Sally Ride is a commercially designed, monohull research vessel, capable of both coastal and deep ocean operations. The ship is equipped with cranes and winches for over-the-side loading of research equipment and supplies, as well as accommodations for twenty-four scientists.
It is powered by a multi-drive, low-voltage, diesel electric propulsion system for efficiency and lower maintenance, with fuel costs.
Both Neil Armstrong-Class ships have state of the art oceanographic equipment allowing deep ocean mapping and information technology for ship monitoring and worldwide land-based communication.

Source: Wikipedia