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Daily Reports for R/V KILO MOANA

June & July 2009

KM 09-19 Noon Report 1200(W) 31 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-29 N 150-53 W

Fuel on board: 72,235 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 3553 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 085 @ 20 kts, combined sea & swell ENE'ly @ 05-08 ft,

Barometer 1016.9 rising, temp 24C, overcast

U/W on KM 09-19, a 16-day cruise in the North/Central Pacific
researching/investigating plankton blooms.

We have conducted 3 CTDs and two net tows in the past 24 hours, and
commenced our transit to our next location, 25-12N 147-00W, ETA 1300 01 Aug.
Latest forecasted track for TS Lana shows it having no indication of
impacting this cruise. Science, crew, ship doing well.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-19 Noon Report 1200(W) 30 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 20-30 N 153-42 W

Fuel on board: 75,788 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1228 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 065 @ 20 kts, combined sea & swell ENE'ly @ 05-07 ft,

Barometer 1014.9 steady, temp 23C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-19, a 16-day cruise in the North/Central Pacific investigating
plankton blooms.

We transited past the north coast of Moloka'i yesterday
afternoon, getting a good view of the world's highest sea cliffs,
spectacular valleys, and the tallest US lighthouse on the Pacific Ocean, the
Moloka'i Lighthouse.

Currently, we are at our first station and have conducted 1 CTD cast and 1
net tow so far, after a delay of approx 2.5 hours due to difficulties with
the extension boom on our CTD-system crane. We are utilizing a workaround
that eliminates the usage of the extension boom, and have had success so
far. All else going well with Science, crew, and ship. Tropical Depression
Six-E being monitored, forecasted track shows no indication of turning to
the north and impacting this cruise.

Photo of the north coast of Moloka'i (barely visible is Moloka'i
Lighthouse):

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-19 Noon Report 1200(W) 29 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 21-17 N 157-25 W

Fuel on board: 77,016 gals

Fuel Consumed (3.5 hrs): 423 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 070 @ 20 kts, combined sea & swell NE'ly @ 05-07 ft,

Barometer 1014.9 falling, temp 24C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-19, a 16-day cruise in the North/Central Pacific investigating
plankton blooms.

We are heading east, transiting along the north coast of Molokai, enroute to
our first science station at 20-48N 153-30W. We will be stopping briefly
sometime during the next few hours to test the new CTD rosette that we have
aboard. Science, crew, and ship doing well.

**************************************************************************************************************

The following are the departure particulars for KM 09-19, leaving Honolulu,
HI 29 July 2009:

0745 Completed all pre-departure tests and inspections

0833 Last line (delay due to last-minute science errand and harbor
traffic)

0908 Abeam H

0915 Science Party safety and shipboard indoctrination briefing

1030 Fire and Boat drill

Fuel on board: 77,439 gal (corrected by soundings)

Potable water: 8000 gal

Ship's Complement (22)

Science Party (19)

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-18 Arrival Report 27 July, 2009

Following are the particulars of KM arrival at Snug Harbor, HI:

0840 Completed all pre-arrival tests and inspections

0903 Abeam H buoy

0952 First line

1010 All fast, port side to Pier 45, FWE

Fuel on board: 78,668 gals

Total fuel consumed: 5893 gals

Total miles steamed: 361 nmi

Total cruise time: 03d 21h

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-18 Noon Report 1200(W) 26 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-49 N 158-03 W

Fuel on board: 79,621 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1228 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 110 @ 17 kts, combined sea & swell ESE'ly @ 03-05 ft,

Barometer 1017.2 rising, temp 25C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-18, a 4-day HOT cruise (HOT-213) off the north coast of Oahu.

In the last 24 hours we have conducted 8 CTD casts, 3 net tows, 2 AC9/FRRF
casts, 1 PRR cast, and recovered the Gas Array. ETA Snug remains 1000
pierside tomorrow, 27 July. Science, crew, and ship doing well, no further
delays experienced.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-18 Noon Report 1200(W) 25 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-41 N 158-01 W

Fuel on board: 80,849 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1319 gals

Potable water on board: 7700 gals

Weather: wind 110 @ 15 kts, combined sea & swell ESE'ly @ 03-05 ft,

Barometer 1014.8 rising, temp 25C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-18, a 4-day HOT cruise (HOT-213) off the north coast of Oahu.

Repairs to the CTD-system crane were completed successfully yesterday
afternoon. Since that time we have conducted multiple weight test casts and
CTD casts without incident or interruption. Detention for this casualty was
approximately 8 hrs. In addition, we have recovered the PP array (deployed
AM 24 July), conducted multiple net and hand tows, and deployed the Gas
array. Revised ETA is now 1000 pierside at Snug, 27 July. Science, crew,
ship now doing well.
**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-18 Noon Report 1200(W) 24 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-46 N 158-00 W

Fuel on board: 82,168 gals

Fuel Consumed (23 hrs): 2393 gals

Potable water on board: 7600 gals

Weather: wind 110 @ 13 kts, combined sea & swell ESE'ly @ 02-05 ft,

Barometer 1013.6 falling, temp 26C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-18, a 4-day HOT cruise (HOT-213) off the north coast of Oahu.

Our departure was delayed 4 hours due to a computer/electrical problem with
our port propulsion motor controller (PLC). PLC was reprogrammed and is now
functioning normally. Due to that delay, we skipped our first station (Kahe)
and proceeded directly to our main station north of Oahu (Aloha). After
arrival we conducted one weight cast and two CTD casts before the crane
operating controls for the CTD system started working erratically and
further CTD casts were suspended. Since that time (approx 0400) engineering
has been troubleshooting the electrical and hydraulic systems on the crane
to try and determine/remedy the problem, but have not had success so far. In
the meantime, we have conducted net and hand tows, and deployed Seaglider
sg147. We have also tested the rescue boat, and all is satisfactory with the
new throttle cable.

