APPENDIX III

FIC Report to the Council, 25 and 26 JUL '96

1. The draft IFIP has been prepared for subsequent discussion at this meeting.

2. FIC met on 20 and 21 JUN at Old Dominion University. Highlights included:

• briefings on emerging autonomous technology by Drs. Tom Curtin (on AUVS) and Bob Bluth (on RPVS), both of ONR; these new technologies will begin to have impact on scientific research in the next several years, and they will extend the capability of R/Vs
• reports by Eric Firing and Rich Findley on Shipboard Technology Upgrades and the Fleet as Real-Time Data Platforms; substantial conceptual progress is being made
• point papers by Bob Detrick on MG&G needs and NAVO common interests; more development of this helpful information is needed
• reports on science program prospects by Bess Ward, Tom Weingartner, and Chris Mooers; the Arctic science planning is the one bright spot
• homework assignments were made for the 1998 FIP, due in advance of the FIC winter 1997 meeting
• the early draft IFIP was discussed and downsizing scenarios were formulated and analyzed.

3. FIC accepted the task assigned by the UNOLS Chair to analyze, by early 1997, the scientific mission requirements for a UNOLS vessel to be based in Hawaii.