How the R.V. Barbie Came to Be!
Meet MLML's newly renovated pink Boston Whaler research vessel.
The story behind MLML's new pink research vessel begins with one of the lab's hardworking Boston Whalers. This boat has supported research, fieldwork, and graduate student thesis projects for years.
Built in the 1970s, the vessel originally belonged to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey before making its way to MLML about a decade ago, where it was named the "Navy Whaler."
After years of use on the water, the Navy Whaler was due for some much-needed repairs and a fresh coat of paint.
Kate Roetcisoender, MLML's General Marine Operations Assistant, asked a simple question:
"Why don't we paint it pink?"
JD's first response was a firm "No." But Kate wasn't ready to let the idea go.
Her reasoning was simple: if the boat already needed to be repainted, why did it have to be another shade of blue or gray? Why couldn't it be something fun, colorful, and memorable?
What started as a joke quickly spread across campus, with students and staff getting behind the idea of a bright pink research boat. Finally, JD made Kate a deal:
Collect 50 handwritten signatures from MLML students and staff, and he'd consider it.
Challenge accepted.
With the help of fellow student Sarah Johnson, Kate launched the Pink Whaler Petition. The response blew everyone away. In just two weeks, more than 80 students, faculty, staff, Facilities, IT, boatyard workers, and even Dean Michael Cofrin had signed in support.
What started as a playful idea became something much bigger than choosing a paint color. It turned into a community project that brought people together, sparked conversations across campus, and gave everyone a chance to help shape the future of one of MLML's most beloved boats.
With the votes in, it was time for the hard work.
Kate coordinated with marine paint suppliers to find the perfect shade of pink, and along with Duncan and Bruno, the team got to work restoring the boat.
Weeks were spent repairing fiberglass, filling old holes with resin, sanding the hull smooth, and preparing it for its fresh new look. Then came the painting! Coat after coat of primer and pink paint until every detail was just right.
After nearly two months of repairs, restoration, and a lot of teamwork, the transformation was complete.
The once-weathered Navy Whaler had a whole new look, personality, and even a new name:
The R.V. Barbie!
Today, the R.V. Barbie is back where it belongs: supporting MLML research!
The boat is moored at Stillwater Cove for the summer, giving MLML graduate student researchers quick and easy access to one of their most important dive sites. By keeping the boat on a mooring, dive teams spend less time hauling boats and heavy dive gear to and from the beach.
This summer alone, the R.V. Barbie is supporting at least two weekly field research projects, helping students safely and efficiently collect the data they need for their graduate research.
The R.V. Barbie has already become one of MLML's most recognizable boats, turning heads everywhere it goes and inspiring its own unofficial theme song:
Come on Barbie, let's go science party!
What began as a simple question, "Why not pink?", became a reminder that at MLML, the best ideas happen when people come together.
The R.V. Barbie celebrates the teamwork, creativity, and passion that drive our community and our science.
Behind the scenes and more photos!
