Newest US Research Ship Makes its Woods Hole Debut This Week

Photo courtesy: WHOI

WOODS HOLE – America’s newest scientific research vessel is set to dock at its home port this week for

the first time.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution says the R/V Neil Armstrong will arrive Wednesday under a Coast Guard escort to a dockside celebration.

The $74 million research ship is named for the astronaut who first set foot on the surface of the moon. It replaces the Knorr, which was decommissioned in 2014 and was officially retired last month.

Woods Hole personnel say there will be a band playing on the Armstrong’s dock. The celebration will include fireworks, steamship ferry whistles and cannon fire.

Armstrong’s widow, Carol Armstrong, is among the dignitaries scheduled to speak at a ceremony welcoming the ship.