**************************************************************************************************************

The following are the departure particulars for KM 09-18 (HOT-213), leaving
Honolulu, HI 23 July 2009:

0900 Science Party safety and shipboard indoctrination briefing

1250 Completed all pre-departure tests and inspections

1305 Last line (delay to problem with port propulsion motor)

1339 Abeam H

1346 Fire and Boat drill

Fuel on board: 84,561 gal (corrected by soundings)

Potable water: 8000 gal

Ship’s Complement (22)

Science Party (25)

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-17 Arrival Report 21 July, 2009

Following are the particulars of KM arrival at Snug Harbor, HI:

0640 Completed all pre-arrival tests and inspections

0745 Abeam H buoy inbound (delay for harbor traffic)

0836 First line (delay for ship mooring)

0854 All fast, port side to Pier 45, FWE

Fuel on board: 86,763 gals

Total fuel consumed: 4634 gals

Total miles steamed: 520 nmi

Total cruise time: 02d 00

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-17 Noon Report 1200(W) 20 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 20-53 N 156-04 W

Fuel on board: 88,008 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 2893 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 090 @ 15 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 02-05 ft,

Barometer 1018.0 rising, temp 23C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-17, a 2-day mapping cruise around SE Oahu, Maui County, and N
of Hawaii, helping the State plan inter-island power-cable routing.

Currently we are mapping just off the NE coast of Maui. The EM1002 mapping
unit (for shallow water mapping) has stopped working and we have been unable
to restore its operation. We have revised our route (eliminating the shallow
areas) and are utilizing the EM120 mapping unit (for deep water mapping) for
the remainder of our cruise. All else going well with Science, crew, and
ship. ETA Snug Harbor is 0800 pierside 21 July.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-17 Noon Report 1200(W) 19 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 21-22 N 157-32 W

Fuel on board: 90,901 gals

Fuel Consumed (3.5 hrs): 496 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 090 @ 20 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 05-08 ft,

Barometer 1017.7 rising, temp 25C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-17, a 2-day mapping cruise around SE Oahu, Maui County, and N
of Hawaii, helping the State plan inter-island power-cable routing. All
going well with Science, crew, and ship.

**************************************************************************************************************

The following are the departure particulars for KM 09-17 (Taylor-Mapping),
leaving Honolulu, HI 19 July 2009:

0745 Completed all pre-departure tests and inspections

0824 Last line (delay due to harbor traffic)

0859 Abeam H

0905 Science Party safety and shipboard indoctrination briefing

1000 Fire and Boat drill

Fuel on board: 91,397 gal (corrected by soundings)

Potable water: 8000 gal

Ship's Complement (22)

Science Party (10)

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-16 Arrival Report 17 July, 2009

Following are the particulars of KM arrival at Snug Harbor, HI:

0640 Completed all pre-arrival tests and inspections

0703 Abeam H buoy inbound

0826 First line (delay for KOK departure)

0844 All fast, port side to Pier 45, FWE

Fuel on board: 91,088 gals

Total fuel consumed: 9831 gals

Total miles steamed: 368 nmi

Total cruise time: 07d 18h

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-16 Noon Report 1200(W) 16 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-45 N 158-00 W

Fuel on board: 93,464 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1245 gals

Potable water on board: 7000 gals

Weather: wind 090 @ 15 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 03-06 ft,

Barometer 1016.9 rising, temp 25C, partly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-16, an 8-day WHOTS (Woods Hole Hawaii Ocean Timeseries Station)
cruise (WHOTS-6). We will be deploying the WHOTS-6 mooring, recovering the
WHOTS-5 mooring, and comparing the met and ocean sensors on the buoys
(moorings) and aboard ship.

We have successfully completed the recovery of the WHOTS-5 mooring/buoy and
Seaglider sg148 and are currently at Aloha Station. We will be conducting
one deep (4700 m +) CTD cast and perhaps one or two shallower casts here as
time allows. ETA Snug Harbor is 0815 pierside (to allow for KOK's departure
at 0800). Tropical Depression Carlos being monitored, currently showing no
signs of impacting this trip.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-16 Noon Report 1200(W) 15 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-45 N 157-53 W

Fuel on board: 94,709 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1017 gals

Potable water on board: 7300 gals

Weather: wind 080 @ 18 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 04-07 ft,

Barometer 1016.1 falling, temp 25C, partly cloudy

We are in the process of retrieving the WHOTS-5 buoy. Recovery going well so
far, except for a brake malfunction on the large white capstan. This
necessitated switching to the TSE winch to continue the recovery, adding an
additional amount of time that is yet to be determined. This will probably
ensure that the Seaglider recovery will be attempted Thursday morning,
rather than possibly later today. Tropical Storm Carlos being monitored,
currently showing no signs of impacting this trip.

Pic of the tangle of glass balls (some ruptured) during
recovery:

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-16 Noon Report 1200(W) 14 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-47 N 157-56 W

Fuel on board: 95,726 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1034 gals

Potable water on board: 7800 gals

Weather: wind 080 @ 16 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 04-07 ft,

Barometer 1016.8 falling, temp 24C, partly cloudy

We are conducting met sensor comparisons and CTD casts next to the WHOTS-5
buoy. All going well with Science, crew, and ship. Recovery of the WHOTS-5
buoy tomorrow. Recovery of Seaglider sg148 to be attempted late tomorrow or
early 16 July. Hurricane Carlos being monitored, currently showing no signs
of impacting this trip.

