R/V Robert Gray

Originally built in 1936 by the Army Corps of Engineers, R/V Robert Gray is a 125-ft steel research vessel with a storied past. From wartime patrols to scientific survey missions, she's served as both a tool and a time capsule — now recommissioned for purposeful ocean exploration.

HISTORIAL TIMELINE 

1936

Built by Lake Washington Shipyard for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

1940s

WWII deployment in the Aleutians / Bering Sea

1970

Major refit and transition to USGS research missions

2024

Acquired by THE Voyagers Club, recommissioned for Flag Expeditions

Specs & Layout: 

  • Length: 125 ft

  • Beam: 30 ft

  • Range: 5,000+ NM

  • Engine: CAT D398 diesel

  • Decks: 3

  • Guest Cabins: 9

  • Heads: 4

  • Features: Helipad, dive compressor, crane, moon pool

Restoration Process

Davis and Leila preserved 90% of the ship’s original features while upgrading her for modern expeditions — maintaining high-iron riveted steel, vintage woodwork, and hand-crank mechanics, while updating navigation, communication, and scientific equipment.

“We wanted to keep her true to her roots.” – Leila

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