In-Situ Burn (ISB) Tests
Auxiliary members supported in-situ burn tests for oil spill response research at the RDC Joint Maritime Test Facility (JMTF) remote testing location, on Little Sand Island, Mobile Alabama.
The on-site support was preceded by weeks of preparation leading up to the test event and weeks of coordinated video documentation and design following the field event.
Auxiliarists provided professional videography and narration of two full-scale ISB tests of flowing crude oil in fresh water, with and without marshland vegetation, from start to finish.
In addition, Auxiliarist Tom Moo 081-03-10, documented the experimental design and setup process, safety processes, execution, oil residue collection and analysis and cleanup.
He endured extreme conditions including Black Flag weather, small boat transfers and harsh terrain. The project was supported by and furthered the goals of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, U.S.
Coast Guard District 9, and stakeholders from the Regional Response Team including the Enviromental Protection Agency and NOAA.
Auxiliary members with past and present careers in the public or private sector with ready access to STEM innovation ecosystem, may serve to revolutionize the RDC.
A "skills bank" will be used to identify resource gaps for funded R&D projects. Using the Auxiliary Skills Bank, the assigned RDC team can determine if the Auxiliary has resources that fill the identified personnel gaps.
This is an opportunity for D1SR members to become involved in the important work of the Coast Guard's Research and Development Center. Participation will be virtual and member time commitment will vary. Any members who want to learn more about the program, please email Bruce Buckley.