[Scan-DC] NOAA your weather (Coast Guard Photo Release)

[Alan Henney]

http://d5.uscgnews.com/go/doc/651/498815/

5th District Public Affairs

U.S. Coast Guard Photo Release

Date: March 16, 2010

Contact: Public Affairs Det. Baltimore

(410) 576-2541
NOAA your weather
Coast Guard, NOAA set seasonal buoys to gather weather data

BALTIMORE - Seaman Christopher Schwann, a crewmember aboard the Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin, washes a sinker as part of routine buoy maintenance in the Chesapeake Bay Monday, March 15, 2010. The Rankin replaces ice buoys in spring and sets them again in fall annually. U.S Coast Guard photo by Seaman Apprentice Grace Baldwin.

BALTIMORE - Crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin, prepare to mount additional data gathering equipment to a weather buoy before setting it in the Chesapeake Bay Monday, March 15, 2010. The weather buoy, developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration gathers weather related data to include wind speed, temperature and wave height. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Apprentice Grace Baldwin.

BALTIMORE - Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Adams, a Boatswain's Mate aboard the Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin, maintains control of a weather buoy before lowering it into the Chesapeake Bay Monday, March 15, 2010. Weather buoys contain data gathering equipment that enables researchers to monitor weather conditions such as wind speed, temperature and wave height. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Apprentice Grace Baldwin.

BALTIMORE - Petty Officer 2nd Class Tonya Mills, Boatswain's Mate aboard the Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin, measures the chain to ensure it is still in good condition Monday, Mar. 15, 2010. The Rankin annually inspects each aid to navigation to ensure that navigational aid is in good working order and marking safe water for mariners. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Apprentice Grace Baldwin.

BALTIMORE - Crewmembers from the Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin, a 175-foot coastal buoy tender homeported in Baltimore, prepare to release a weather buoy in the Chesapeake Bay Monday, March 15, 2010. The Coast Guard works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to place weather buoys that enable researchers to gather real-time weather data. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Apprentice Grace Baldwin.

BALTIMORE - Seaman Danielle Phelps, a crewmember aboard the Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin, mans a tagline in order to maintain positive contraol of a buoy moving across the deck before being placed into the Chesapeake Bay Monday, March 15, 2010. Safety is paramount throughout the Coast Guard and is especially important during dangerous buoy deck evolutions. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Apprentice Grace Baldwin.

BALTIMORE - Crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin repair a damaged buoy in the Chesapeake Bay Monday, March 15, 2010. The Rankin is responsible for more than 375 aids to navigation that mark safe water for mariners in the Chesapeake Bay. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Apprentice Grace Baldwin.

BALTIMORE - The Coast Guard along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration conducted seasonal buoy replacements Monday in the Chesapeake Bay.

The Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin, a 175-foot coastal buoy tender homeported in Baltimore, maintains approximately 375 aids to navigation and conducts fall and spring buoy replacements annually.

Weather buoys collect data and report real-time environmental information including wind speed, temperature and wave height. The buoys also serve as interpretive buoys that mark the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historical Trail that runs throughout the Chesapeake Bay.

"The weather buoys provide valuable weather information during peak recreational boating seasons," said Lt. Dave Lewald, the commanding officer of the Rankin. "The buoys also provide historical data which can benefit researchers collecting information on how to clean up the bay."

Click on the photos above to view a higher resolution version and more specific caption information on the Coast Guard Visual Imagery site.

For more information visit www.ndbc.noaa.gov or visit http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=44043 to view data from the weather buoy pictured above.

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