NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown. Click image for larger view.
NOAA Ship Ron Brown
At 274 ft and displacing more than 3,200 tons, the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown is the flagship of the NOAA fleet. Named in memory of a former the U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary who perished in a plane crash in 1996, the ship is a state-of-the-art oceanographic and atmospheric research platform. The Ron Brown, as it is commonly and fondly known, is equipped with an array of advanced instruments and sensors. From its home port in Charleston, South Carolina, the ship has sailed the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, conducting scientific studies to increase our understanding of the world's marine environment.
The Ron Brown carries a complement of 5 NOAA Corps officers, 20 crew members, and can accommodate up to 33 scientists. The crew’s primary responsibilities involve day-to-day operations. This includes routine data collection and management tasks related to the ship’s mission as a scientific research platform.
Scientist releases radiosonde (in right hand) attached to weather balloon. Radiosondes measure atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity. Click image for larger view.
Science and Research Support
One of the ship's important functions is to simultaneously measure the ocean and atmosphere to better understand the sea-ocean interface. This work is essential for understanding global climatic changes and other environmental issues. To conduct these studies, the Ron Brown is outfitted with numerous instruments that collect and assess scientific data collected from above and below the ocean surface. These include a C-Band Doppler radar, which allows scientists to study precipitation patterns and storm dynamics. The Ron Brown is the only US domestic ship that carries a Doppler radar on board. Another type of weather measuring tool is a radiosonde. This device is attached to a weather balloon and released into the upper atmosphere. The radiosonde measures atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, and concentrations of ozone. The data is then transmitted to ground receivers for processing and analysis. Additional meteorological sensors on board measure precipitation, wind speed and direction, and short-wave radiation.
To study the phenomena beneath the ocean’s surface, the Ron Brown is equipped with two echo sounders. These devices are used to develop broad-based profiles of the sea bottom. Through the use of acoustic waves, surface features of the ocean floor can be determined in waters as deep as 10,000 m. Echo sounders can also be used to locate fish for studies of species distribution and abundance. Similar in function to the echo sounders, a multibeam survey system uses an advanced sonar system to create bathymetric (underwater topography) charts, as well as detailed 3-D images of the sea floor. Scientists can also use an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) to measure the speed and direction of water currents at various locations in the water column beneath the vessel. In areas where the bottom depth is within range, the ADCP can also provide an accurate measurement of the vessels speed over the Earth. In addition to the ADCP, researchers can release a device called a CTD, which detects conductivity and temperature changes in the water column relative to depth.
Crew deploying the acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) to assess water speed and direction at different depths in the water column. Click image for larger view.
The Ron Brown also boasts a series of cranes and winches for loading supplies and scientific gear, as well as several cranes and booms to accommodate the transfer of heavier equipment to and from the ship. An A-frame mounted on the vessel’s stern is used to deploy and recover submersibles, surface floats, and smaller support boats.
Integrated Computer Network
The shipboard network and computer systems aboard the Ron Brown is one of its greatest assets. These computers are used for everything from sensor acquisition and data analysis to administration and payroll. Nearly all of the ship's scientific devices are integrated into an on board oceanographic system called the Scientific Computing System (SCS). The SCS is a network that collects, stores, processes and retrieves oceanographic data from all the navigation and environmental sensors, bathymetric sonar systems, and other mission sensors. This sensor suite is supported by 2 high-powered computers. The ship’s well developed computer network integrates nearly all of the computers on board, including several servers and workstations along with other specialized computer platforms. Intranet and Internet access is readily available.
Click here to learn more about the NOAA Ship, Ronald H. Brown, including current research and the ship’s specifications.
