Scripps oceanographic research vessels and research platform FLIP make up one of the largest academic fleets in the world. The institution's newest research vessel, the 274-foot R/V Roger Revelle, is named for the former director of Scripps and founder of the University of California, San Diego. Scripps ships have state-of-the-art research instruments to study marine life, the oceans, the seafloor, and the atmosphere. Cruises vary from local trips to expeditions as long as two and one-half years. Scripps research ships, available to scientists around the world, have steamed more than six million nautical miles in support of science and the academic community.