 2023, Sept.25, 2023. GALAPEX is a recurring multi-national maritime exercise led by Ecuador and included participation of delegates from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the European Union, France, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the United Kingdom, and the United
States. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Nov. 8, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne returns to home port following a 52-day multi-mission patrol in the Eastern Pacific

Coast Guard District Eleven

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne and crew returned to their home port in Los Angeles/Long Beach Tuesday after a 52-day patrol across the Eastern Pacific.

The crew of the Terrell Horne deployed in support of multiple missions, including Operations Green Flash, Albatross, Martillo, and Southern Shield, within the 11th Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility. During the patrol, Terrell Horne’s crew conducted a range of missions encompassing law enforcement, counter-drug operations, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing enforcement, and search and rescue operations.

“The crew of the Terrel Horne lived up to the cutter’s namesake in every way during this patrol. Operation Southern Shield allowed the cutter to showcase the versatility of the Fast Response Cutter. This operation brought a patrol boat and a buoy tender almost 4,000 nautical miles from home, conducting operations and international engagements with Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, and Costa Rica, said Chief Warrant Officer Jason Bussell, the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne. “The crew excelled in counter-illegal fishing missions, search and rescue, and counter-drug operations. Working alongside other Coast Guard assets, the crew was able to interdict a drug smuggling vessel and assisted in the seizure of nearly 2,000 lbs of contraband.”

The Coast Guard commissioned the Terrell Horne as the 31st Fast Response Cutter on March 22, 2019. Coast The cutter is named for Senior Chief Terrell Horne III, who died from injuries sustained while conducting maritime law enforcement operations off the California coast in December 2012. He was the executive petty officer aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Halibut at the time. For his heroic actions, the Coast Guard posthumously promoted Horne to senior chief petty officer.

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.

“U.S. Coast Guard formally establishes Base Guam” –CG News

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APRA HARBOR, Guam (Aug. 11, 2021) – An aerial view of U.S. Naval Base Guam shows several vessels moored in Apra Harbor, including vessels from the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group 21, Aug. 9. The deployment is the U.K.’s first by a carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific for almost 25 years and marks a historic achievement in the bilateral partnership between the U.S. and U.K. The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) is deployed with the strike group, as are F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), HMS Kent (F78), HMS Defender (D63), RFA Fort Victoria (A387), RFA Tidespring (A136), Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Evertsen (F805). French Ship Dupuy de Lome (A759), USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204), USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52), USS Jackson (LCS 6), USS America (LHA 6), along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), were also in Guam for a scheduled port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Naomi Johnson)

Below is a news release from Coast Guard News. This is another step in the growing Coast Guard presence in the Western Pacific. We have gone from a WLB and two 110s in Guam to a WLB and three FRCs and occasional CG helicopter presence. (A Navy MH-60S squadron normally provides SAR coverage.) I think we may see additional resources in the near future. Coast Guard Base Guam is a tenant command of Naval Base Guam. (Thanks to Bob for bringing this to my attention.)

Nov. 7, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard formally establishes Base Guam

U.S. Coast Guard Base Guam

SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard is proud to announce the establishment of U.S. Coast Guard Base Guam on Nov. 8, 2023, in a ceremony presided over by Rear Adm. Carola List, commander of Operational Logistics Command.

Led by Cmdr. Dana Hiatt, Base Guam, will be pivotal toward enhancing the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission support logistics in the region. This strategic move aligns with the Service’s commitment to increase mission support throughout Oceania. Given Guam’s vital importance to national security, this initiative takes center stage.

The establishment of Base Guam is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and expands the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission support in the Indo-Pacific region. The establishment will shift current facilities engineering, naval engineering, comptroller and base operations, health, safety, and work life, personnel support, information technology, and procurement billets and responsibility from the existing U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam to a new Base Guam command structure. The establishment of Base Guam will consist of 17 additional personnel billets and will rely on the realignment of existing elements to provide logistical efficiencies improving U.S. Coast Guard mission support on Guam.

U.S. Coast Guard Base Guam will operate under the direction of the Operational Logistics Command, responsible for mission support logistics across the entire U.S. Coast Guard enterprise while coexisting with U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. The base is taking on the role of the lead logistics and support command, a strategic decision aimed at better serving the needs of the operational community and partners. Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam retains the role of operational authority for U.S. Coast Guard activity in the Western Pacific.

The Base crew’s responsibilities encompass contingency logistics planning for joint operational plans, integration of logistics services, and support for tactical logistics needs for deployed operational assets. Additionally, the enterprise maintains a national-level logistics common operating picture and commands the Coast Guard’s 22 existing bases, ensuring the execution of assigned tasking through each of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Logistics and Service Centers.

