Media Advisory: Lake Ontario Scientists, Officials Welcome New "Floating Laboratory"

[USGS Newsroom <oc_web@xxxxxxxx>]

Title: USGS Newsroom

Media Advisory: Lake Ontario Scientists, Officials Welcome New "Floating Laboratory"

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Media Advisory: Lake Ontario Scientists, Officials Welcome New "Floating Laboratory"

Posted: 04 Aug 2014 10:25 AM PDT

Summary: The U.S. Geological Survey will celebrate the newest addition to its fleet of large research vessels in a traditional Christening and commissioning ceremony at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center in Oswego, New York, on Wednesday, August 6. 

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Contact Information:

Marisa  Lubeck ( Phone: 303-526-6694 ); Josh Miller ( Phone: 734-214-7274 );

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The U.S. Geological Survey will celebrate the newest addition to its fleet of large research vessels in a traditional Christening and commissioning ceremony at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center in Oswego, New York, on Wednesday, August 6. 

The new, large research vessel will enable USGS Lake Ontario Biological Station scientists to explore fish health and water-quality in Lake Ontario. This research is used by federal, state and provincial resource managers to protect and restore the lake’s ecosystem and the New York sport fishery that generates $54 million annually.

What:	Christening and commissioning of the new, state-of-the-art USGS Research Vessel Kaho
Who:	USGS Acting Director Suzette Kimball will Christen the vessel Pamela Dei, USGS Eastern Region mechanical engineer will commission the vessel Office of U.S. Congressman Dan Maffei New York State Assemblyman William Barclay Office of Patty Ritchie, New York State Senator Local elected officials, agency leaders and Native American representatives
When:	Wednesday, August 6 10:30 a.m. Commencement 11:30 a.m. Christening and commissioning ceremony Tours of the R/V Kaho for attendees and media will follow the ceremony
Where:	Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center 26 East First Street Oswego, NY

The new R/V Kaho is one of two recently constructed 70-foot research vessels replacing some of the oldest boats in the USGS Great Lake’s fleet. The new vessel features several new nautical advances, including a high-performance hull, constructed entirely from aluminum, allowing for lighter weight and increased speed and stability. The vessel was designed with state-of-the-art navigation and scientific capabilities, giving the USGS modern scientific resources for research into Lake Ontario’s coastal and deep-water ecosystems.

Vessel construction was funded by an $8.2 million award from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The USGS contracted with the Great Lakes Towing Company of Cleveland, Ohio, in 2010 for the design and construction of the new research vessels. The new boats were completed in July 2012.