Ka’imimoana R-333’s mission is to provide support to the National Data Buoy Center’s Tropical Atmosphere Ocean buoy array in the Pacific Ocean, which provides real-time data for forecasting and climate research, particularly on the El Niño/Southern Oscillation events. With a better understanding of the El Niño and La Nina climate swings, researchers can predict subsequent year’s climate changes, which in turn can protect life and property of those countries adversely affected. The TAO/TRITON Array consists of approximately 70 moorings and current meter moorings within 8 degrees of the equator and spanning the Pacific Basin. In addition to the TAO buoys, the Ka’imimoana also deploys Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers, Deep-Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis buoys.
On Feb. 23, the NOAA crew and the U.S. Embassy to the FSM hosted a joint reception aboard the Ka’imimoana. Attendees included Pohnpei Gov. John Ehsa, FSM Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ricky Cantero, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs Berlino Martin, NOAA National Weather Service-Pohnpei Director Eden Skilling, Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Executive Director Glenn Hurry, and members of the Royal Australian Navy. Several international organizations and maritime and environmental non-governmental organizations were also represented. Prior to the evening reception on Feb. 23, the Ka’imimoana crew received Calvary Christian Academy students aboard the vessel for an educational tour.
During his remarks, U.S. Ambassador to the FSM Peter A. Prahar thanked the Ka’imimoana’s crew for its efforts to support oceanography and global climate research in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Highlighting the important information collected by the NOAA vessel, Prahar remarked “The research data provided by the buoys set in place and maintained by the [Ka’imimoana] is helping us to not only understand climate change, but may, hopefully, also help us prepare and adapt to changes that scientists tell us we will see in the future.” In addition to thanking NOAA for its work in the FSM, Prahar requested that the event’s attendees employ the information gained to promote two objectives in their local communities: science education and marine protection.
