The SIU-crewed USNS Mary Sears in late January located two flight recorders from the Indonesian jet that crashed into the sea on New Year’s Day with 102 people aboard.The plane—an Adam Air Boeing 737—ran into bad weather including winds up to 80 mph and changed course twice before disappearing from radar off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia. No bodies were recovered.
According to a written message from the master of the USNS Mary Sears (an oceanographic survey ship operated by Horizon Lines), the vessel was assigned to participate in recovery operations after initial search-and-rescue efforts by Indonesia were unsuccessful.
“On arrival in the search area, USNS Mary Sears used her hull-mounted equipment to search the bottom,” Captain James Mixon wrote. “Due to water depths in excess of a mile, this equipment was not sensitive enough to distinguish details. The vessel entered a local port and loaded more specialized equipment. USNS Mary Sears, along with the other five T-AGS 60 class vessels were designed to be easily and quickly altered to meet the demands of varying mission profiles. Two days after departing with the additional search equipment, the signals from the black boxes were located.”
He further noted that MSC commended the efforts of everyone aboard the USNS Mary Sears.
“The crew of Mary Sears’ ability to quickly and flawlessly shift missions was a direct reflection of its readiness and training,” Mixon added. “The Mary Sears was recognized for the superb efforts and professionalism of everyone involved.”
Seafarers sailing aboard the USNS Mary Sears during the mission included Bosun Harlan Hulst, ABs Carlos Castillo, Kelly Doyle and Marco Figueroa, STOSs Brian Jackson and Thomas Tramutola, QMEDs Daryl Moore and Jim Farmer, Chief Steward Donna Saling, Chief Cook Anthony Jacobson, GVAs Shabbah Shaibi and Roberto Nunez, Chief Storekeeper Nels Nelson and MDR James Bryant.
According to news reports, Indonesian authorities planned to attempt retrieval of the flight data recorders but weren’t certain the operation would be successful, given the ocean’s depth.
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