118 OCEANOGRAPHY IX THE UNITED STATES 



The only real research vessel which we possess is the Albafross III, and That 

 boat is tied up and scheduled for the junk heap. We do also possess one other 

 so-called research vessel, the Delaware, which is being kept in operation, but 

 that boat will only operate 10 hours per day 95 percent of the time. So far as 

 hiring boats is concerned, to do research work, this in my opinion is a waste of 

 funds, because the only available boats are low-earning and are not equiiiped 

 to do research work. They only operate in the sununer months, and I know from 

 my past exi>erience with biologists and scientists that in order to keep up with 

 research, boats must be operated on a year-round, 24-hour-a-day basis and be 

 properly equipped to go in any waters. 



In view of the foregoing facts, does it not seem to you that the proposed scrap- 

 ping of the Albatross III is very, very ill-advised? 

 Very truly yours, 



Austin J. Powers, 

 Ex-2d Officer, Alhatross III. 



Department of the Interior, 



Office of The Secretary, 

 Washington, B.C., February IS, 1959. 

 MLss Elizabeth Leonard, 



Secretary, American Federation of Government Employees, Lodge 1729, U.S. Fish 

 and. Wildlife Service, Woods Hole, Mass. 

 Dear Miss Leonard : This will acknowledge your telegram of February 9, 1959, 

 to Secretary Seaton, Commissioner Suomela, and me concerning the Albatross 

 III. 



Our decision to deactivate the Albatross III was taken, reluctantly, after we 

 had considered many factors. Basically we are seeking a more efficient overall 

 operation in New England, with the aim of accomplishing our total mission with 

 presently available funds. 



In the future we plan to make greater use of the Delaware and of charter 

 vessels to provide for research purposes. While there will be some loss of sea 

 tiuie, essential parts of the biological program will be accomplished. 



The Albatross III is an old ship. Maintenance and operating costs are very 

 high and have reached the point where her continued operation gives too little 

 return per research dollar expended. Thus we believe it best to deactivate and 

 sell her. Our action is based upon the needs for both economy and efficiency. 



We realize a number of hardships will result from our decision and that many 

 questions are in your minds about the future of your jobs and related activities 

 at the Woods Hole Laboratory. I am sure Dr. Graham will be pleased to di.scuss 

 them with you and your lodge members. He will call upon Mr. Puncochar or 

 the central office staff for additional information should he not be able to answer 

 all of your questions. 



We appreciate your keen interest in improving the Bureau's research activities. 

 Sincerely yours, 



Ross Lbiffler, Assistant Secretary. 



Comments on Statements in Mr. Leffler's Letter of February 18, 1959 



description of "albatross hi" 



Length overall : 179 feet. 



Beam : 24 feet. 



Draft: 12 feet. 



Displacement : 34f) tons. 



Main power : Diesel. 



Steering: Power (electrotelomotor). 



Type : Trawler. 



Speed : 14 maximum, 11 cruise. 



Complement: 27 (21 crew, 6 scientists). 



Cruising raiiw: 4,5(K) miles. 



Food and water: 20 davs. 



Year built: 192G (rebuilt 1941). 



Hull: Metal (steel). 



(Information from: "Oceanographic vessels in the United States, April 1953." 

 Issued by the Office of Naval Research). 



