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Arctic West Fall 2009 Trip
November 8, 2009
Northward bound, again.
Despite completing our second science phase on Sunday, there was one last science objective to accomplish before returning south; recover a Chinese mooring. During the passenger transfer off Barrow, we were joined by a small group of Chinese scientists and a buoy recovery expert. Upon arrival of our newest guests, we weighed anchor and transited toward the ice edge. However, this time we were hoping for less ice.
To be successful in this mission, open water was essential. The ice needed to capture polar bears would be a hindrance to the current undertaking. The Chinese mooring would not be recoverable in the ice. Currently at the bottom of the ocean, when activated, a sensor release would cause the mooring to rise to the surface when activate. If there was ice above it, the data would be damaged and the mooring itself would not be recoverable.
As noted previously, the Arctic is a rapidly changing environment. The temperatures quickly dropped as POLAR SEA returned north. Tuesday morning we awoke to the coldest temperatures of the trip. Getting out of the rack was made harder by the cold as we all would rather have hibernated under our covers. Our newest members of the crew, FN Obrien and SN Gorringe, recently arrived from boot camp, were abruptly welcomed by the Arctic’s icy chill. What does an air temperature of -7F with a wind chill of -30F feel like? Spend more than 20 minutes outside and any exposed skin will develop frostbite. Transit briefly across the weather decks and one will be huddled around a heater for the next 10 minutes. In short, the cold pierced to the bone and made introverts of us all as we retreated to the warmth within the extra layers we piled on.
Much to our dismay, we entered the ice once more after a day of steaming. The air was clear and the sky bright, but the ice grew rapidly. The sun rose begrudgingly over the horizon at 1156 and set far too quickly at 1425. Its appearance did little to warm the Arctic environment, merely enticing a few brave souls to step out into the bitter air briefly before smartly returning to the protection within the skin of the ship.
As a result of the temperature decline, ice growth increased. When we arrived in the area of the mooring, we took a series of measurements with a transducer to triangulate the mooring.
The trail broken behind us almost immediately closed when we stopped.
After a couple of triangulations, it became apparent that the mooring was under significant ice. Our only hope to recover it was for a polynea, or area of open water within the ice floe, to drift over the mooring. By Wednesday morning it was clear that due to the severe drop in temperatures, any polynea would now be covered with at least a few inches of fresh ice. There was no way to safely recover the mooring. However, it was determined that the batteries in the mooring would last for another year and a half, allowing for recovery at a later date. The Chinese scientists, mooring expert, and the command agreed to abort the mission and head south.
Both excitement and trepidation filled the crew as we began our southbound journey. The Bering Sea is not known for being a peaceful body of water, especially in the fall and winter. Its shallow depths are a breeding ground for storms as pressure systems converge above. Reports of 40 knot winds and 30 ft seas caused a new vigilance in securing for sea. Though transiting in ice is exceptionally noisy, the stable platform it provides can cause sailors to lose their sea legs. Doc’s office saw a rush of visitors while crewmembers unsure of how the transition between ice and open water would effect them, stocked up on seasick medication.
While we kept a weather eye on the marine environment, daily activities continued along with a new assignment. Throughout the trip, weekly training has included damage control instruction and drills. Soon, our skill would be put to the test in the damage control (DC) Olympics! The Olympics, scheduled to occur on Nov 9th, produced a flurry of activity as teams were formed, pictures taken, and interviews set up in an attempt to show which team was most ready for the contest.
On Saturday Andy Perodeau was promoted to LTJG. This important milestone was captured by a quick ceremony at quarters. Pictured below are XO, AEO, and LTJG Perodeau in Main Control immediately following quarters.
Also recognized that day were MKC Titus and EM1 Whittington who received Commandant Letters of Commendation for their leadership and hard work exercised during the shipyard maintenance period just prior to the start of AWF09. Finally this week, BM3 Pearlman, was recognized for achieving 4 years of sea service.
This week we will depart the Realm of the Polar Bear. As we head south, excitement is high about reaching our first port call, the first time our feet will return to solid ground in over 67 days. The ice was an adventure but the open ocean was a welcome sight as we are all looking forward to returning home.
Your Public Affairs Officer,
ENS Emily Holt
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