COMMANDING OFFICER

Commanding Officer - Commander Robert Kamphaus, Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

CDR Kamphaus took command of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer on 23 August 2010. He is the second CO of the ship since it was commissioned as a NOAA vessel.

CDR Kamphaus has compiled seven years of sea time in three previous sea assignments during his 17 year career. He started his NOAA Corps career as Junior Officer aboard NOAA Ship Discoverer, completed an Operations Officer tour aboard NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown, and had a successful Executive Officer tour aboard NOAA Ship Ka'imimoana. His land assignments have included Operations Manager for a research division at the Pacific Marine Environmental Lab, Assistant Manager of the Lower Region of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and Research Scientist for the Tsunami Inundation Mapping Effort.

CDR Kamphaus holds a Bachelors degree in Marine Science with specialization in Physical Oceanography from the University of South Carolina. He is presently pursuing a Project Management Certificate.

CDR Kamphaus' wife and family reside in Seattle, WA.