Governor Donald L. Carcieri To Join US Senator Jack Reed and NOAA Officials at Groundbreaking Ceremony for Future Home Port of NOAA Okeanos Explorer

10-22-2009

Governor Donald L. Carcieri will join US Senator Jack Reed, Rear Admiral Jonathan W. Bailey, Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, Dr. Robert Ballard of the Institute for Exploration and the University of Rhode Island, and local elected officials and business owners to celebrate the imminent construction of an 8,500 square foot research facility and offices for the NOAA Okeanos Explorer.

Attending the groundbreaking will be key officials from the University of Rhode Island, NOAA, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, along with staff and board members from the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) staff and board members and representatives of the construction team.

12:30 p.m.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Pier One, Port of Davisville
North Kingstown, RI

The Okeanos Explorer, “America’s Ship for Ocean Exploration,” is a former Navy surveillance ship which was recently converted into a world-class tool for advanced scientific discovery. The Okeanos Explorer is currently undergoing sea trials, and is expected to dock in Rhode Island in July 2010.