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USNS Pathfinder Kicks Off Capabilities Demonstration

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080910-19
Release Date: 9/10/2008 2:30:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jenniffer Rivera

BLACK SEA (NNS) -- Military Sealift Command (MSC) oceanographic survey ship USNS Pathfinder (T-AGS 60) kicked off its scheduled at-sea capabilities demonstration Sept. 7 after departing Sevastopol, Ukraine.

During the at-sea demonstration, Pathfinder is searching for Soviet-flagged hospital ship SS Armenia which was sunk during World War WII.

Civilian surveyors from the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO), Ukrainian sailors, surveyors and historians and a team of civilian oceanographers from the U.S.-based Institution for Exploration are conducting the search in Ukrainian territorial waters.

"Ukrainian personnel from the Department of Underwater Heritage will help collect and identify data using the vessel's equipment," said Director of the Department of Underwater Heritage Academy of Science, Dr. Serhiy Voronov. "It is a pleasure to look for underwater relics in such a friendly and professional environment."

Since the exact position of the wreckage is unknown, the Naval Oceanographic Office surveyors expect to use oceanographic tools such as a side-scan sonar and multi-beam sonar. This equipment uses sound pulses to locate possible ship wreck targets. If the sonars indicate a possible wreck, a remotely operated vehicle with video capabilities will be launched to verify findings.

"This is the first time we have been aboard any Navy vessel doing this kind of ocean survey, so it is a great experience for my entire team to use the equipment and also have the expertise of our colleagues aboard the Pathfinder," said Dr. Voronov.

Ship visits and military-to-military exchanges like Pathfinder's joint, at-sea demonstration and search for Armenia are important partnership-building opportunities.

"This is the first time IFE has had the chance to work together with the Ukrainian Department of Underwater Heritage at sea," said IFE chief scientist, Katy Croff. "We have been working with Dr. Voronov since 2006 on other surveys so we are all very excited to be a part of this joint, at-sea demonstration and also thrilled to help strengthen ties with the Ukraine."

Oceanographic survey ships like Pathfinder are an important asset in understanding the earth's hydrosphere. They make it possible to better understand, manage and interact with undersea landmasses, global waterways and the creatures that inhabit them.

MSC operates more than 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

NAVOCEANO employs approximately 1,100 civilian, military and contract personnel and is responsible for providing oceanographic products and services to all elements within the U.S. Department of Defense.

For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/msc.