Pics of met tower on the port bow and associated sensors on
bridge wing:

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-16 Noon Report 1200(W) 13 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-47 N 157-56 W

Fuel on board: 96,760 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1056 gals

Potable water on board: 7800 gals

Weather: wind 090 @ 16 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 04-07 ft,

Barometer 1017.5 steady, temp 24C, partly cloudy

We have finished our ship/buoy met sensor comparisons and CTD casts next to
the WHOTS-6 buoy and have moved to the WHOTS-5 buoy to conduct the same
comparisons/casts before recovering it 15 July. All going well with Science,
crew, and ship. Probable recovery of Seaglider sg148 to be attempted on 16
July. TS Carlos being monitored, currently showing no signs of impacting
this trip.

Pics of rawindsonde deployment (weather balloon):

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-16 Noon Report 1200(W) 12 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-41 N 157-59 W

Fuel on board: 97,816 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1032 gals

Potable water on board: 7700 gals

Weather: wind 100 @ 15 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 04-07 ft,

Barometer 1017.4 rising, temp 24C, partly cloudy

We are continuing with our ship/buoy met sensor comparisons and CTD casts
next to the WHOTS-6 buoy. All going well with Science, crew, and ship.
Possible recovery being considered of Seaglider sg148 on 16 July. TS Carlos
being monitored, currently showing no signs of impacting this trip.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-16 Noon Report 1200(W) 11 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-41 N 157-59 W

Fuel on board: 98,848 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1054 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 100 @ 15 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 04-07 ft,

Barometer 1016.8 steady, temp 24C, mostly cloudy

Yesterday afternoon we completed the successful deployment of the WHOTS-6
buoy, and are currently conducting ship/buoy met sensor comparisons and CTD
casts next to the buoy. All going well with Science, crew, and ship.

Two more pics of WHOTS-6 buoy deployment:

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-16 Noon Report 1200(W) 10 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-41 N 158-01 W

Fuel on board: 99,902 gals

Fuel Consumed (22 hrs): 1601 gals

Potable water on board: 7700 gals

Weather: wind 080 @ 18 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 04-07 ft,

Barometer 1016.8 steady, temp 24C, partly cloud

Currently, we are deploying WHOTS-6, about 6.5 miles SW of WHOTS-5. All
going well with Science, crew, and ship.

Pic of WHOTS-6 buoy being deployed:

**************************************************************************************************************

The following are the departure particulars for KM 09-16 (WHOTS-6), leaving
Honolulu, HI 09 July 2009:

1340 Completed all pre-departure tests and inspections

1401 Last line

1436 Abeam H

1445 Science Party safety and shipboard indoctrination briefing

1617 Fire and Boat drill

Fuel on board: 100,919 gal (corrected by soundings)

Potable water: 8000 gal

Ship's Complement (22)

Science Party (18)

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-15 Arrival Report 06 July, 2009

Following are the particulars of KM arrival at Snug Harbor, HI:

0640 Completed all pre-arrival tests and inspections

0730 Abeam H buoy inbound (delay due to outbound traffic)

0817 First line

0832 All fast, port side to Pier 45, FWE

Fuel on board: 101,813 gals

Total fuel consumed: 5883 gals

Total miles steamed: 348 nmi

Total cruise time: 03d 23h
**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-15 Noon Report 1200(W) 05 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-47 N 157-56 W

Fuel on board: 102,882 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1215 gals

Potable water on board: 8100 gals

Weather: wind 090 @ 15 kts, combined sea & swell ESE'ly @ 03-06 ft,

Barometer 1017.5 falling, temp 24C, few scattered clouds

U/W on KM 09-15, a 4-day HOT cruise (HOT-212). We will be conducting another
collection of hydrographic and biogeochemical data for the Hawaii Ocean
Time-series at 4 stations in the vicinity of Oahu.

Currently, we are still at Aloha Station and have conducted 7 CTD casts, 3
AC9 casts, 2 Net Tows, 1 PRR cast, 1 Hyperpro cast, and retrieved the
Sediment Trap and the Gas Array in the last 24 hours. All going well with
Science, crew, and ship as we prepare to finish off our last day at sea for
this cruise. ETA remains 0800 pierside 06 July.

Pics of AC9 (optical instrument that measures water column spectral
absorption and attenuation at nine wavelengths):

Pic of our 4th of July BBQ:

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-15 Noon Report 1200(W) 04 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-48 N 158-05 W

Fuel on board: 104,097 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1269 gals

Potable water on board: 7500 gals

Weather: wind 110 @ 14 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 02-05 ft,

Barometer 1018.5 steady, temp 24C, partly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-15, a 4-day HOT cruise (HOT-212). We will be conducting another
collection of hydrographic and biogeochemical data for the Hawaii Ocean
Time-series at 4 stations in the vicinity of Oahu.

Currently we are at Aloha Station and have conducted 8 CTD casts, 2 Net
Tows, 4 hand nets, retrieved the Primary Productivity Array, and deployed
the Gas Array in the last 24 hours. Temporary loss of one bridge computer

resulted in a delay of 30 minutes (detention). All now going well with ship,
crew and science doing fine. Happy 4th of July!

