USNS Bowditch (T-AGS-62)

Bowditch gathered data that provided much of the military’s information on the ocean environment, which in turn, stabilized the safety and mission of Sailors and servicemen. The ship’s success lies in the multi-beam contour mapping system, and wide-angle side-scan sonar systems, which continuously collect data over a broad strip of ocean floor.

USNS Bowditch

Bowditch also employs two Hydrographic Survey Launches, small boats that use single and multi-beam echo-sounders and streamed side-scan sonar systems to collect data in very shallow regions. The waters close to the shoreline tend to have the most significant changes in the ocean bottom due to shifted debris and bottom features. However, relief efforts depend heavily on proximity to the shore to get supplies to where they need to go.

Source: navy.mil
Image Source: wtkr.com