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New Ship, New Name

On March 29, 2014 the U.S. oceanographic research fleet’s newest ship, the R/V Neil Armstrong—shown here at an earlier stage of construction—was formally christened at a ceremony at the Dakota Creek Industries shipyard in Anacortes, Wash. The ship’s name honors the memory of astronaut Neil Armstrong and his spirit of exploration, discovery, and courage. The research vessel, which was funded by the Navy through the Office of Naval Research, will be operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for the U.S. ocean research community. (Photo by Gary McGrath, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)