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-15 Noon Report 1200(W) 03 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-45 N 158-00 W

Fuel on board: 105,366 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 2032 gals

Potable water on board: 7800 gals

Weather: wind 090 @ 11 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 02-05 ft,

Barometer 1018.8 rising, temp 24C, partly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-15, a 4-day HOT cruise (HOT-212). We will be conducting another
collection of hydrographic and biogeochemical data for the Hawaii Ocean
Time-series at 4 stations in the vicinity of Oahu. Currently we are at
Aloha Station and have conducted 5 CTD casts, 1 PRR and 1 Hyperpro
(subsurface radiance/irradiance profiles) optics casts, 1 Net Tow, and
deployed the Sediment Traps and the Primary Productivity Array in the last
24 hours. All going well with Science, crew, and ship.

Pics below of the Hyperpro:

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-15 Noon Report 1200(W) 02 July, 2009
Noon Position is: 21-21 N 158-16 W

Fuel on board: 107,398 gals

Fuel Consumed (03 hrs): 298 gals

Potable water on board: 7600 gals

Weather: wind 200 @ 03 kts, combined sea & swell ESE'ly @ 02-05 ft,

Barometer 1015.9 steady, temp 25C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-15, a 4-day HOT cruise (HOT-212). We will be conducting another
collection of hydrographic and biogeochemical data for the Hawaii Ocean
Time-series at 4 stations in the vicinity of Oahu. Currently we are at the
first station conducting tests. Appleton crane blew a fuse and was non-op
for approx. 20 min, now operational again. All else going well.
**************************************************************************************************************

The following are the departure particulars for KM 09-15 (HOT-212), leaving
Honolulu, HI 02 July 2009:

0840 Completed all pre-departure tests and inspections

0857 Last line

0924 Abeam H

0945 Science Party safety and shipboard indoctrination briefing

1045 Fire and Boat drill

Fuel on board: 107,696 gal (corrected by soundings)

Potable water: 8000 gal

CONTACT GEN @ THE MARINE CENTER FOR PERSONNEL ON BOARD!

Ship's Complement (20)

Science Party (28)

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-14 Arrival Report 30 June, 2009

Following are the particulars of KM arrival at Snug Harbor, HI:

0645 Completed all pre-arrival tests and inspections

0715 Abeam H buoy inbound

0802 First line

0824 All fast, port side to Pier 45, FWE

Fuel on board: 107,870 gals

Total fuel consumed: 20,039 gals

Total miles steamed: 1427 nmi

Total cruise time: 07d 22h
**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-14 Noon Report 1200(W) June 29, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-47 N 157-55 W

Fuel on board: 109,817 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 3117 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 080 @ 13 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 03-06 ft,

Barometer 1015.3 falling, temp 24C, mostly cloudy

In the past 24 hours, we completed our work at our sixth station, transited
to our seventh station, and have conducted 2 CTD casts, 1 PRR optics cast, 1
Net Tow, and retrieved the other Sediment Trap and Seaglider SG146. The
Seaglider was damaged on the tail, top and bottom. Conjecture over whether
this was due to a shark bite or propeller (see pics below). Due to the
Seaglider recovery, the remaining two science stations were cancelled. Our
ETA at the Honolulu seabuoy is 0715, pierside at Snug is 0800.

Pictures of damage to Seaglider SG146:

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-14 Noon Report 1200(W) June 28, 2009
Noon Position is: 27-00 N 158-00 W

Fuel on board: 112,934 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 2728 gals

Potable water on board: 7900 gals

Weather: wind 075 @ 10 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 03-06 ft,

Barometer 1019.6 falling, temp 25C, partly cloudy

In the past 24 hours, we completed our work at our fifth station, transited
to our sixth station, and have conducted 2 CTD casts, 1 PRR optics cast, and
1 Net Tow. We have one station left, where we will recover the remaining
Sediment Trap. The other two stations have been cancelled to allow for time
to recover one of the University's Seaglider AUVs (autonomous underwater
vehicle) that had been acting erratically. Weather forecast is looking
promising for this recovery on Monday. The .322 CTD wire was inadvertently
pinched/damaged when cradling the deployment crane, requiring removal of the
damaged section and retermination of the wire (about 20m was removed). This
resulted in about one hour of lost science time. All else going well with
Science, crew, and ship.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-14 Noon Report 1200(W) June 27, 2009
Noon Position is: 30-19 N 158-00 W

Fuel on board: 115,662 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 2120 gals

Potable water on board: 7900 gals

Weather: wind 110 @ 10 kts, combined sea & swell ESE'ly @ 03-07 ft,

Barometer 1024.0 falling, temp 23C, mostly cloudy

In the past 24 hours, we completed our work at our fourth station, transited
to our fifth station, and have conducted 3 CTD casts, 2 PRR optics casts, 2
Net Tows, and recovered the PP Array and one of the Sediment Traps. Weather
forecast is looking promising for Seaglider recovery on Monday. All going
well with Science, crew, and ship.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-14 Noon Report 1200(W) June 26, 2009
Noon Position is: 32-20 N 158-01 W

Fuel on board: 117,782 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 2481 gals

Potable water on board: 7800 gals

Weather: wind 140 @ 13 kts, combined sea & swell ESE'ly @ 04-07 ft,

Barometer 1025.0 rising, temp 23C, partly cloudy

In the past 24 hours we completed our work at Station 3, transited to
Station 4, and conducted 2 CTD casts and deployed the PP Array and a second
Sediment Trap. This is our northernmost station, we will start working south
after finishing our work here. All going well with Science, crew, and ship.

Photos of one of our Sediment Trap deployments:

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-14 Noon Report 1200(W) June 25, 2009
Noon Position is: 29-19 N 158-00 W

Fuel on board: 120,263 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 2778 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 100 @ 20 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 06-09 ft,

Barometer 1023.1 rising, temp 23C, partly cloudy

In the past 24 hours we completed our work at Station 2 and transited to
Station 3, where we conducted 3 CTD casts, one net tow, and one PRR optics
cast before departing for Station 4. All going well with Science, crew, and
ship.

