Narragansett, RI -- March 17, 2003 -- Imagine a shopping list that includes 12 pounds of provolone cheese, 240 cans of soda, 58 gallons of milk, 30 loaves of bread, a case of oreo cookies, 40 pounds of hamburger and 25 pounds of canned tuna. That’s just a few of the provisions needed for a 2-week cruise aboard Endeavor, the URI Graduate School of Oceanography research vessel.

Fred Curtis, Endeavor’s first mate, will present a free public lecture that describes "Endeavor Adventures: An Illustrated Overview." The lecture will take place in the Coastal Institute Auditorium on the URI Bay Campus in Narragansett on Tuesday, March 25, at Noon.

Curtis has traveled with the Endeavor for several years’ worth of scientific expeditions from the North Atlantic to the South Pacific and to many ports on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and islands. His colorful slide presentation and descriptive sea tales will entertain and education the audience about the life and times aboard a vessel especially equipped to conduct science.

With a scientific party of twelve, a crew of twelve and one scientific technician, 25 people must work together 24 hours a day for up to 30 days at sea. And there’s no where to go when you’re at sea.

Owned by the National Science Foundation, Endeavor is operated by the URI Graduate School of Oceanography. The ship is equipped with the latest navigation and oceanographic research equipment, designed to conduct research is the four disciplines of oceanography, physical, biological, chemical, and geological oceanography.

Established in 1985 to support and promote the activities of the URI Graduate School of Oceanography, Friends of Oceanography informs and educates the membership and the general public about the scientific, technological, and environmental research that takes place at GSO. The organization sponsors public lectures, open houses, marine-related mini-courses, science cruises on Narragansett Bay, and an annual auction. The Friends office is located in the Coastal Institute building on URI's Narragansett Bay Campus. For information about Friends of Oceanography, call 874-6642.