9314910 Thompson The University of Texas will operate the Research Vessel LONGHORN during 1993 as a general oceanographic vessel in support of NSF funded research projects. The R/V LONGHORN is a 103' research vessel constructed in 1971 and stretched to its present length in 1986. The vessel is owned by the University of Texas and operates primarily in the Gulf of Mexico. This vessel is part of a fleet used by the National Science Foundation to support oceanographic research. Most oceanographic research requires highly specialized equipment and extensive support from a ship's crew. 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, therefore, NSF supports the operation of a variety of ships specifically dedicated to oceanographic research. These vessels are operated by universities and institutions around the country.