Photo of one of our CTD casts:

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-14 Noon Report 1200(W) June 24, 2009
Noon Position is: 25-49 N 158-00 W

Fuel on board: 123,041 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 2042 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 090 @ 20 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 08-10 ft,

Barometer 1020.4 steady, temp 24C, mostly cloudy

In the past 24 hours we have conducted two PRR optics casts, two net tows,
five CTD casts, recovered the PP Array, and transited to our second Station.
Even with the moderately rough weather, all going well with Science, ship,
and crew so far!

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-14 Noon Report 1200(W) June 23, 2009
Noon Position is: 23-55 N 158-02 W

Fuel on board: 125,083 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 2538 gals (corrected for soundings)

Potable water on board: 7800 gals

Weather: wind 090 @ 18 kts, combined sea & swell ESE'ly @ 08-10 ft,

Barometer 1019.8 rising, temp 24C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-14, an 8-day CMORE/Agouron/student-research cruise. We have 16
students on board from 10 different countries: Portugal, Brazil, USA
(including Puerto Rico), Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Israel, Canada,
and Australia. The plan is to conduct 9 stations of research in microbial
oceanography, using CTD casts, net tows, drifting arrays, and shipboard
instrumentation, along 158W, between 24N and 33N. We arrived at our first
station early this morning and have conducted two CTD casts, one PRR cast,
and deployed the Primary Production array and one of the Sediment Trap
arrays. Even with the moderately rough weather all going well with Science,
ship, and crew so far!

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-14 Noon Report 1200(W) June 22, 2009
Noon Position is: 21-15 N 158-10 W

Fuel on board: 127,711 gals

Fuel Consumed (2 hrs): 198 gals

Potable water on board: 7500 gals

Weather: wind 080 @ 18 kts, combined sea & swell ESE'ly @ 04-05 ft,

Barometer 1017.4 rising, temp 25C, mostly cloudy

**************************************************************************************************************

The following are the departure particulars for KM 09-14, leaving Honolulu,
HI 22 June 2009 (ship delayed due to Seaglider recovery meeting):

0930 Completed all pre-departure tests and inspections

1007 Last line

1042 Abeam H

1045 Science Party safety and shipboard indoctrination briefing

1230 Fire and Boat drill

Fuel on board: 127,909 gal (corrected by soundings)

Potable water: 8000 gal

Ship's Complement (20):

Science Party (27):

CONTACT GEN @ THE MARINE CENTER IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO'S ON BOARD!

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-13 Arrival Report 18 June, 2009

Following are the particulars of KM arrival/fueling/departure at Pearl
Harbor, HI:

0650 Completed all pre-arrival tests and inspections

0724 Abeam buoys 1 & 2, entrance channel inbound

0833 First line, berth H2, port side to

0848 FWE

0915 Ship cleared, Customs and Agriculture depart

0934 Commenced fueling

1405 Finished fueling, 77,055 gals loaded

1440 completed pre-departure tests

1454 last line

1555 abeam buoys 1&2 outbound

Following are the particulars of KM Arrival at Snug Harbor, HI

1650 Abeam H inbound

1735 first line

1741 all fast, stbd side to pier 45

1820 last line

1836 first line

1842 all fast, port side to pier 45

1850 FWE, HOME!

Fuel on board: 127,689 gals

Total fuel consumed: 46,403 gals

Total miles steamed: 3535 nmi

Total cruise time: 12d 21h

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KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200(W) June 17, 2009
Noon Position is: 21-56 N 161-18 W

SMG (23 hrs): 11.3 kn (includes one hr rescue
boat launch/test/recover)

SOA needed for ETA: 10.8 kn

Fuel on board: 54,616 gals

Fuel Consumed (23 hrs): 2805 gals

Potable water on board: 7700 gals

Weather: wind 110 @ 11 kts, combined sea & swell ESE'ly @ 02-05 ft,

Barometer 1016.3 steady, temp 25C, partly cloudy, showers

U/W on KM 09-13, mapping/transit cruise. We completed our last mapping
assignment in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument yesterday
afternoon and we are now enroute to Pearl Harbor for fueling. ETA for sea
buoy Pearl Harbor, HI is 0700 local time 18 June, 0800 pierside. Later that
afternoon, after completion of fueling, we will be transiting to Snug
Harbor, ETA 1500 pierside. We advanced clocks one hour last night to conform
with ZD +10 (HST).

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KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200(X) June 16, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-50 N 165-13 W

SMG (24 hrs): 11.8 kn

SMG (overall): 12.0 kn

SOA needed for ETA: 11.4 kn

Fuel on board: 57,421 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 3360 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 100 @ 05 kts, combined sea & swell SE'ly @ 01-03 ft,

Barometer 1016.3 steady, temp 26C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-13, mapping/transit cruise. We are continuing our route towards
our next mapping assignment in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National
Monument around the NW Hawaiian Islands, with the magnetometer in tow, ETA
1330 local 16 June. After completing that assignment, we will transit
directly to Pearl Harbor for fueling, then proceed on to Snug Harbor later
that day. ETA for sea buoy Pearl Harbor, HI is 0700 local time 18 June, 0800
pierside. Later that afternoon, after completion of fueling, we will be
transiting to Snug Harbor, ETA 1500 pierside.
**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200(X) June 15, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-38 N 170-11 W

