The University of Alaska Fairbanks has realized a dream with the launch of a new arctic research vessel. The 261 foot Sikuliaq splashed into a river feeding Lake Michigan in Marinette, Wisconsin Saturday. The 200 million dollar vessel project is largely paid for with federal economic stimulus funds. The ship is owned by the National Science Foundation and will be operated by U.A.F. As KUAC’s Dan Bross reports, the launch culminated decades of planning and advocacy by the university.