17 June 2004

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 87

June 17, 2004 Thursday
7:00 PM Alaska time

Seven Coast Guard members are assigned specifically to assist the science party. They are called Marine Science Technicians (MST). They are available to the science party 24 hours a day 7 days a week throughout the entire cruise. Their responsibilities include:

1. Providing weather reports to the Captain, Chief Scientist and Operations
2. Reporting weather and ice observations to NOAA
3. Running all ship-installed science equipment
a. climate control chambers
b. uncontaminated seawater system
c. installed thermo-salinographs
d. sonars
e. oceanographic winches

4. Documenting voluntary marine mammal sightings for NOAA and NMFS
5. Launching and recovering all over-side equipment
6. Operating ship's cranes
7. Assisting the scientists in whatever capacity is needed

Traditionally, the major job components for an MST were oceanographic work and weather. However, in the mid-1980's oceanographic work was turned over to NOAA and the MST rating almost disappeared. Even the MST school was closed. Then, the Coast Guard became involved with environmental impacts such as oil spill and pollution response. Now there are close to 1,000 MSTs working on marine safety issues.

However, there are still 15 MST positions dedicated to oceanographic science. All 15 positions are assigned to the Coast Guard's three icebreakers. The Polar Star and the Polar Sea both provide logistical support to the National Science Foundation in Antarctica by breaking a channel and making it possible for resupply vessels to reach the McMurdo Station. Additionally, they offer "science of opportunity," which means that science can happen on the vessels, but must not interfere with the real mission. On the other hand, the Healy is dedicated to science work and does not leave the pier unless it is going on a paid mission to do science. It is the ideal place for a traditional MST to receive on-the-job training. According to MSTCS Glen Hendrickson:

"It is the best job on the ship. Where else can you go from entering data on the computer to hauling nets to operating a crane to running the winch to pushing away an ice floe to doing weather observations to troubleshooting? It is never ending, always changing, every day. Plus, we get to work with 50 individuals on a daily basis. We do not get bored."

MSTCS Glen Hendrickson will be leaving the Healy at the end of this cruise. He is returning home to Florida. Happy Retirement Senior Chief!

MSTC Don Snider will be taking over as the head of the MSTs at the end of this cruise.

MST2 Josh Robinson is considering a Coast Guard career in the field of atmospheric science.

MST2 Daniel Gaona has just finished his requirement for promotion. Congratulations Daniel.

MST3 Eric Rocklage is considering the teaching profession when he leaves the Coast Guard. He will have wonderful experiences to share with his students.

In addition to her other duties, MST3 Suzanne Scriven is in charge of the marine mammals reports. She will also be leaving the Healy at the end of this cruise to pursuit her dream of working with marine mammals. We wish her well in her new career.

MST3 Chad Klinnestoker has been in training this cruise. He is replacing Suzanne.

To see photographs taken by Steve Roberts of UCAR/JOSS, click here.