SMG (23 hrs): 12.5 kn

SMG (overall): 12.0 kn (includes departure and 6
hrs of survey at 6 kn)

SOA needed for ETA: 11.5 kn (revised distance for reduced time
in Monument waters)

Fuel on board: 60,781 gals

Fuel Consumed (23 hrs): 3508 gals (reduced to 120 rpm at 0800 this
morning)

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 190 @ 09 kts, combined sea & swell SE'ly @ 02-03 ft,

Barometer 1016.3 rising, temp 27C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-13, mapping/transit cruise. We are continuing our great circle
course towards our next mapping assignment in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine
National Monument around the NW Hawaiian Islands, with the magnetometer in
tow, ETA 1300 local 16 June. After completing that assignment, we will
transit directly to Pearl Harbor for fueling, then proceed on to Snug Harbor
later that day. ETA for sea buoy Pearl Harbor, HI is 0700 local time 18
June, 0800 pierside. Later that afternoon, after completion of fueling, we
will be transiting to Snug Harbor, ETA 1500 pierside. We advanced clocks one
hour this morning to conform with ZD +11.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200(Y) June 14, 2009
Noon Position is: 22-06 N 175-20 W

SMG (24 hrs): 12.0 kn

SMG (overall): 12.0 kn (includes departure and 6
hrs of survey at 6 kn)

SOA needed for ETA: 11.3 kn

Fuel on board: 64,289 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 3674 gals (125 rpm)

Potable water on board: 7800 gals

Weather: wind 160 @ 05 kts, combined sea & swell NW'ly @ 01-03 ft,

Barometer 1014.6 steady, temp 26C, mostly cloudy

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200(M) June 14, 2009
Noon Position is: 21-21 N 179-33 E

SMG (24 hrs): 11.8 kn

SMG (overall): 12.0 kn (includes departure and 6
hrs of survey at 6 kn)

SOA needed for ETA: 11.4 kn

Fuel on board: 68,000 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 3688 gals (125 rpm)

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 120 @ 05 kts, combined sea & swell NW'ly @ 01-03 ft,

Barometer 1015.0 steady, temp 27C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-13, mapping/transit cruise. We are continuing our great circle
course towards our next mapping assignment in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine
National Monument around the NW Hawaiian Islands, with the magnetometer in
tow, ETA 1500 local 16 June. After completing that assignment, we will
transit directly to Pearl Harbor for fueling, then proceed on to Snug Harbor
later that day. ETA for sea buoy Pearl Harbor, HI is 0700 local time 18
June, 0800 pierside. We will be changing to ZD +12 (Y) tonight, crossing the
International Date Line and repeating Sunday 14 June tomorrow.
**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200(M) June 13, 2009
Noon Position is: 20-28 N 174-36 E

SMG (23 hrs): 12.3 kn

SMG (overall): 12.0 kn (includes departure and 6
hrs of survey at 6 kn)

SOA needed for ETA: 11.5 kn

Fuel on board: 71,689 gals

Fuel Consumed (23 hrs): 3912 gals (reduced to 125 rpm, 3 gens 0800 this
morning)

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 090 @ 03 kts, combined sea & swell NW'ly @ 00-03 ft,

Barometer 1015.0 rising, temp 28C, partly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-13, mapping/transit cruise. We are continuing our great circle
course towards our next mapping assignment in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine
National Monument around the NW Hawaiian Islands, with the magnetometer in
tow. After completing that assignment, we will transit directly to Pearl
Harbor for fueling, then proceed on to Snug Harbor later that day. ETA for
sea buoy Pearl Harbor, HI is 0700 local time 18 June, 0800 pierside. We have
made up enough time to be able to take one generator offline and reduce our
shaft rpm. We advanced ship's clocks one hour last night, now conforming
with ZD -12 (M).

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200(L) June 12, 2009
Noon Position is: 19-27 N 169-43 E

SMG (24 hrs): 12.6 kn

SMG (overall): 11.9 kn (includes departure and 6
hrs of survey at 6 kn)

SOA needed for ETA: 11.6 kn

Fuel on board: 75,601 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 4058 gals (130 rpm, 4 gens)

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind calm @ 01 kts, combined sea & swell SE'ly @ 00-03 ft,

Barometer 1013.5 rising, temp 28C, partly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-13, mapping/transit cruise. We are continuing our great circle
course towards our next mapping assignment in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine
National Monument around the NW Hawaiian Islands, with the magnetometer in
tow. After completing that assignment, we will transit directly to Pearl
Harbor for fueling, then proceed on to Snug Harbor later that day. ETA for
sea buoy Pearl Harbor, HI is 0700 local time 18 June, 0800 pierside. No
issues with running 130 rpm/4 gens so far, propulsion motor switchboard temp
being kept under control with the utilization of additional portable
ventilation units.