The establishment of Base Guam marks a significant milestone in strengthening the U.S. Coast Guard’s presence and capabilities in the region. The unit is physically located on the existing U.S. Coast Guard footprint within U.S. Naval Base Guam.

-USCG-

About the DOL commander:
Rear Adm. Carola List currently serves as the commander of Operational Logistics Command in Norfolk, Virginia, overseeing the delivery of mission support logistics and administering procurement policy, guidance, and advocacy while also providing operational procurement and contracting services for all supported commands and units.

About Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam:
U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam comprises more than 300 dedicated members based in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Capt. Nicholas Simmons currently leads Forces Micronesia and serves as the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Guam and the CNMI. The U.S. Coast Guard is committed to maritime safety, security, and stewardship in Oceania, operating under the U.S. Coast Guard 14th District umbrella, which oversees Central and Western Pacific operations.

A Quick Note on the Role of Small Ships in Littoral Warfare–Specifically in Gaza

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The Tactical Notebook has a short post, “What I Got Wrong About the War in Gaza,” that includes a look at what Israel is doing with their Navy to support the ground war in Gaza. It is a quick lesson in the value of small, shallow draft combatants armed with guns and small, short-range missiles, a type the US Navy does not have, but the Coast Guard has or could have with relatively small changes.

A report of Israeli warships firing upon anti-tank guided missile teams leads me to think that the degree of cooperation between Israeli ships at sea and Israeli columns ashore may be very close indeed. That is, while Israeli warships are probably firing upon places likely to harbor Hamas kornetisti well ahead of the arrival of Merkavot and Namerim, it is also possible that sailors have been shooting in response to particular requests made by their compatriots on land.

Israel Navy strikes terror targets in Gaza, including smuggling boats and terror fortifications on the coast. Includes footage from a missile-mounted camera. 29 Dec. 2008

“U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James returns from Eastern Pacific patrol after interdicting 12,909 kilograms of cocaine, 7,107 pounds of marijuana” –CG News

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Below is a Coast Guard News release. The Mexican “Panther” Helicopter mentioned in the release is closely related to the Coast Guard’s MH-65. A sister ship of the Offshore Patrol Vessel they exercised with is pictured below.

Mexican Navy Oaxaca class patrol vessel, ARM Oaxaca, sister ship of ARM Chiapas, the Mexican Navy OPV that USCGC James exercised with. Mexican Navy photo.

Nov. 7, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James returns from Eastern Pacific patrol after interdicting 12,909 kilograms of cocaine, 7,107 pounds of marijuana

Charleston, S.C. – The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) returned home to Charleston, Saturday, following a 113-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Patrolling in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, James worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and international partners to conduct counter-drug operations.

During the patrol, James’ crew disrupted illegal narcotics smuggling, interdicting 12,909 kilograms of cocaine and 7,107 pounds of marijuana valued at over $380 million. While in theater, James interdicted eight drug-smuggling vessels and apprehended 23 suspected traffickers, including one low-profile vessel laden with contraband. The efforts by the crew of the James directly contributed to U.S. Coast Guard objectives to combat transnational criminal organizations and enhance regional stability and security.

James’ crew conducted multiple joint operations with foreign partner nations such as Ecuador and Mexico. James conducted a passing exercise with the Mexican navy’s ARM Chiapas. During the exercise, James practiced close quarters tactical maneuvering and landed the Chiapas’ Panther helicopter on deck. This exercise with the Mexican navy was particularly important to promote interoperability and enhance ongoing and focused partnership efforts.

While in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, James interdicted an Ecuadorian go-fast vessel laden with illicit narcotics. James executed a complex at-sea rendezvous with Isla Darwin (ECU) and transferred three suspected narcotics traffickers and 73 bales (1,742 kilograms) of cocaine. The evolution enhanced cooperation with Ecuadorian partners and supported the home-country prosecution of international crimes.

James is a 418-foot National Security Cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations, and defense readiness in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations. The National Security Cutters fall under the command of the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. Based in Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. In addition to surge operations, Atlantic Area also allocates ships to deploy to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific to combat transnational organized crime and illicit maritime activity.

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer, and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.

-USCG-

“Royal Marines snipers shoot out engines to bring drug-runners’ boat to a halt” –Forces.Net

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HMS Dauntless has a Wildcat helicopter and Royal Marines sniper team from 42 Commando who provide reconnaissance, surveillance, and aerial support (Picture: Royal Navy).

Looks like the Royal Navy now has their own “Airborne Use of Force” Team to do the same sorts of things the Coast Guard has been doing.

Forces.Net reports,

A Royal Marines sniper team has brought a Caribbean drug-runners’ power boat to a “juddering halt” after shooting out its engines.

US Coast Guard personnel, working alongside the sailors and marines on board Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dauntless, were then able to seize £60m worth of cocaine, which the smugglers had been attempting to throw overboard.

