posted 05-16-2014 03:40 PM               

Space Cover 265: R/V Neil Armstrong Christened

The christening ceremony for the Oceanographic Research Vessel AGOR 27, named in honor of Neil Armstrong, was held at Dakota Creek Industries (DCI) in Anacortes, Washington, on March 29, 2014. Kali Armstrong, granddaughter of the late astronaut and the Maid of Honor, sang the National Anthem and Carol Knight Armstrong, Neil Armstrong's wife, served as the ship's sponsor, performing the honor of breaking the traditional bottle of champagne across the ship's bow. Coordinated with the breaking of the bottle, a formation of World War II AT6 navy trainers flew over the site, providing a radial engine background sound to the ritual.

R/V Neil Armstrong will play a pivotal role in teaching the Navy about the ocean so the Navy can more effectively plan their operations around the world.

In September 2012, the Secretary of the Navy announced that AGOR 27 was to be named after Neil Armstrong. The 238 foot, state of the art oceanographic research vessel provides opportunities for larger, interdisciplinary science teams of up to 25 members utilizing highly developed research equipment. Both the R/V Neil Armstrong and sister vessel AGOR 28 R/V Sally Ride (currently being built by DCI), have the capability of carrying sufficient supplies and support systems to stay at sea for up to 40 days, covering up to 10,000 nautical miles and withstanding high sea and wind conditions. Some advanced features include acoustic navigation and tracking systems that operate at various depths, a specially designed hull diverting bubbles from the sonar area, a state of the art suite of over the side handling systems with enhance remote operation capability and dual controllable propellers with variable speed motors for increased efficiency.

This is a photo of Carol Armstrong, breaking the bottle of champagne across the R/V Neil Armstrong's bow.

The cover at the top of the post was postmarked at Anacortes, Washington on the day of the christening. The cachet was designed by Ron Reeves.