Smooth as glass (port bow):

Hard to believe this is 25 ft under water (stbd bow):

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200(L) June 11, 2009
Noon Position is: 18-13 N 164-34 E

SMG (24 hrs): 12.6 kn

SMG (overall): 11.8 kn (includes departure and 6
hrs of survey at 6 kn)

SOA needed for ETA: 11.7 kn

Fuel on board: 79,659 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 4094 gals (130 rpm, 4 gens) (correction -
yesterday's entry reflected 23 hrs)

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 210 @ 09 kts, combined sea & swell SSW'ly @ 03 ft,

Barometer 1011.2 steady, temp 28C, mostly cloudy, showers

U/W on KM 09-13, mapping/transit cruise. We are continuing our great circle
course towards our next mapping assignment in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine
National Monument around the NW Hawaiian Islands, with the magnetometer in
tow. After completing that assignment, we will transit directly to Pearl
Harbor for fueling, then proceed on to Snug Harbor later that day. ETA for
sea buoy Pearl Harbor, HI is 0700 local time 18 June, 0800 pierside. No
issues with running 130 rpm/4 gens so far, propulsion motor switchboard temp
being kept under control with the utilization of additional portable
ventilation units. Favorable winds/currents continue to help our speed.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200 June 10, 2009
Noon Position is: 16-51 N 159-30 E

SMG (23 hrs): 12.4 kn

SMG (overall): 11.6 kn (includes departure and 6
hrs of survey at 6 kn)

SOA needed for ETA: 11.8 kn

Fuel on board: 83,753 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 3980 gals (130 rpm, 4 gens)

Potable water on board: 7800 gals

Weather: wind 200 @ 03 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 03 ft,

Barometer 1011.4 steady, temp 28C, partly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-13, mapping/transit cruise. We are continuing our great circle
course towards our next mapping assignment in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine
National Monument around the NW Hawaiian Islands, with the magnetometer in
tow. After completing that assignment, we will transit directly to Pearl
Harbor for fueling, then proceed on to Snug Harbor later that day. ETA for
sea buoy Pearl Harbor, HI is 0700 local time 18 June, 0800 pierside. No
issues with running 130 rpm/4 gens so far, propulsion motor switchboard temp
being kept under control with the utilization of additional portable
ventilation units. We have advanced ship's clocks one hour to conform with
ZD - 11.
**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200 June 09, 2009
Noon Position is: 15-27 N 154-49 E

SMG (24 hrs): 11.8 kn

SMG (overall): 11.3 kn (includes departure and 6
hrs of survey at 6 kn)

SOA needed for ETA: 11.8 kn

Fuel on board: 87,733 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 4223 gals (130 rpm, 4 gens)

Potable water on board: 7800 gals

Weather: wind 070 @ 05 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 01-03 ft,

Barometer 1012.0 steady, temp 28C, partly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-13, mapping/transit cruise. We are continuing our great circle
course towards our next mapping assignment in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine
National Monument around the NW Hawaiian Islands, with the magnetometer in
tow. After completing that assignment, we will transit directly to Pearl
Harbor for fueling, then proceed on to Snug Harbor later that day. ETA for
sea buoy Pearl Harbor, HI is 0700 local time 18 June, 0800 pierside. No
issues with running 130 rpm/4 gens so far, propulsion motor switchboard temp
being kept under control with the utilization of additional portable
ventilation units.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200 June 08, 2009
Noon Position is: 13-57 N 150-12 E

SMG (24 hrs): 12.1 kn

SMG (overall): 11.1 kn (includes departure and 6
hrs of survey at 6 kn)

SOA needed for ETA: 11.8 kn

Fuel on board: 91,956 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 4252 gals (130 rpm, 4 gens)

Potable water on board: 7900 gals

Weather: wind 090 @ 11 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 03-04 ft,

Barometer 1012.5 rising, temp 29C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-13, mapping/transit cruise. We are continuing our great circle
course towards our next mapping assignment in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine
National Monument around the NW Hawaiian Islands, with the magnetometer in
tow. After completing that assignment, we will transit directly to Pearl
Harbor for fueling, then proceed on to Snug Harbor later that day. ETA for
sea buoy Pearl Harbor, HI is 0700 local time 18 June, 0800 pierside. No
issues with running 130 rpm/4 gens so far, propulsion motor switchboard temp
being kept under control with the utilization of additional portable
ventilation units.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-13 Noon Report 1200 June 07, 2009
Noon Position is: 12-20 N 145-33 E

Fuel on board: 96,208 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 2999 gals (includes inport time with gen on
line)

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 070 @ 10 kts, combined sea & swell E'ly @ 03-04 ft,

Barometer 1009.9 rising, temp 28C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM 09-13, mapping/transit cruise. We have completed the mapping in
the Mariana Trench area for Patty Fryer. We are now on a great circle course
for our next mapping assignment in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National
Monument around the NW Hawaiian Islands, with the magnetometer in tow. After
completing that assignment, we will transit to Pearl Harbor for fueling,
then proceed on to Snug Harbor later that day. ETA for sea buoy Pearl
Harbor, HI is 0700 local time 18 June, 0800 pierside.

**************************************************************************************************************

The following are the departure particulars for KM 09-13, leaving Apra
Harbor, Guam 06 June 2009:

1605 Completed all pre-departure tests and inspections

1615 Pilot aboard

1630 Last line berth Tango 2

1709 Pilot away

1735 Abeam outer harbor breakwater

Fuel on board: 99,121 gal

Potable water: 8000 gal

Ship's Complement (20)

Science Party (2)

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KM 09-12 Arrival Report 05 June, 2009

Following are the particulars of KM arrival at Apra Harbor Naval Base, Guam:

1045 Completed all pre-arrival tests and inspections

1305 Abeam buoys 1 & 2, outer breakwater

1306 Pilot aboard

1359 First line, berth T2, port side to

1420 FWE

Fuel on board: 99,861 gals

Total fuel consumed: 19,810 gals

Total miles steamed: 1147 nmi

Total cruise time: 11 d 20 h

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-12 Noon Report 1200 June 05, 2009
Noon Position is: 13-26 N 144-34 E

Fuel on board: 99861 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1805 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 190 @ 14 kts, combined sea & swell SSW'ly @ 03-04 ft,

Barometer 1007.3 rising, temp 29C, partly cloudy

U/W on KM09-12 (Bowen/Fryer HROV test cruise). We are currently
waiting outside the breakwater for our arrival to Apra Harbor, Guam (1400
pierside). Our final dive this cruise ended with the vehicle recovery at
0330 this morning after approximately 6 hours on the sea floor at a depth
of 2950 meters. Shrimp and crabs were in abundance around the vents and
white smoke chimneys found on the bottom. Overall, the cruise can only be
considered quite a success, as, even with the setbacks, dive vehicle Nereus
has proven its ability to give science a chance to explore depths
unattainable for the last 15 or so years. Science, crew, and ship doing
well.

