USNS Pathfinder (T-AGS 60), a Military Sealift Command oceanographic survey ship, moored in Cartagena, to conduct subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) with the Oceanographic and Hydrographic Center of the Colombian navy in support of Southern Partnership Station-Oceanographic 2015, the week of Feb. 22.
The goal of subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) is to exchange ideas, knowledge and operational experience in the areas of oceanography, hydrography and meteorology in support of naval operations.
SMEEs were conducted by representatives from CIOH and Capt. Marc Eckardt, deputy hydrographer of the Navy, Cmdr. Dave Kuehn, commanding officer, Fleet Survey Team.
The topics of discussion developed during the week included: expeditionary multibeam sonar kit (EMK) for riverine surveys, ellipsoidal reference surveys (ERS), hydrographic data analysis and quality control, ocean modeling/forecasting, and geospatial oceanographic databases.
The visit was complemented with a command brief and tour of CIOH headquarters as well as a tour of ARC Providencia, one of four Colombian navy hydrographic ships.
Pathfinder is a multipurpose oceanographic vessel attached to the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NMOC), manned with a team of hydrographers and oceanographers to conduct training, simulation, and subject matter expert exchanges.
SPS-O 15 enhances professional relationships and information sharing in support of maritime safety, improving maritime commerce and general safety of navigation within U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility.
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Image: US Navy