A DC-3 coastal survey airplane from Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) visited 4th Fleet headquarters Aug. 20 for a capabilities demonstration prior to a scheduled deployment to the Caribbean Sea and Central America.
A DC-3 coastal survey airplane from Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) visited 4th Fleet headquarters Aug. 20 for a capabilities demonstration prior to a scheduled deployment to the Caribbean Sea and Central America.
The DC-3 collects oceanographic and hydrographic data from oceans and coastlines. The DC-3 is replacing a King Air 200 aircraft and will provide a wider range for survey missions. The current collection system on the airplane is called the Coastal Zone Mapping and Imaging Lidar system.
“We are very excited to have this aircraft deploy for the first time in the Caribbean Sea and Central America to work with regional partner nations to accurately map coastlines and shallow waters to update nautical charts in support our multinational counter transnational organized crime operations,” Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Rear Adm. Sinclair M. Harris said.
Michael Bendzlowicz, an oceanographer with the Naval Oceanographic Office, said the aircraft could also be used to support counter transnational organized crime missions. “It is not only able to survey coastal areas, but can also detect surface contacts as well as underwater contacts,” Bendzlowics said.
DC-3? I thought those only existed in museums. I’m glad, it was a top quality machine back in its day and very versatile. It’s at least 70 years old. I guess it’s probably completely rebuilt and polished. I’d like to know more.