Here's a link to a story on the cruise that was printed in the San Diego
Union-Tribune:
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/03/1n3dive234537-point-loma-
scientists-team-taking-ve/?science
<http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/03/1n3dive234537-point-loma
-scientists-team-taking-ve/?science&zIndex=110026> &zIndex=110026

Pic of science team and Nereus:

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KM 09-12 Noon Report 1200 June 04, 2009
Noon Position is: 12-34 N 143-25 E

Fuel on board: 101666 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1873 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 225 @ 11 kts, combined sea & swell SW'ly @ 03-05 ft,

Barometer 1006.4 falling, temp 30C, partly cloudy

U/W on KM09-12 (Bowen/Fryer HROV test cruise). During our final
Challenger Deep dive, just before reaching the sea floor, the fiber optic
connection severed between the brake and first fairlead inside the
depressor. Further analysis will be required to ascertain whether the break
was caused by manufacturing defect in the line or excess tension caused by
unknown factors. The mechanicals inside the depressor governing the fiber
optic line tension all appear to be functioning properly. Nereus was
recovered and mapping was conducted overnight. We have time to conduct one
more dive before heading back to Guam. Planned launch time is 1430 this
afternoon. The dive will be relatively shallow, in the area of a caldera
(volcanic crater), with a depth of approximately 3000 meters. After
completing this dive we will be proceeding to Guam, arrival time 1400 05
June. Science party is keeping their heads up, with the knowledge that this
vehicle can gather very important information in the most remote regions on
earth. Crew and ship doing well.

Pic of dive control center:

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-12 Noon Report 1200 June 03, 2009
Noon Position is: 11-20 N 142-12 E

Fuel on board: 103539 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1052 gals

Potable water on board: 7500 gals

Weather: wind 220 @ 13 kts, combined sea & swell S'ly @ 03-05 ft,

Barometer 1008.5 steady, temp 24C, overcast, showers

U/W on KM09-12 (Bowen/Fryer HROV test cruise). After reaching
the sea floor at a depth of 10,900 meters, Nereus was on the bottom for
approximately three hours before the fiber optic line connecting the vehicle
to the ship was severed due to unknown causes. While on the bottom during
this dive, we saw much more life, worms, amphipods, etc. Nereus was brought
to the surface and recovered around 0100 this morning. 30 minutes of
detention occurred during the retrieval when the ship's traction winch
suffered slippage due to excess wire lubricant that had built up on the
sheaves. This situation has now been addressed and should no longer be an
issue. After conducting another round of surveying, Nereus' planned launch
time was 1000 this morning. That was subsequently delayed to 1100 due to a
problem with one of the vehicle's propulsion units. After repairs, Nereus
was launched at 1100 and is now on its way to an estimated bottom depth of
10,860 meters. Estimated arrival time on the bottom is 1900. This is the
final dive for this cruise. Arrival Guam is scheduled for 1400 05 June.
Science continues to remain positive, crew, and ship doing well.

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-12 Noon Report 1200 June 02, 2009
Noon Position is: 11-20 N 142-12 E

Fuel on board: 104591 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1329 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 120 @ 13 kts, combined sea & swell SE'ly @ 02-04 ft,

Barometer 1008.4 falling, temp 28C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM09-12 (Bowen/Fryer HROV test cruise). After a delay of
12 hours to rectify a battery-related issue with dive vehicle Nereus, we
commenced our second dive in the Challenger Deep area this morning around
0630. Time to reach the bottom is about 8 hours. Hi-res camera is now
working again. Target depth again will be approximately 10,900 meters. Even
with the very long hours being put in by Science, their spirits remain high.
Crew and ship doing well and sharing in the excitement of exploring the
unknown.

Pics of the front and back of Nereus:

**************************************************************************************************************

KM 09-12 Noon Report 1200 June 01, 2009
Noon Position is: 11-26 N 142-05 E

Fuel on board: 105920 gals

Fuel Consumed (24 hrs): 1246 gals

Potable water on board: 8000 gals

Weather: wind 170 @ 04 kts, combined sea & swell W'ly @ 01-04 ft,

Barometer 1009.5 steady, temp 27C, mostly cloudy

U/W on KM09-12 (Bowen/Fryer HROV test cruise). We recovered
Nereus at 0430 this morning (deepest depth reached was 10,902 meters) and
commenced another round of mapping/surveying. We will be surveying again
until approximately 1600 this afternoon, when we will launch Nereus for the
second time in this area. Mapping has indicated a spot with a depth of
10,971 meters, and we will try to dive on this spot. Our first dive provided
us with rock and core samples, but no biologicals. A few random amphipods
were seen, but little else. The rock type we found on the closest slope to
our dive area is a rock type (Gabbro) common to the lowermost crust of the
Earth, just above the mantle. According to co-Chief Scientist Patty Fryer,
this type of rock is only exposed in deep troughs and the surrounding area
indicates evidence of a large earthquake. Science, ship, and crew all doing
very well.

Pics of pressure damage to Nereus' plastic skin: