Blog June 14, 2010:
Behind the Scenes

When scientists board the research ship McArthur II they are very busy assembling, testing and trouble-shooting equipment. Their focus is on completing a successful mission and gathering valuable data and samples for study in the months that follow. While this is taking place an equal number of people are working behind the scenes to keep the ship afloat, navigate to the desired destination, and prepare meals. Any successful mission depends equally on this crew of hard-working people.

Linda Halderman, General Vessel Assistant

Linda Halderman checks equipment in the engine room to be sure it's working properly.

Linda's day begins with rounds of the entire ship, checking for any possible problems. She makes sure lights are on and equipment is working properly, checks all water lines and storage areas for leaks, and cleans up any spills. She checks batteries, oil levels, air compressors, and makes sure all supplies are properly secured for rough seas. She is in charge of keeping the engine room clean, which is extremely important because spills or oily rags are a serious fire hazard. She makes sure all hazardous materials are properly stored. She also does painting and other maintenance in the engine room, and assists the engineers in other ways as needed.

Art Mercado, Chief Steward

Galley crew Orcy Tan, Luke Staiger, and Chief Steward Art Mercado take a break from making lunch.

As chief steward, Art's duties include menu planning, ordering food for up to three months, supervising the second cooks, keeping the kitchen clean and sanitary, and cooking three meals a day for 30 to 40 people. Ten-hour days begin at 6:00 in order to have breakfast ready at 6:45, and continue until dinner is served and the kitchen is cleaned. Meals are planned so that no dish is served more than once every ten days, and Art makes something new once a week. He also accepts requests from the crew, even if he cannot fill the request until he shops for ingredients at the next port. Art wants everyone on board to be satisfied with what is served in the galley. He admits it's hard work with long hours, but he enjoys it if everyone is happy with the result.

Alice Drury, Junior Officer

Alice Drury, Junior Officer, at the helm of the McArthur II.

Alice is a NOAA Corps officer who joined the McArthur II in August of 2009 after completing four months of intensive training at the Merchant Marine Academy. She is on the bridge for two four-hour shifts each day, assisting in charting the course, steering the ship, and working with the captain. Her personal goal is "safe and successful science" - making sure the scientists are safe, and doing everything possible to make sure their mission is successful.

Peter Stoeckle, Able Bodied Seaman

Peter Stoeckle stands watch on the bridge.

Peter joined the crew three years ago after a career on fishing boats and tugs on the East Coast. Like other members of the deck department, his duties include standing watch on the bridge, deck maintenance and painting, and operating cranes to launch and recover scientific equipment such as the AUV and ROV. He also assists with plankton tows and CTDs when they are part of a mission.