cover a range from minutes to days. The large currents and the eddies which 

 they generate show an erratic behavior whose large scale changes are meas- 

 ured in weeks and months. Seasonal variations characterize the major features 

 of stratification; and finally, in the deepest layer of the oceans, memory appears 

 to be measured in centuries. 



All of this presents us with engineering challenges and tasks of tremendous 

 scope, of which those so ingeniously solved with ever increasing competence by 

 the designers and developers of ships are but a small yet highly characteristic 

 part. Reaching out towards an ultimate goal, where we can freely traffic and go 

 about such business as we may choose throughout the volume of the oceans, an 

 exciting spectrum of new problems and opportunities opens up to scientist and 

 engineer alike. The integrity of the hull requires that new ground be broken in 

 the physics of materials, in the ingenious invention of geometries, and in advanc- 

 ing processes of fabrication. Propulsion and maneuver control place demands 

 on the marine engineer which force him to look to the very boundaries of science 

 and in many instances beyond before he will be confidently able to meet them. 

 And, finally, there are the pioneering adventures in experimentation and instru- 

 mentation which alone can secure for us the scientific knowledge and the opera- 

 tional experiences that are prerequisite for ultimate mastery of the medium. 

 Viewed in this light, the preoccupations, past and future, which will constitute 

 the substance of our discussions here during the next few days, appear as an 

 advanced salient of an onward sweeping front of competence and knowledge which 

 we shall surely see broadened with great vigor during our lifetimes. 



In short, to quote with slight adaptation the modern American lyric poet, 

 E. E. Cummings: "There's a hell of a nice universe out there, let's go! " 



His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of Norway, has graciously accepted 

 our invitation to come here and to open this the 5th Symposium on Naval Hydro- 

 djmamics. We are most particularly appreciative of the fact that, even with the 

 duties and responsibilities of Head of State on his shoulders now during the 

 King's absence, he has consented to be with us this morning, giving added sig- 

 nificance to the occasion. I have, therefore, the honor at this time to call on 

 His Royal Highness to open the proceedings. 



Xlll 



