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BEST 2010 Trip
April 4, 2010
Adventures in the Bering Sea
The start of the week marked the beginning of the end to the BEST 2010 Science Deployment. On Monday, we completed all bottom samples for the BEST 2010 operation area. As we began our transit south, we continued to conduct ice stations, bird survey flights, and water sampling stations. Through Sunday, the science focus was on taking water samples along the 70 meter isobath to look at the water composition in this area. As POLAR SEA snaked its way from station to station, on our electronic charting system it looked like we were attempting to complete a “connect the dots” picture. Just like when making the final mark to the last “dot,” excitement grew as Sunday approached and the final stations grew ever closer.
On Thursday, April 1st, the crew awoke to an April Fool’s reveille pipe including such exaggerated information as 70 below zero temperatures. In fact, the temperature had already reached a balmy 8 degrees. As the crew set flight quarters and the scientists dressed out for the flight, one of them commented that this was the first time they were looking forward to going outside because they were too warm in their Mustang Survival Suits. However, with the mission objective to land just off of St Matthews Island to conduct an ice station, it was important to dress with many layers; they knew they would be on the ice for approximately an hour and a half. In addition to the pilot and two scientists, dressing for the trip was POLAR SEA’s “salty” Engineer Officer, LCDR Robert Clarke.
Earning his seventh Arctic Service Medal this trip, he is considered an experienced polar sailor. LCDR Clarke has dedicated almost 30 years to the service of his country, joining the Coast Guard in 1980 after hearing the tall tales and history of many veterans and following in an older brother’s footsteps. POLAR SEA is the third icebreaker he has been stationed on, having also served as the assistant engineering officer aboard HEALY and as an engineer aboard KATMAI BAY. This summer LCDR Clarke will transfer to an engineering support unit where he will work on the reactivation of POLAR SEA’s sister ship, POLAR STAR.
April 1st marked a number of notable events. Since the beginning of the fiscal year, October 1st, POLAR SEA has spent 100 days underway. The majority of these days have been spent in Arctic waters. Heading south, POLAR SEA crossed 60N latitude at 1015 that morning; 21 days were spent above this significant marker which earned new polar sailors their first Arctic Service Medal while for returning veterans, it signified the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or as in the case of Chief Warrant Officer McGuire, his 8th medal.
Throughout the week we continued to see a variety of wildlife. For the bridge watchstanders, it seemed as if walrus and seal reports were always in the most inopportune places. Like POLAR SEA, walruses and seals tended to favor the leads. More than once popping up directly in front of POLAR SEA, we would be forced to quickly maneuver, usually into thicker ice that slowed our progress. Though seals and walruses were abundant, throughout the trip it has been the goal of a few to spot a polar bear. Polar bears usually roam farther north.
However, reported sightings from the BEST 2009 science deployment gave crewmembers and scientists hope that a polar bear just might be seen this trip as well. Though we saw polar bear tracks on two occasions, the polar bears proved elusive.
In addition to the BEST 2010 science operations occurring out on deck and within labs, POLAR SEA crewmembers conducted their own science. One engineer pointed out that science is conducted on a daily basis aboard POLAR SEA. Pictured here, FN Nix is conducting lube oil viscosity tests, proof that engineers conducted their own "science operations" during BEST 2010.
After the workday when not engaged in science activities, crewmembers enjoyed a variety of morale activities. One way to blow of steam was to compete in the ping pong tournament. Despite the best efforts of the crew, Captain Vaughn has yet to be unseated. The verdict is still out yet on who will be the champion at the deployment’s conclusion.
On Easter Sunday crewmembers and scientists gathered in the hanger for an Easter egg hunt. Though the eggs had been stealthily hidden prior to the hunt, the participants were quick to disperse and recover the eggs. The cooks whipped up another delicious holiday meal that included ham, bacon wrapped scallops, and sweet potatoes.
Sunday also marked the completion of the last science station for the BEST 2010 deployment; our transit to Kodiak began in earnest. It has been a productive trip for both the scientists and crewmembers as samples were gathered, new skills were learned, and we bonded as a team.
As we leave the ice and secure for sea, we look forward to our arrival in Kodiak and transit home. We wish our families a Happy Easter and look forward to seeing you soon.
Your Public Affairs Officer,
LTJG Emily Holt
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