"Whiting" and "Rude" competed their survey of the crash area on 21 July 1999, then assisted the United States Coast Guard in maintaining security in the area.Later on 21 July, the two ships were released from duty in the crash area, and "Whiting" set course for Washington, D.C., to take part in the assumption-of-command ceremony for incoming NOAA Corps Director Rear Admiral Evelyn J.