Townsend Cromwell
TC9903 March 9, 1999 write-up
TC9903 Marine Mammal Research Program Field Camp Deployment, March 6-March 18, 1999
We completed the bird mitigation cruise and returned to Honolulu Harbor on Feb. 28. Over the following 5 days, we removed the long line fishing equipment and restocked the ship with food, fuel and supplies. We also prepared for the next cruise (code named TC9903) which called for us to transport supplies to the scientific field camp on French Frigate Shoals and to establish field camps on the Islands of Laysan and Lisianski. In preparation, we loaded pallets and large boxes of food, camping equipment, fuel (for small boats), and scientific equipment. We also embarked 11 scientists, most of whom would be stationed on these remote camps for up to 2-4 months at a time.
On March 6, we departed under a bright Hawaiian sun and set course for Tern Island. The weather was fantastic for our trip as we had calm seas, sunny skies, mild winds and clear nights. We averaged 10 knots (12 mph) and covered the 504 n.m. in good time for this for this 34 yr. old ship. 2:00 p.m. March 8, we glided up to our anchorage near Tern and lowered our 1300 lb. anchor to the sandy sea bed below. We then launched our 2 work boats as two of the scientists' boats from Tern Island approached. Over the next 5 hours, the 4 boats ran between the ship and the island (top right), transporting the supplies and equipment. The weather had deteriorated as squalls passed over us with gusty winds and rain. The waves would jump-up in response to the wind, often causing our boats to lift and drop 3-5 ft while the crew and scientists were loading them. Despite the difficulty, 15 boat loads of supplies were transported to support the Hawaiian Monk Seal and Sea Bird scientists stationed on Tern. The last boat left the ship's side just as the sun was setting. The ship then hauled anchor and set course for Laysan Island (left). March 9 (today) we remain on course for Laysan (330 n.m. from Tern) under overcast skies, 20 knot SW winds and 5 ft seas. The scientists are busy filling 175 five gallon jugs, with fresh water from the TC's water makers. This water will be 3 scientists only source of drinking water over the next 5 months as they gather data on Laysan's population of Hawaiian Monk Seals. Our ETA is 0830 tomorrow (3/10) and then it will be back to small boat operations as we set up their camp.Yesterdays cruise write-ups for TC-99-03