UConn commissions new research vessel
The University of Connecticut celebrated Friday at the school's Avery Point Campus, toasting a new and improved research vessel.
When the 36-foot long vessel is deployed in Long Island Sound. it will make it easier for boaters, weathermen and fishermen to research and collect live data on changing environmental and weather conditions, the Hartford Courant reported.
The vessel was christened R/V Weicker after former U.S. Sen. and Connecticut Gov. Lowell Weicker, 75, a longtime advocate of marine science. Weicker, who has secured millions of dollars for UConn, said he was honored.
"Connecticut is a marine state, and it should be in the forefront of research and science," he said.
Weicker said it was shameful that marine research is so under funded compared to past years. He partially attributed it to the government putting more money toward the war in Iraq.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
