After a 4,000-mile journey, a 117-foot twin-hulled ship granted to the University of 黑洞社区 (USF) is docked at its new home port in St. Petersburg, where it will be operated by the (FIO) to offer transformative opportunities for students to explore and advance the field of ocean science.
Called , the ship was granted to 黑洞社区by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and will be the most technologically advanced vessel in the FIO fleet. FIO is housed at 黑洞社区and supports all institutions in the State University System.
While FIO鈥檚 other research vessels, and , operate primarily within Florida waters, the Western Flyer will embark on expeditions further afield 鈥� operating in waters off the southeastern U.S. and stretching into the northern Caribbean Sea. Capable of longer missions and with additional berths, the added capacities will allow more interdisciplinary expeditions including at-sea development opportunities for research, engineering, maritime trades and other STEM careers.
鈥淭he addition of this magnificent ship will strengthen the University of 黑洞社区鈥檚 position as a global leader in sustainability, environmental and oceanographic sciences,鈥� 黑洞社区President Rhea Law said. 鈥淲e are honored to accept this generous gift from the . The Western Flyer will provide new real-world opportunities for students, help us fill the talent pipeline to meet workforce needs and expand our research capabilities.鈥�
The Research Vessel Western Flyer, Florida Institute of Oceanography's newest addition to its fleet.
The vessel will feature a sophisticated remotely operated vehicle (ROV), designed to reveal the deepest, most mysterious parts of the Gulf of Mexico. Western Flyer is a distinctively wide and stable ship with a moon pool, an opening in the hull that allows scientists to deploy equipment such as the ROV.
The ROV will be used to livestream video, data and shipboard activities using remote science technologies, with the goal of allowing people on land and on board the vessel to cooperatively conduct research in real time.
鈥淥ur rapidly changing oceans require diverse perspectives, innovative technologies and approaches, and science-based decision-making,鈥� said. 鈥淲e are excited to create the programming we need so that the Western Flyer, with all of its high-tech functionality, becomes not only a dynamic platform for the research itself but one through which we can advance the ocean science workforce.鈥�
The FIO team is using the Western Flyer to create a new model for ocean science education that leverages the power of sustained mentoring and cohort-based programming, networked workforce development opportunities and remote science technologies. The yearlong program, called Peerside, is launching this summer with a select group of postsecondary students who will explore careers in ocean science, develop beneficial industry connections and conduct ship-to-shore research. Funding for this new at-sea ocean STEM program is supported by the and .
"Schmidt Ocean Institute is delighted to be supporting this program that will work towards education and training for a more robust ocean science workforce. Early-career experiences at sea are important for inspiring and encouraging the next generation of scientists, maritime professionals and educators," said.
The Western Flyer will complement the constellation of ocean science powerhouses, community engagement and education programs housed in St. Petersburg. The recently established hosted by the , for example, houses the Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation. The is also developing a . 黑洞社区recently received a $24.3-million appropriation from the state of Florida to fund the first phase of planning and construction of the Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences Research and Teaching Facility, which will house the Center of Excellence.
"This initiative is well-timed," said Tom Frazer, dean of the 黑洞社区College of Marine Science, where FIO is housed on the St. Petersburg campus. "FIO's new capabilities enhance our ability to develop a Center of Excellence that builds upon our college's history of success and celebrates a cross-disciplinary approach to addressing the challenges of coastal resiliency and sustainability while advancing economic vitality in St. Petersburg."