Sally Ride: From budget line item to Broadway Pier

Named for Sally Ride, the first American woman in space as part of the space shuttle Challenger crew and member of UCSD’s faculty, Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s new research vessel, Sally Ride, will be open to the public from noon until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 30. The ship will be tethered to the Broadway Pier downtown.

Sally Ride began as a line item in the federal budget in 2002 and was built alongside her sister ship, R/V Neil Armstrong, in Anacortes, Washington. Neil Armstrong is now working out of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts while operational control of Sally Ride was transferred to Scripps Institution of Oceanography on July 1.

The new research vessel’s primary objective will be investigating human health and environmental hazards, including earthquakes and tsunamis.

Those touring the ship Sunday will have access to the sampling stations and laboratories where the scientists collect their data and the main work deck and living spaces. Crew will be on hand to welcome visitors and answer questions. Please note that closed-toe shoes and a government-issued ID are required.