458 



I noted in reading that article (the suggestion) that there might be a 

 Government organization similar to NASA established^a "Wet 

 NASA" — in the field of oceanography. I remember so well discussing 

 this concept when some of us were working on the legislation which 

 would decide how our efforts in the field should be directed. It ended 

 up by charging the Commission on Marine Science, Engineering, and 

 Resources with the responsibility of making recommendations in this 

 area in its report. 



It seemed to me that this was a matter of agencies working together 

 and not one central agency. Dr. Wenk recently indicated that he held 

 a similar view. I don't know what will come from the labors of the 

 Commission, of course. However, I wondered whether you could com- 

 ment with regard to your own feeling on the subject of which type of 

 Government organization would best serve the interests of advancing 

 our efforts in oceanography ? 



Dr. Seamans. Of course, my experience in this area, governmentally 

 speaking, is rather limited. I have attended a good number of the 

 Marine Council meetings. I have been impressed with what has been 

 accomplished by the principals working in oceanography. 



It becomes quite evident at the Council meetings that a great deal 

 is now being accomplished. 



I would say that Dr. Stratton and the Marine Commission are look- 

 ing into this very issue at this time. I know Dr. Stratton from my pre- 

 vious years at MIT and I discussed this matter with him. 



I prefer, though, not to anticipate what changes, if any, might be 

 advisable. I really feel there is so much involved, that I am not familiar 

 with in some of these areas, that I cannot give you a good answer. 



Mr. Pelly. I think you have answered the question sufficiently and 

 have made your point when you say all agencies should work together. 

 I hope that whatever happens we will follow along that very line. 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Karth. I choose not to embarrass Dr. Seamans this morning so 

 just let me say, Mr. Chairman, that he is looked upon by teclmically 

 capable people throughout the country as one of the most respected and 

 most admired and experienced technical people in the country. 



Dr. Seamans, I certainly share the opinion of my colleague from 

 Ohio, Mr. Mosher, that when you leave NASA you will be recognized 

 as having given perhaps as much as anyone in Government to Govern- 

 ment and to the American people and more than most people have ever 

 given. A great loss will be suffered as a result of your going. 



I think no matter where Dr. Seamans goes, Mr. Chairman, whether 

 in private industry, the academic community, or hopefully some other 

 agency of Government, a great contribution will continue to be made 

 and felt by all of us. 



I was very impressed, Mr. Chairman, with the various slides and the 

 3-minute picture of the systems capability of an agency which really 

 has no direct responsibility in this area. Even in spite of that they have 

 exhibited a capability that I think we want, a capability that we need 

 to do the kind of job that needs to be done so that oceanography prob- 

 ably will occupy its place in the sun that many of us see for it. 



Just by virtue of the fact that through this systems management and 

 systems analysis approach NASA has been able to show us as much or 



