Shipmate Capt. Steve Wackowski is testing a small-unmanned aerial system (SUAS) to use for science in the Arctic and elsewhere. He has outfitted a similar one that has been used by the USGS and FWS out in the western states. … Continue reading →

This is from the FWS biologist Sophie Webb who is onboard the Healy: Ringed seals are the smallest of the ice seals averaging about 4 feet (1.2meters) in length weighing approximately 120 lbs. They maintain  breathing holes in the ice with … Continue reading →

Coast guard MK2 Christopher Schumacher (Machinery technician) gave a talk to the scientists on board the Healy about “What Blue can do for you.” Shu has a wonderful southern accent and the ability to be entertaining- from the standpoint of … Continue reading →

Life on board the Healy is very busy. Most of the time is spent in the lab, sampling or analyzing data on the computers. Here are some pictures of the stateroom and shower of Lisa Robbins. Most of the scientists … Continue reading →

The Louis St. Laurent is an ice breaker vessel from the Canadian Coast Guard. The St. Laurent is working in collaboration with the USCG Ice Breaker Healy. The two vessels met and are now tied up together so scientists aboard … Continue reading →

The scientists did not see them, but the mom and cub are nearby!

Pablo Clemente-Colon (Chief Scientist of the National Ice Center) gave us a science talk the other night and told us some interesting facts about ice. You may think that “ice is just ice”- but actually there are specific designations for … Continue reading →

The Healy arrived at the first water sampling station in the Arctic Ocean. The scientific team used a device at the first station called a rosette that can take multiple water samples and measurements at once. The rosette sampler is … Continue reading →

The Arctic Ocean is a very harsh environment. Survival in the water is only minutes without proper protection. The mustang suit is a thermal survival suit for just this type of place. On the Healy, team members are required to … Continue reading →

First the first time on the cruise, the Healy is moving through a patch of icebergs in the Arctic Ocean.  Here are a few photos from the Healy:  

Jonathan Wynn and Lisa Robbins install a sampling tube to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) using a CO2 analyzer on the bow of the ship.  Data from the CO2 analyzer is sent to a computer on board the vessel for later … Continue reading →

The scientific team are making themselves at home on board the Healy. They have unpacked the lab and are busy trying to set up water sampling. They have been briefed on safety procedures and have tried on mustang suits (post … Continue reading →

Traveling by helicopter to the Healy was quite an experience. Here are some photos of the scientific team as they made their way to the ship via helicopter transport. Boarding the Helicopter: Flying to the USCGC Healy:   Finally, on … Continue reading →

The USGS ocean acidification team is on board the USCGC Healy! Unpacking and laboratory set-up are the first order of business. Setting up is an exhausting process but the sooner the lab is set up, the sooner the team can … Continue reading →

Today is the official first day of the ocean acidification Arctic research cruise. The scientific team has been transported to the USCGC Healy via helicopter today to begin their seven week journey. Stay tuned for more information!

The team arrived in Barrow, Alaska late in the day on August 13th. The sky was overcast, the weather cool, and there were only dirt roads. They spent the day of August 14th exploring the area while waiting for the … Continue reading →

Barrow, Alaska has the distinction of being the farthest North of all North American cities. It is also the port from which the scientists will board the USCSC Healy. It is approximately 725 miles from Anchorage, Alaska to Barrow, Alaska. … Continue reading →

The 13 pallets left St. Petersburg, Florida on May 3rd and arrived about a week later for loading on May 11th. Technician Chris DuFore flew out to ensure the safe loading and proper storage of the equipment and supplies aboard … Continue reading →

To get ready for the Arctic cruise preparation began many months in advance. We had to have all of our equipment and personal items packed ready by May 3rd! They had to be shipped across country to Seattle, Washington for … Continue reading →