Cruise GU-03-02, Leg II
July 8, 2003 - July 28, 2003

Track lines for all three legs of the project. The red tracklines represent the area covered during Leg I, the yellow tracklines
represent the area covered during Leg II and the black tracklines represent the area covered during Leg III.

During the first week of Leg II, our marine mammal research efforts were somewhat overshadowed by another phenomenon of nature - Tropical Storm Claudette. The storm was brewing in the Caribbean Sea and was quickly making her approach into the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm came as no surprise as June marks the beginning of hurricane season. From now until the end of October, the potential for hurricanes is high. It was predicted that the year 2003 was to be a particularly active season with possibly as many as 14 named storms (for more on Tropical Storms and Hurricanes, visit http://hurricanes.noaa.gov/).

Since GORDON GUNTER operates primarily in the Gulf of Mexico where tropical storm activity is common, the ship's command has developed a set of Heavy Weather Guidelines to consult, in addition to the NOAA and Navy hurricane experts, to determine the best course of action. Based on the conditions and information, the ship’s Commanding Officer makes the final decision on storm evasion.

That 'final decision' to deviate from project plans or break operations all together is not always easy. Storm prediction is not an exact science and a large portion of the decision making process is based on experience.

This time, the storm was headed to the northwest Gulf, the same area in which we were hoping to work. We spent a few days working within a safe distance of a protected port, see ship's position on chart below, while evaluating the options. On the 4th day, the decision was made to turn around and head east, where better weather was forecasted.

Conditions improved rapidly. On the passage east we broke a visual sighting record – 37 sightings of 12 different species! Our good weather omen continued throughout the remainder of the cruise. We had many days of no wind and perfectly calm seas as shown in the photos below. The scientists were busy keeping track of the many mammals while the ship’s command sighed in relief, until the next storm.

Below are mammal photos taken on Leg II. Click on image for larger view.(All photos property of NOAA)

Spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis).	A pair of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at play.	False killer whale.
A group of rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) riding our bow in perfectly calm waters.	False killer whales and rough-toothed dolphins swim side by side under ship's bow.	A pair of pilot whales gliding next to ship's bow (note the oil rig in the distance).

A closer look at the animals.

False killer whale's long and narrow head with blow hole centered on the top.	A noticeable white scar on an otherwise all black body of a pilot whale.
A close up profile of the huge, square head of a Sperm whale (note the off-center blow hole).	A look foreward from behind the dorsal fin of a sperm whale

A collection of photos of life on the ship (mostly work). Click on image for larger view.

The ship's small boat seeking sperm whales in picture-perfect seas.	Scientists watching a group of dolphins riding our bow.	Augmenting 1st Mate, Jim Rowe driving.
LET Chris Churylo fixing an Anemometer on the forward mast.	F Lanny McCormack 'doing the ropes'.	SF Tom Sherman keeping the bridge windows sparkling.
Chief Steward Ted Obcena putting the final 'touch' on another tasty meal.	Second Cook Lito Llena taking '5'.	The ship's monthly meeting held on the mess deck.
ENS Pat Didier working on his OOD workbook.

Unexpected visitor 200 miles offshore.	Scientists Michael Hendon and Megan Mattson relaxing on the flying bridge between watches.	Lt. Pica, acting CO, watching sunset from the best seat in the 'house' (on the bow).
Reflection of ship's bow in mirror-like seas.	Field Party Chief Tony Martinez putting on brave face.	One of many spectacular sunsets at sea.

See stories and photos from the other legs of this project, Leg I and Leg III.