The NOAAS Thomas Jefferson (S 222) is a state-of-the-art hydrographic survey vessel operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since 2003. Originally built for the U.S. Navy as USNS Littlehales (T-AGS-52), she was constructed by Halter Marine, Inc., in Moss Point, Mississippi, with her keel laid on October 25, 1989. Launched on February 14, 1991, and delivered to the Navy in January 1992, she served under the Military Sealift Command, primarily conducting coastal hydrographic surveys for the Naval Oceanographic Office. Designed to operate efficiently in a variety of depths from 10 to 4,000 meters, the vessel features a robust suite of scientific and survey equipment, including multibeam echo sounders (Kongsberg EM2040, EM710) and side-scan sonar units. Her deck spans 1,500 square feet, equipped with two winches, two telescopic cranes with 7-ton capacity, and a C-frame for deploying survey launches and instrumentation. Inside, she boasts 700 square feet of laboratory space and 2,300 square feet of storage for scientific gear, enabling extensive data collection and processing. Thomas Jefferson is capable of deploying two aluminum survey launches equipped with multibeam and echo sounders, and an inflatable fast rescue boat. The vessel is outfitted with CTD sensors, sediment samplers, and sonar systems, making her highly effective for detailed hydrographic mapping, including shallow and deep waters. Her technological suite ensures she can operate continuously, providing critical data for navigation, maritime safety, and scientific research. Throughout her service, Thomas Jefferson has participated in numerous notable surveys worldwide, including coastal Albania, Jordan, and West African waters, as well as domestic operations like post-hurricane port surveys and archaeological explorations off the Virginia-North Carolina coast. She has also been instrumental in rescues, such as saving three fishermen in Lake Erie in 2022. Recognized as “The Most Productive Survey Vessel in The World,” she has earned five NOAA Ship of the Year awards, highlighting her significant contribution to maritime navigation, scientific research, and emergency response.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.