Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Secrets of the Gulf Submarine Images

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SECRETS OF THE GULF EXPEDITION, MARCH 2007--NR-1 SUBMARINE AT SEA

This page of photos focuses on the U.S. Navy's NR-1 nuclear research submarine. At the start of the expedition, the sub was towed out to Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary by its support vessel the Carolyn Chouest. It then functioned on its own to conduct research at depth within the sanctuary and its surroundings, surfacing every few days to exchange scientific crew. This gave several different types of scientists the opportunity to make first hand observations of the sea floor and its varied habitats. The NR-1 was again towed behind the Carolyn Chouest for the return trip to Galveston. Additional expedition images can be viewed at the following links: Start of the Expedition Sending Broadcasts from the Gulf Argus Brine Seep at East Flower Garden Bank Mud Volcanoes Deep Reef Habitat Click on a picture below to see a larger, hi-resolution image. All unlabeled images should be credited to Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS). All other images on this page should be credited to the Institute for Exploration and the University of Rhode Island Institute for Archeological Oceanography (IFE/URIIAO)
Tow line spooled on the deck of the Carolyn Chouest. This line is used for towing the NR-1 behind the Carolyn Chouest. (IFE/URIIAO)	Connecting the tow line to NR-1. The large metal ball fits into a notch at the bow of the sub. (IFE/URIIAO)
Looking up the narrow entry/exit ladder from inside the NR-1. (IFE/URIIAO)	Control console inside the NR-1 submarine. (IFE/URIIAO)
Another view of the control console inside the NR-1 submarine. (IFE/URIIAO)	Close up view of the control console inside NR-1. (IFE/URIIAO)
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The NR-1 submarine surfacing in the sanctuary. (IFE/URIIAO)	NR-1 at the surface in the Gulf of Mexico.
Loading small boat from deck of the Carolyn Chouest to transfer crew to the NR-1.	Lowering transfer boat down to the water.
Transfer boat motoring over to the NR-1 to exchange crew.	Transfer boat alongside the NR-1.
Crew transferring from small boat to the NR-1.	Transfer boat returning to the Carolyn Chouest.

NR-1 being towed behind the Carolyn Chouest

NR-1 being towed behind the Carolyn Chouest.

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Juvenile blue tang (fish). Bright yellow body with irridescent blue marking around eye and at top edge of dorsal fin.