Read on in the linked report. HMS Dauntless has been doing good work in cooperation with a US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. HMS Dauntless is the second of six Type 45 Guided Missile Destroyers, roughly the Royal Navy counterpart of the Burke class DDGs and almost twice as large as the National Security Cutters.

HMS Dauntless (foreground) and HMS Daring. Photo: LA(Phot) Ian Simpson/MOD

Thanks to David for bring this to my attention.

“FarSounder joins Seabed 2030 in Mapping the World’s Oceans” –FarSounder News Release

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Below is a news release from FarSounder. Sure, it’s a PR piece, but this is an interesting and potentially important project. For decades, Coast Guard cutters passed their depth sounding to the Hydrographic service. We have talked about FarSounder products before.

November 7, 2023
Warwick, RI USA

FarSounder joins Seabed 2030 in Mapping the World’s Oceans

FarSounder is partnering with The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project to work together to advance the collective understanding of the ocean floor in pursuit of the complete map of the entire seabed.

This partnership coincides with FarSounder’s recent Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This award is providing funding for the research and development of a new project that will develop a cloud-based service to shareFarSounder/NSSL Global survey data collected by FarSounder customers.

The project – Enabling Expanded Crowdsourced Bathymetry Contributions With High-Quality Metadata via Commercially Sustainable Incentives to Contributors – will allow for data sharing with others across the FarSounder customer fleet and with Seabed 2030 via the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) Data Centre for Digital Bathymetry (DCDB), which archives over 30 terabytes of oceanic depth soundings and serves as the long-term archive for Seabed 2030.

Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), which seeks to inspire the complete mapping of the world’s ocean by 2030, and to compile all the data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. The Project is formally endorsed as a Decade Action of the UN Ocean Decade. GEBCO is a joint programme of the IHO and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and is the only organisation with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor.

“Our commitment to contributing high-resolution data to the IHO’s DCDB aligns seamlessly with Seabed 2030’s mission of achieving a complete map of the entire ocean floor,” commented FarSounder CEO Matthew Zimmerman. “By streamlining the transfer of data from customers to the DCDB we hope to encourage broader participation, inviting more individuals to actively contribute to bridging the gaps in our understanding of the ocean.”

“It’s a pleasure to welcome FarSounder on board as an official partner,” said Seabed 2030 Project Director Jamie McMichael-Phillips. “FarSounder plays a central role in championing crowdsourced bathymetry – which is essential to Seabed 2030. We look forward to working together, and look forward to following the company’s journey as it embarks upon its exciting new project.”

All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 project is included in the free and publicly available GEBCO global grid.

About FarSounder

At FarSounder, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the exploration of the world’s oceans and waterways. We do this by developing innovative products that do more than just help vessels get safely from point A to point B. We make a difference by being environmentally conscious by creating products that reduce the impact on the ecosystem.

For over 20 years, we have dedicated ourselves to tackling new ideas and developing 3D Forward Looking Navigation Sonar technology (3D FLS). Our unique patented technology paints a clear picture of what lies ahead underwater and along the bottom, reducing the likelihood of collisions, which in turn prevents costly damage to property, the environment, and marine and human lives alike.

Our navigation systems are globally recognized. The Argos 1000, Argos 500, and Argos 350 are able to provide customers with a whole suite of sophisticated navigation capabilities of interest to many types of vessels. Wherever you decide to go, FarSounder will help get you there safely.

For more information, visit http://www.farsounder.com

About The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project

The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and GEBCO. The Seabed 2030 Project, launched at the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2017 by Chairman Sasakawa of The Nippon Foundation, coordinates and oversees the sourcing and compilation of bathymetric data from different parts of the world’s ocean through its five centres into the freely-available GEBCO Grid. Four Regional Centres cover the Southern Ocean, the Arctic and North Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and the South and West Pacific Ocean. These feed data products into the Global Data Centre. The IHO Data Center for Digital Bathymetry (DCDB) serves as the
long-term archive for Seabed 2030.
Find out more about the project and how to get involved.

For more detailed information on The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, please visit our website, seabed2030.org, like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter @Seabed2030, or contact enquiries@seabed2030.org.

For media inquiries, contact:
Pegah Souri
pegah.souri@shearwater.global
+44 (0)7951 581707

Media Contact:

Cassie Stetkiewicz
Director of Operations
Cassie.stetkiewicz@farsounder.com
+1 401 784 6700 6002

“Coast Guard removes protesters from RRF ship Cape Orlando” –Marine Log

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Marine Log reports Friday morning, November 3, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco dispatched boats and boarding teams to Oakland Harbor to remove protesters who had breached fencing and were attempting to interfere with the operation of the MARAD Ready Reserve Force (RRF) RO/RO ship Cape Orlando.

MV Cape Orlando at the former NAS Alameda in December 2018. Photo credit: Pi.1415926535