
On June 12, 2009, the R/V Thompson will depart the Kingdom of Tonga and head to the Eastern Lau Spreading Center (ELSC). The ship is owned by the U.S. Navy and operated by the University of Washington. It will be home to 21 scientists, the team supporting the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Jason, and ships crew for the next month as they sail along the ELSC, NNE towards Western Samoa.
Click here to learn more about the R/V Thompson.