NOAA ship continues to serve

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- A research vessel that was expected to have a service lifespan of 20 to 25 years when it was launched in 1967 is going on its 300th research cruise and has now chalked up 45 years of service. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Oregon II, built by Ingalls Shipbuilding, will be doing its annual assessment of red snapper and shark populations in the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic. (Source: Mississippi Press, 07/26/12)