9625682 RALEIGH The University of Hawaii will operate the R/V MOANA WAVE in 1996 as a general oceanographic vessel in support of NSF-funded research projects. The MOANA WAVE is a 210' research vessel owned by the U.S. Navy and operated as a UNOLS vessel in support of academic research. The ship is scheduled for 174 days of which 116 are in support of NSF-supported programs. One NSF cruise is in the south Pacific near Samoa, the remaining are of short duration out of Hawaii in support the Hawaii Time Series project. In addition the vessel will support cruises for NOAA, Navy and the State of Hawaii. The MOANA WAVE is part of the academic fleet used by NSF to support oceanographic research. Most oceanographic research requires highly specialized equipment that must be permanently installed on a ship for which the ship must be specifically designed. This 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 vessels specifically dedicated to oceanographic research that are operated by universities and research institutions around the country. ***
