Research vessel F.G. Walton Smith celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of groundbreaking scientific exploration and service to the marine research enterprise. Built by the Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Florida, and delivered on Jan. 31, 2000, R/V F.G. Walton Smith became the flagship vessel in a long line of research ships that have been part of the oceanographic fleet at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. The ship is a member of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet and is managed by the Rosenstiel School’s Marine Operations Department. With its advanced catamaran design, it has been a vital tool in furthering understanding of marine science.
A unique design for cutting-edge science
Named after the founding dean of the Rosenstiel School, the vessel is tailored to the unique challenges of marine shallow and coastal research expeditions. F.G. Walton Smith features a shallow-draft, twin-hull catamaran design, making it highly maneuverable and capable of operating in both shallow coastal waters and the open ocean. Its versatile layout supports a wide range of scientific missions, including coral reef studies, climate research, fisheries science, and water quality monitoring.
A legacy of discovery and service
Over the past quarter-century, F.G. Walton Smith has hosted researchers from around the world, facilitating studies in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. Equipped with advanced laboratories, acoustic systems, weather and oceanographic equipment, it has played a pivotal role in understanding the changes of the ocean’s overturning circulation, ocean chemistry, tracking harmful algal blooms, monitoring coral reef health, oil spill dispersion and its effects on fish, among other things.
Shortly after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill which impacted the Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida coasts, the ship carried scientists from the Rosenstiel School’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies and NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory to conduct daily analyses, which helped identify and study a previously unidentified oil plume located off Florida's southwest coast, headed toward the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas.
A platform for education and collaboration
Beyond research, F.G. Walton Smith serves as an educational platform, providing hands-on training for undergraduate students and fostering collaboration between graduate students, scientists, and federal research organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Rosenstiel School funds yearly cruises for undergraduate marine science students to participate alongside faculty and researchers conducting oceanographic research.
Looking to the future
Twenty-five years later, R/V F.G. Walton Smith remains a symbol of innovation and dedication to marine research and academics. Its continued service will be essential in providing superior learning opportunities to our students while offering the marine science community a steadfast research laboratory to address the pressing challenges facing our global ocean. The vessel’s legacy is a testament to the foresight and pioneering spirit of Walton Smith and the countless researchers who have used it to advance our understanding of ocean science.
