6 September 2006

Captain A. D. Colburn
R/V Atlantis, Voyage #15, Leg X
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Mail Stop #27
Woods Hole, MA  02543

Dear Captain Colburn:
 
On or about 16 September 2006, your vessel being ready for sea and 
weather permitting, you will depart Astoria, Oregon, on Leg X of Voyage 
#15.  Upon completion of the science activities the vessel shall return 
to Astoria, Oregon, on 21 September 2006.

The main scientific research objective is dive operations at any of 
seven working ODP/IODP CORK sites in NE Pacific.

The planned activity is Alvin dives on CORK sites. The operations area 
will be the North Pacific Ocean in the vicinity of 47° 45.209'N 127° 
45.833' W.

Scientific marine research within the exclusive economic zone of any 
foreign nation is strictly prohibited.

The scientific personnel participating on this voyage under the 
direction of Dr. Keir Becker, Chief Scientist, University of Miami, 
RSMAS are:
R/V Atlantis
Voyage #15, Leg X
16 September 2006 - 21 September 2006
Astoria, OR - Astoria, OR

Dr. Keir Becker, Chief Scientist, University of Miami, RSMAS
Ms. Katherine Inderbitzen, University of Miami, RSMAS
Dr. Earl Davis, Geological Survey of Canada, Pacific Geoscience Centre
Mr. Robert Meldrum, Geological Survey of Canada, Pacific Geoscience Centre
Mr. Joseph Attryde, Transocean
Dr. Charles Geoffrey Wheat, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Mr. Brian Midson, National Science Foundation
Mr. Thomas Pettigrew, Mohr Engineering Division, SES, Inc.
Dr. Jonathan Rice, Green Mountain Union High School, Vermont
Dr. Steven Carber, International School of Monterey, California
Ms. Kip Knappett, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Mr. Kenneth Feldman, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Ms. Kazumi Shibata, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Mr. Barrie Walden, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

The ship's agent in Astoria, Oregon will be:
Ship Service Co.
968 Commercial St.
Astoria, OR 97103

Contact: Lou Marconeri
tel. (503) 325-3721
fax: (503) 325-4109
cell: (503) 791-0796
email: lmarconeri@knutsenins.com

Please note:  At the completion of this voyage, both the Captain and 
Chief Scientist should fill out a Post-Cruise Assessment form.  The form 
is on-line at the following web site:
http://www.gso.uri.edu/unols/pcarform.htm

Please advise the Port Office of all personnel changes prior to 
departure and maintain the daily SITREP via INMARSAT C or other means as 
required.

Please advise the Port Office of all significant expenses incurred, 
particularly the quantity, price and source of fuel oil.  Also, at each 
port stop, please advise the Port Office the gallons of fuel on board, 
stating the date the inventory was taken.

I wish you a pleasant and successful voyage.

Very truly yours,
Approved and Signed by
Robert S. Detrick
Vice President for Marine Facilities and Operations