Buffalo District’s New Survey Vessel Honors Buxbaum

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District named the latest addition to its hightech hydrographic survey fleet after retired Command Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Buxbaum U.S. Army Retired.

The ceremony took place at 2 p.m. on June 23 on the fantail of the cruiser USS Littlerock which is moored at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. The Buxbaum is the third Buffalo District survey vessel equipped with a multibeam sonar system.

Command Sgt. Maj. Buxbaum died in his sleep on Nov. 9 2013 while in Afghanistan where he was working as a contractor supporting deployed soldiers a calling that spanned his 33-year career.

The Buxbaum will also be equipped with a vessel mounted “LIDAR” (light detection and ranging) system. The Optech Ilris 3-D laser scanner has the capability to collect data in a terrestrial (static) mode and in a marine (mobile) mode of operation which allows the Buffalo District to survey offshore breakwater structures from a moving vessel with fewer field personnel required. This methodology not only is safer but also more productive.

U.S. Corps of Engineers Survey Vessel Buxbaum specifications: length: 25 feet 11 inches; beam: 9 feet 6 inches; draft: 22 inches; top speed: 30 knots (35 mph); equipment: (2) Yamaha 150 hp outboard engines; (1) Honda EU 6500is generator; bow-mounted Teledyne Reson SeaBat 7125 High Resolution Multibeam System; Optech Ilris vessel-mounted LIDAR system; crew: survey technician and small craft operator. (Photo by Andrew Kornacki)