It's already day six and so far things have been going very well. The other habitat technician (Thor) and I have had only a few small problems to sort out down here. The scientists have been extremely busy collecting their data. All in all I would say it has been a very boring mission from an operational standpoint. Which is a good thing.

The reef life is as plentiful as ever, we even have a large grouper hanging around and watching our every move. He his very curious and always slides in close to investigate us as we do our work. We have also seen a good number of stingrays and a sea turtle or two.

Our surface support has been working hard as well. They visit us on a regular basis with supplies. They have also had to do some work on board the LSB (Life Support Buoy). Mainly to ensure that the breathing air, power, and communication systems that give this place life down here are working properly. Thor and I are in constant communication with them. Planning and recording dive schedules, media visits, and maintenance plans.

Thor and I trade with one another on time to go out on the hookah rig (a long air hose with a regulator that is attached to the habitat) to do work. We each spend an average of three to four hours a day mainly scrubbing and chipping the growth off the valves, plumbing, view ports, connectors, and various other items in order to keep the habitat functional. Because this is the last mission of the year, we are paying extra attention to the items that we will bring to the surface for the winter. This includes the emergency battery pods and our underwater bailout gazebo.

I would honestly have to say that it has been a long mission year for the Aquarius. With the end of this mission, we will have completed ten successful saturations, including a sixteen-day mission in early February where we worked with schools across the country (this was the Jason Project). I think that everyone on the support crew is looking forward to the holidays - after all the preparations for the winter are completed.

The attitude of the crew and the moral of the scientists have been great, and I would saturate with them again any time.