In response to a call for applications issued by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Management International, scientists whose primary affiliation lies with a U.S.-based institution may apply to sail through the U.S. Science Support Program (USSSP) of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership (Ocean Leadership). Staffing decisions are made through a joint process involving the U.S. Advisory Committee for Scientific Ocean Drilling (USAC), the co-chief scientists of the expedition, and the relevant expedition operator. This process begins 6-9 months before the expedition and results in an integrated party chosen to meet the scientific objectives of the expedition, balanced by national affiliation as outlined in IODP's international agreements. The USAC staffing subcommittee will review applications and nominate qualified applicants to the expedition operator in prioritized groups. The expedition operator will finalize the international science party with national representation in accordance with the memoranda of understanding between program sponsors. Ocean Leadership decides on the level of USSSP financial support provided to invited science party members in accordance with program policy.