Fleet Survey Team Completes Barbados Survey Operation

From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (NNS) -- An eight-member U.S. Navy Fleet Survey Team (FST) departed Bridgetown, Barbados Dec. 16, after completing a month-long survey operation.

The FST is a rapid-response team with capabilities to conduct quick-turnaround hydrographic surveys anywhere in the world.

This survey was specifically requested by U.S. 4th Fleet (C4F) after reports from ships in the fleet had reported discrepancies in depths between printed and digital charts, and their own fathometers.

"The primary survey area was within a deepwater harbor where numerous cruise ships moor," said Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey Greeson, senior military officer for the FST. "The deepwater harbor is also the main commercial shipping port. At one time, there were four cruise ships, three commercial vessels, a Dominican Navy ship, and two tugboats all in harbor."

Using a nine meter rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) called "Swamp Fox", the survey team towed a RESON 7125 multibeam sonar system through four different designated priority areas. After data collection was completed in an area it was processed in the field to determine if there were any gaps in coverage or areas that needed additional sonar coverage in order to meet international standards.

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is the authoritative worldwide hydrographic body that sets the standards for hydrographic surveys to ensure maritime safety in coastal environments.

"We are seeking to meet IHO standards for coverage and accuracy," said Greeson. "The IHO requires a full seafloor search in order to meet those standards. The data we collect will then be used to update nautical charts used by all sorts of vessels coming into the harbor."

The FST, part of the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO), conducts about 14 surveys a year around the world. The team uses the Chief of Naval Operations' priority Oceanographic, Hydrographic and Bathymetric (OHB) list, and requests from component commanders like U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (USNAVSO) to determine where and when they will conduct their surveys. The surveys aid in the safe navigation of U.S. forces and civilian vessels traversing the area.

NAVOCEANO collects and analyzes global ocean and littoral data to provide specialized, operationally significant products and services for military and civilian, national and international customers.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and C4F support U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.