Halter Marine Group Inc. launched a 329 ft.
oceanographic survey ship for the U.S. Navy. The first ever in the Navy's history to be named through a contest, USNS Bruce C. Hezeen will collect data and physical samples from the world's oceans to provide the U.S. Navy with an understanding of its operating environment. Scheduled for delivery in December 2001, the vessel is the fifth of the T-AGS 60 class built at the Halter Moss Point.