High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The NOAA Ship Fairweather (S 220) is a research ship operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Fairweather primarily conducts hydrographic surveys in Alaskan waters, but is considered a multi-mission capable vessel. Fairweather has conducted fisheries research cruises, as well as Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoy operations. She is the sister ship of the NOAA Ship Rainier and the retired NOAA Ship Mount Mitchell.