Story
This research vessel was built in 2024 by Construcciones Navales P. Freire SA (Freire Shipyard) in Vigo.
Historical Notes
George Schneider (Email to Nauticapedia 01/04/2025) stated "At the Scripps pier was a vessel I'd never seen before.
She proved to be DAVID PACKARD (1336426 / IMO 9955234) belonging to MBARI, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, which bases its fleet in Moss Landing, a much more suitable harbor than Monterey for their activities. She's a 165-foot monohull steel vessel, completed last year by the Freire yard in Vigo, Spain.
She replaces MBARI's previous vessel, which was named WESTERN FLYER in honor of the vessel mentioned above, that nobody expected would be resurrected. This boat was an exotic 114-foot aluminum catamaran built 30 years ago by Swath Ocean Systems here in National City.
She continues to sail under her original name for the University of South Florida."
Owners & Masters
In 2024-2025 she was owned by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, San Diego CA USA.
Name Significance
David Packard was the founder of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.
Named Features
Carries the 10,500 lb ROV named Doc Ricketts, capable of diving to 4000 meters
References
- cgmix.uscg.mil ↗ (website viewed 01/04/2925)
- George Schneider (Email to Nauticapedia 01/04/2025)
