The Texas A&M University will operate the R/V GYRE during 1993 as a general oceanographic vessel in support of NSF-funded research projects. The Gyre is a 182' general research vessel constructed by the US Navy in 1973 and modified in 1980 and 1984. The Navy is in the process of transferring the title for the vessel to TAMU. The ship is scheduled for 110 operating days in 1993, of which 23 days are in support of NSF-sponsored programs. The ship operates primarily in the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern Atlantic. This vessel is part of a fleet used by the National Science Foundation to support oceanographic research projects. Most oceanographic research projects require highly specialized equipment and extensive support from a ship's crew members. An increasing number of research projects require equipment that must be permanently installed on a ship and for which the ship must be specifically designed. Such equipment also requires highly trained crew members for maintenance and operation. These vessels do not operate in the same manner as general cargo or fishing vessels, and therefore, NSF supports the operation of a variety of vessels specifically dedicated to oceanographic research. These vessels are operated by universities and research institutions around the country.
