NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer completes CAPSTONE Project

In July 2015, NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer embarked on NOAA's Campaign to Address Pacific monument Science, Technology, and Ocean NEeds (CAPSTONE). This 27-month project involved numerous cruises into Hawaiian and Samoan waters. These studies and surveys included mapping the main Hawaiian islands, Johnston Atoll, the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, and other locations through the use of remotely operated underwater vehicles. This extensive CAPSTONE project came to a close in September 2017 as the ship completed its final Deep-Sea Sympohony expedition. The vessel and crew concluded this project with an Ocean Exploration Celebration for the local Honolulu community on October 1 at the University of Hawaii Marine Center, which included tours of Okeanos Explorer, Schmidt Ocean Institute's R/V Falkor, and interactive exhibits for attendees. To stay up to date with the work of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer please follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NOAAShipOkeanosExplorer.