The Miller Freeman was decommissioned on 3/29/13 after many years of exemplary service.
NOAA R/V Miller Freeman was a 215-foot fisheries and oceanographic research vessel and was one of the largest research trawlers in the United States. The Miller Freeman's primary mission was to provide a working platform for the study of the ocean's living resources.The ship was named for Miller Freeman (1875-1955), a publisher who was actively involved in the international management of fish harvests. The ship was launched in 1967, but not fully rigged until 1975. The vessel was again re-rigged in 1982. Miller Freeman is homeported in Seattle, Washington, at the Marine Operations Center. With a 12,578 mile / 31 day endurance, Miller Freeman was capable of operating in any waters of the world. The Miller Freeman was owned by the United States of America, Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The ship was operated by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations and carried a complement of 7 NOAA Corps officers, 27 crew members, and maximum of 11 scientists.
