NOAA Considers Grant to Aid Search

[wreckdiver1715]

I thaught I heard it all...



NOAA Considers Grant to Aid Search for John Paul Jones' Flagship
Release Date: 2/8/2006 2:37:00 PM
From Naval Historical Center Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Naval Historical Center?s (NHC) search for Revolutionary War naval hero John Paul Jones' ship Bonhomme Richard received further support in early February, when it was recommended for funding through the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of Ocean Exploration's competitive grant process.

The NHC and Ocean Technology Foundation (OTF) plan to launch a search for Bonhomme Richard off the coast of England in July.

"You cannot find an underwater archaeological site more important to the U.S. Navy than that of John Paul Jones' Bonhomme Richard," said Dr. Robert Neyland, head of the NHC's Underwater Archaeology Branch. "Locating and identifying the remains of this great ship would validate Jones' accomplishments, do great service for U.S. Naval history, and rekindle public enthusiasm for America's naval heritage."

"We appreciate NOAA's support on this project," added Capt. John Ringelberg, president of the OTF, "but more importantly, we're pleased that they recognize the value of this expedition to maritime history."

The team has already conducted extensive historical and archival research, and is using the latest computer technology to simulate how the ship may have drifted during a 36-hour period after the battle. During the July search, they will conduct surveys of the ocean floor using a magnetometer, which can detect large amounts of metal ballast underwater, and high-tech sonar systems that can identify anomalies on the ocean bottom.

"NOAA feels this project involves a technically sound approach to search for the wreck, and it will be led by a professional and competent team of researchers," said Lt. Jeremy Weirich, the Office of Ocean Exploration's Maritime Archeology program manager.

Another important component of the project will involve teachers, students and the public, who can share the search through the Internet. Lesson plans, an online teacher workshop, and an interactive website will help raise awareness in the public and the education community of one of the most fierce and pivotal battles in U.S. Naval history.

Other Bonhomme Richard project collaborators include the University of New Hampshire Center for Coastal Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center, the College of Exploration, and the Bridlington Regeneration Partnership in Bridlington, U.K.

Since 2002, NOAA's Ocean Exploration Office has supported about two dozen multidisciplinary expeditions of discovery each year, of which, about eight projects focus on marine archaeology. One of the program's objectives is to support maritime archaeology projects which aim to map, identify and discover historically significant sites holding a unique place in American history.

The U.S. Naval Historical Center is the official history program of the Department of the Navy. Its Underwater Archaeology Branch advises the Navy in matters related to historic preservation of U.S. Navy ship and aircraft wrecks.

The Ocean Technology Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Groton, Conn., on the University of Connecticut's Avery Point campus. Its mission is to foster excellence in ocean exploration, marine research and education.

NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events, and providing environmental stewardship of the nation's coastal and marine resources.

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22218

 

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[Darren in NC]

Sounds like a worthwhile project, wreckdiver. Do you have a different take on it?

 

[wreckdiver1715]

Darren, oh! Please don?t get me wrong, I agree whole hardily that this is a worth while project. However, I think that it seems to boarder on hypocrisy considering that this is going to be funded by our Government. Think about all the university and government paid archeologists that have been flocking to the UNESCO conventions preaching from the pulpit that shipwrecks should be preserved in situ, and that those who seek out these wrecks in the private sector for financial gain (the American way), are just a bunch of grave robbing privateers. Where the hell is Bob Ballard? I?ll bet he is upset that he did not get tapped for this gig.
On the other hand, I guess we should all be encouraged that NOAA and the Navy are not going it alone, and that they have reached out to the private sector. This could be another step in the evolution of the shipwreck salvage business. Lets let the government pay the bills and control the process, give us volumes of rules and regulations to follow, and they can just out source all the manual labor to the salvers.
We should all apply for a grant from Spain to search for all the Spanish galleons lost in our back yard. Who do we contact to get a grant to search for lost pirate ships? I guess I am just getting a little cynical in my old age.

 

[Darren in NC]

Thanks for clarifying your thoughts, wreckdiver. I agree your view is what has been traditional thought - and still is in many circles (in both camps). But I have seen a growing respect between archies and thunters who show a mutual reverence for history and preservation. Here in NC, I know an archie - who incidentally is paid by the state - who's very willing to work with private collectors (thunters). Of course, I know of other archies who wouldn't touch a gold wreck with a ten foot grid line.. it might tarnish their reputation as a purist.

The tide is finally turning for private salvalgers. More are willing to respect shipwrecks, do the hard work of documentation, underwater archaeology, and abide by the law. I think the states are finally recognizing this. The pillagers out there will always hurt our hobby, but hopefully they will become fewer over time...or at least keep their mouth shut

 

[wreckdiver1715]

UPDATE
February 16, 2006
NOAA approves grant to aid search for John Paul Jones' Flagship

The Naval Historical Center's (NHC) search for Revolutionary War naval hero John Paul Jones' ship Bonhomme Richard received further support in early February, when it was recommended for funding through the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of Ocean Exploration's competitive grant process.
The NHC and Ocean Technology Foundation (OTF) plan to launch a search for Bonhomme Richard off the coast of England in July.
"You cannot find an underwater archaeological site more important to the U.S. Navy than that of John Paul Jones' Bonhomme Richard," said Dr. Robert Neyland, head of the NHC's Underwater Archaeology Branch. "Locating and identifying the remains of this great ship would validate Jones' accomplishments, do great service for U.S. Naval history, and rekindle public enthusiasm for America's naval heritage." "We appreciate NOAA's support on this project," added Capt. John Ringelberg, president of the OTF, "but more importantly, we're pleased that they recognize the value of this expedition to maritime history."
The team has already conducted extensive historical and archival research, and is using the latest computer technology to simulate how the ship may have drifted during a 36-hour period after the battle. During the July search, they will conduct surveys of the ocean floor using a magnetometer, which can detect large amounts of metal ballast underwater, and high-tech sonar systems that can identify anomalies on the ocean bottom.
"NOAA feels this project involves a technically sound approach to search for the wreck, and it will be led by a professional and competent team of researchers," said Lt. Jeremy Weirich, the Office of Ocean Exploration's Maritime Archeology program manager.
Another important component of the project will involve teachers, students and the public, who can share the search through the Internet. Lesson plans, an online teacher workshop, and an interactive website will help raise awareness in the public and the education community of one of the most fierce and pivotal battles in U.S. Naval history.
Other Bonhomme Richard project collaborators include the University of New Hampshire Center for Coastal Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center, the College of Exploration, and the Bridlington Regeneration Partnership in Bridlington, U.K.
Since 2002, NOAA's Ocean Exploration Office has supported about two dozen multidisciplinary expeditions of discovery each year, of which, about eight projects focus on marine archaeology. One of the program's objectives is to support maritime archaeology projects which aim to map, identify and discover historically significant sites holding a unique place in American history.
The U.S. Naval Historical Center is the official history program of the Department of the Navy. Its Underwater Archaeology Branch advises the Navy in matters related to historic preservation of U.S. Navy ship and aircraft wrecks.
The Ocean Technology Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Groton, Conn., on the University of Connecticut's Avery Point campus. Its mission is to foster excellence in ocean exploration, marine research and education.
NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events, and providing environmental stewardship of the nation's coastal and marine resources.
From Naval Historical Center Public Affairs

http://www.dcmilitary.com/navy/seaservices/10_56/features/39738-1.html