Captain Dana O. Dyer III, R/V Gyre
Department of Oceanography
Texas A&M University
Galveston, TX
Figure 1
The success of any research program depends on the
coordination and cooperation of the entire team. The SWSS program
has been fortunate to have a great vessel to work from as well as
the support of its crew. The R/V Gyre is a 185’ Agor 21 Navy Class
Research Vessel (Figure 1) that was built for Texas A&M by the Navy
and commissioned in 1973.
professionalism of the Gyre crew has been an important component
of the SWSS program, and the science team appreciates their support
as an integral part of the SWSS team.
Figure 2
The Gyre can accommodate 9 crew and 23 scientists,
and has a 45 day endurance allowing scientists to stay at sea for
extended periods. The Gyre is powered by 2 Caterpillar engines
(Figure 2) has 2 diesel generators, can hold 96,000 gallons of
diesel fuel, and has evaporators providing 1500 gallons of fresh
water daily.
Figure 3
During the SWSS field efforts the Gyre carries and
launches 3 Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIB). Working closely
with the Gyre crew, the deck engineers operate all the back deck
equipment including winches for the hydrophone arrays, crane
operations for the RHIBs (Figure 3), and the deployment and recovery
of science gear.
Figure 4
Captain Dyer is responsible for
bringing RHIBs on and off the back deck with the help of the deck
engineers (Figure 4). The Gyre crew is not only responsible for
providing support for the science team, they also keep operations
running smoothly and safely. Working in the Gulf of Mexico is
challenging as the Captain and his 2 mates maneuver around oil
platforms, cargo vessels, fishing gear and other obstacles all the
while trying to keep the science team in contact with sperm whales.
The competency and professionalism of the Gyre crew has been an
important component of the SWSS program, and the science team
appreciates their support as an integral part of the SWSS team.
