image licensed under Creative Commons, courtesy flikr user Joe in DC.

Rhode Island officials will soon gather for a groundbreaking ceremony at the new state headquarters of an ocean research ship.

The Okeanos Explorer is a former Navy surveillance ship converted into a research vessel for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It will be based at a pier at Quonset Point in North Kingstown.

Gov. Don Carcieri, Sen. Jack Reed and other officials will be on hand Monday at a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of what will become the ship’s new headquarters.

The Explorer is currently undergoing sea trials. It’s expected to dock in Rhode Island in July. [AP]