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Posted by Dr. Craig Cary, of the University of Delaware College of Marine Studies. He was the Chief Scientist for the Extreme
2000 expedition.Dr. Cary's letter to the crew follows the journal entry below.
As Extreme 2000 draws to an end, I would like to take some time to reflect on the past 12
days. When embarking on such an expedition, the months of preparation build great anticipation of what could and
has to be achieved. So much effort goes into the planning and orchestration of such an expedition that from the
moment you leave the dock, the excitement and pressure to succeed mounts.
We left Guaymas nine days ago with very specific objectives. Each investigator on board
had rehearsed their particular task until it was tuned to perfection. At sea, however, things change, requiring
quick decisions and a high degree of creativity. It takes an endless amount of enthusiasm and dedication on the
part of all to pull it off. We were very fortunate to have a great group of people out on Extreme 2000 that quickly
gelled into an organized team. The spirit of collaboration ran high on all fronts. From the chemists to the microbiologists
to the macrofaunal people, everyone pulled together to see that the objectives were met.
As usual, the ship ran like clockwork providing support for science whenever requested (and
often when not). Captain Silva
made my job much easier by providing uncompromising support from all departments throughout the voyage. The Deck
Operations were flawless during all launches and recoveries and whenever we needed assistance. The same could be
said for the Engine Room - Kevin Fisk
and his crew provided uncompromising 24-hour support.
Having been to sea as many times as I have, it becomes obvious what factors affect morale
on a long voyage - food is certainly right up there near the top of the list. I knew when I walked on the ship
and saw Carl Wood behind the counter
that this one very important variable was in the best of hands. It still never ceases to amaze me what can be done
in the close quarters on the Atlantis Galley. Carl
and Jay continuously prepared new and exciting dishes that drew the admiration of all who dined. There is no question
in my mind that part of the success of the EXTREME 2000 cruise is owed to the Galley. As usual, the Alvin operations were flawless. The desire of this team to make sure
the science happens was much appreciated. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a well-trained
and well-organized operation.
One of the highlights of this cruise for me was our success in bringing the expedition into
your classroom or home through this Web site. Most often, we go out on these exciting expeditions and just do our
science. It was a dream of mine to try and bring some of the excitement and discovery we experience to those onshore.
Through a collaboration with the National Science Foundation, WHYY TV, and the University of Delaware College of
Marine Studies and Sea Grant College Program, we managed to touch more than 20,000 individuals during the last
12 days. This included a telephone conversation to over 800 kids in middle- and high schools across the country.
This was a great achievement. A great deal of work went into this, as you can imagine. Special thanks go to Tracey
Bryant and David Barczak of the Marine Communications Office at the College of Marine Studies, who put together
the printed material and Web site, and to Alison Sipe, who brought you a piece of the action everyday directly
from the ship.
Last night, following our last dive, as if to reward those on board, we were blessed with
a truly awesome celestial event - a complete lunar eclipse. The sea was like glass. While dolphins rode the bow
wake and shooting stars glistened in the glassy sea, the moon slowly became obscure. It was magical. This was truly
a moving tribute to all those on board.
It is customary when leaving the ship that the Chief Scientist writes a letter thanking
the crew and Alvin group for all of their efforts to make the cruise a success. This letter is posted in the Galley
area for all to read. While it is often hard to acknowledge each individual's efforts - this general letter tries
to bring the point up front that we (the science participants) know that our success is the direct result of everyone's
efforts.
To: The crew of the Atlantis and The Alvin Group
From: The Science Participants of EXTREME 2000
On behalf of all the participants of Extreme 2000, we would like to thank you all for an outstanding cruise. After
sailing with many of you for so many years, my expectations of any cruise aboard the Atlantis are always very high. I try to explain to those new to the ship that there is a spirit here that
drives a common philosophy - if it can be done, it will be done. I have never been disappointed.
Once again from the Deck to the Mess, from the Bridge and Engine Room to Sub Operations, the program went as expected
- flawless. It never ceases to amaze me how much we can achieve under such an enthusiastic and collaborative atmosphere.
Unlike most cruises, our successes out here were not only in the research arena but transcended solidly into education.
The University of Delaware and WHOI educational components that were piloted on EXTREME 2000 were a resounding
success. I know for a fact that during the last 10 days the University of Delaware site had over 5,000 visitors.
I am sure, when combined with the WHOI site, we will probably double that. We touched many people, especially those
kids in classrooms coast to coast, who had the opportunity to dial into our adventure and taste the discovery.
We are all grateful to all of your enthusiastic support to make this component of the Extreme 2000 such a success.
My only regret, as always, is that it was way too short. There will be a next time - I am sure. So, as we all depart,
the Science Participants of Extreme 2000 want to thank each and every one of you for making the cruise such a success.
Your reputation for professionalism, enthusiasm, and hospitality is so well deserved.
Craig Cary, George Luther, Anna-Louise Reysenbach, and the Participants of Extreme
2000
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