A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), celebrating in 2007 the 200th anniversary of its foundation, is one of the oldest and best established US government agencies conducting scientific data collection and research. Currently, NOAA operates 11 aircraft and a fleet of 17 naval vessels. NOAA’s most advanced ship, launched in 2012, is the 900 ton Ferdinand B. Hassler, the hull of which (illustrated below) has been designed according to the SWATH system, providing excellent stability.
It is possible that the special stability features of the ship inspired one member of the crew, Lieutenant Junor Grade Arlie Pickett to purchase a Gömböc which stands also as a symbol of stability. In the picture below Arlie is holding the Gömböc in the command bridge of Ferdinand B. Hassler.
Apparently, the navy blue Gömböc is also popular with other members of the crew: in the picture below hydrographic survey technician Sophia Tigges is holding it in her hand.
As we post this article, Ferdinand B. Hassler already left its home port New Castle and the Gömböc is accompanying the ship and its crew on their long voyage of geographic exploration. This short video gives a taste of the activities on board.