17 February 2014 Meet the Members. Eric Hutt, MPC

Today was a day of cruising in and out of the sea ice.We traversed back and forth, back and forth. We did this to allow the geologists and oceanographers to further add to their data about the region.

As I mentioned we are literally in a region where no ship has been! Because of this it is essential that as much data be collected as possible. As with all good science, the more sampling you are able to do leads to more accurate information.

The NB Palmer is a research vessel and is equipped to do a vast array of science. Because it also has the ability to ice break, it is one of only a few that can do this. In an older photo above you The Palmer is resupplying her sister ship the Gould. The ship is owned By Edison Chouest Offshore. It is contracted out by The National Science Foundation which ultimately funds these expeditions. So who is responsible for communication between the crew, the deck officers and the scientists?The answer to that is the Marine Projects Coordinator. Let's meet Eric Hutt.

Eric Hutt has an impressive resume'. It reads as follows.

• Education/ relevant Career: B.S. in Analytical Chemistry, 5 years Commercial fishing in Alaska
• 11 years Antarctic science support on the Nathaniel B. Palmer and Laurence Gould
• Cruises: Approximately 40-50, including cruises in the Antarctic, and sub-Antarctic as well as one Arctic cruise.

In his own words he describes the role of a Marine Projects Coordinator. I am officially in charge of the various Antarctic Support techs on the boat (IT, MT, MLT, ET) as well as the contract representative overseeing the charter of the vessel.The MPC works closely with the Chief Scientist and Captain on cruise with planning and day to day operations.How he sees his role.As a Science facilitator, my job is to use my ship specific experience to try to ease logistical hurdles and smooth problems and to help maximize the scientific work that gets done on each cruise.

When Eric is not under way he lives with his wife and two year old daughter in Durango, Colorado. "We bike as much as possible and also spend time camping, hiking, skiing and sailing.I hope to finish building our house this summer, which has been nearly three years of steady work when not at sea". "My favorite destination is either camping and biking in the Colorado high country or sailing in the Bahamas, with my friends and family."Eric didn't have much time to talk as he was off making sure all is well on board. Thanks Eric. Is there any way you can order out for pizza?