Although we tend to give much of our attention to our shortcomings, vie 

 are definitely proud of the Navy's posture in ocean science and technology. 

 During the last two decades, we have taken a leading role in the development 

 of the Nation's competence. Notably, we have provided continuing support to 

 university departments and nonprofit laboratories and the industrial 

 laboratories. Our bvireaus have faced up to new technological problems in 

 areas such as deep water structures. The private institutions were full 

 partners in many of the early ventures where the store of pertinent information 

 was minimal. A similar role is now being taken by industrial organizations 

 which have learned with us and, in many cases, have become the major soin*ces 

 of competence. 



The changes have been rapid. Jobs at sea, which ten years ago were 

 legitimate concerns of those doing the most basic research, are now considered 

 in the sphere of routine surveying. Historically, we learn slowly and with 

 great difficulty how to do things at sea and then almost overnight it becomes 

 standard practice. 



There has been considerable public interest in our developing a capability 

 for operations in the deep ocean. Perhaps we have been too deliberate but 

 we have been pushing forward nevertheless. We have done this by exploiting 

 and improving specialized vehicles, including ALVIN and the NOTS vehicles, 

 and by encouraging company developments and leasing their vehicles. Now, we 

 have a well-conceived program to develop search and rescue vehicles and, as 

 recently announced, a program to develop a small nuclear powered, long range 

 research submarine. These developments must build upon firm foundations of 

 technological knowledge, and we have to learn how to use these new tools. 



One of our great hopes is that we will be able to observe ocean parameters 

 synoptically and be able to predict short-term changes. Many facets of the 

 Navy's program are converging upon this goal: The ASWEPS program at NAVOCEANO 

 has been striving to build an operational system on existing scientific and 

 technological frameworks. At the Fleet Numerical Weather Center a somewhat 

 different approach using historical information and available synoptic data 

 is being tried. Part of the ONR program at private institutiftns is aimed at 

 improving the scientific basis for prediction. Both Navy laboratories and 

 institutions are gaining valuable experience with observing arrays and an 

 industrial development of a well-engineered unmanned ocean data station is 

 nearing completion. 



In addition to strengthening the Navy's oceanographic efforts internally, 

 we shall -undertake to expand our assistance to the other federal agencies 

 involved with the sea. Not only will o\xr facilities be made increasingly 

 available to these agencies, but our entire oceanographic research and 

 development programs will be programmed to insure maximum benefit to other 

 agencies as well as the Navy, I mtist emphasize that this is not a one way 

 street - the Navy will also gain from the fruits of their research, develop- 

 ment, and operations. 



