Ribbon-cutting event for NOAA’s port facility in Ketchikan

A revitalized port facility for NOAA will be opening in Ketchikan, Alaska, to provide vessel support for NOAA research ships. The facility will also be home to NOAA Ship Fairweather. A ribbon cutting event will take place to dedicate the facility and recognize the important partnerships in the area. Media are invited to attend. 

NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations awarded an $18.7 million contract in April 2021 to Alaska-based Ahtna Infrastructure & Technologies, LLC to make major improvements to the facility. The project includes the construction of a new office building, floating pier and access bridge and updated power and water utility systems for servicing visiting ships.

WHAT

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for NOAA’s renovated port facility. 

WHEN

August 21, 10 a.m. AKDT

WHERE

NOAA Ketchikan Port Facility
1010 Stedman Street, Ketchikan, AK  99901

WHO

• Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., NOAA Administrator
• Rear Admiral Chad Cary, deputy director, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations
• U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan

BACKGROUND

The research and survey ships operated, managed and maintained by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations comprise the largest fleet of federal research ships in the nation. Ranging from large oceanographic research vessels capable of exploring the world’s deepest ocean, to smaller ships responsible for charting the shallow bays and inlets of the U.S. The fleet supports a wide range of marine activities, including fisheries surveys, nautical charting and ocean and climate studies. NOAA ships are operated by NOAA Corps officers and civilian professional mariners.