Researchers in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Scientific Development Squadron (VXS-1) airdropped Spotter wave buoys on Thursday, September 14th, 2023 in response to Hurricane Idalia.

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The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 executed a rapid deployment, airdropping 10 Sofar Spotter buoys into the Gulf of Mexico just hours before Hurricane Idalia's landfall, on Monday, August 28th, 2023, contributing improved hurricane forecasting and coastal community protection as part of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) Hurricane Coastal Impacts (NHCI).

“Our unique mission and ability to operate around the world, enabling research for the Department of the Navy and its partners is crucial to scientific and technological innovation,” said Commanding Officer Commandor Aaron Roberts. “Airborne data-collection missions like the Idalia operation facilitate the next generation of scientific research and environmental prediction, keeping civilians and military members safe from extreme events.”