The Pathfinder-class oceanographic survey ship USNS Bruce C. Heezen (T-AGS 64) arrived in Monaco City, Monaco, May 1, for a scheduled port visit to participate in the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Assembly 2023.
 
The assembly is formed by representatives of 98 Member States, meeting every three years to provide general guidance on the function and work of the organization, as well as taking decisions of technical and administrative nature.
 
The ship’s presence in Monaco is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy’s continued commitment and support to the European region and reinforces the strong bond between the United States and Europe.
 
Naval Oceanography operates the T-AGS class of ships, owned and operated by Military Sealift Command, to conduct scientific work such as oceanography, hydrography, and many other scientific fields from the ocean floor to the stars.
 
The U.S. and Monaco, along with the IHO, are committed to working together and improving collaboration on the collection of scientific data to help create a safer ocean for all.
 
Bruce C. Heezen will be hosting a reception later during the week to support the US delegation in hosting representatives from many countries participating.
 
The International Hydrographic Organization works to ensure that all the world's seas, oceans, and navigable waters are surveyed and charted, thereby supporting the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment. The IHO coordinates national hydrographic offices' activities and sets standards to promote uniformity in nautical charts and documents; and issues survey best practices and guidelines to maximize use of hydrographic information.
 
Naval Oceanography has approximately 2,500 globally distributed military and civilian personnel, who collect, process, and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to guarantee the U.S. Navy’s freedom of action in the physical battlespace from the depths of the ocean to the stars.
 
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
 
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.