September 18, 2025 

Force Blue Veterans Conduct Tour of Duty in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

All national marine sanctuaries rely on the energy and passion of volunteers. With the mission of healing veterans and healing the ocean, Force Blue redeploys Special Operations veterans and military-trained combat divers to work alongside scientists on conservation projects. When Special Operations veterans team up with NOAA's marine scientists, there's nothing we can't accomplish. The former Special Operations divers of Force Blue are working with top scientists and environmentalists from NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries on a multi-year Sanctuaries Tour of Duty campaign to conduct marine conservation missions in and around each of America's iconic national marine sanctuaries. In addition to providing the person-power to conduct onsite research, each mission also involves public engagement to instill ownership and inspire action in those communities that are nearest to and benefit the most from our nation's treasured marine sanctuaries.

In August, Force Blue teamed up with National Marine Sanctuary System divers aboard the R/V Manta to document the annual coral spawn, install a mooring buoy, and collect valuable coral samples. These samples are already making a significant impact. They provide crucial opportunities for Texas A&M University at Galveston staff and students to study, grow corals, and gain hands-on experience that can lead to future careers. Ultimately, this work could result in baby corals being returned to the reef. The new mooring buoy also created a public access point that was immediately put to good use, with 30 divers using it a few days later to remove invasive lionfish from the reef. In addition to their time offshore, the Force Blue crew participated in community outreach events to share about their work in the sanctuary. 

Texian Navy Day  Join us for Texian Navy Day on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from noon to 5 p.m. at Pier 21 in Galveston. Come find our blue tent, easy to spot with the sanctuary and NOAA logos. We'll have information about the sanctuary, sanctuary stickers, and some engaging activities for you to enjoy.

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