substantially improve oceanographic forecasting techniques, it would aug- 

 ment available environmental data for fleet operating forces, to achieve 

 greater effectiveness in ASW, amphibious, and mine warfare operations; and 

 it would improve efficiency in ship routing and long range weather fore- 

 casting. 



Concerning these benefits, I might mention the recent publication of 

 the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on Oceanography entitled, 

 "Economic Benefits from Oceanographic Research". In this excellent docu- 

 ment the Committee concludes that fuel comsumption and time at sea can be 

 reduced 10 percent and weather losses can be reduced 20 percent through 

 improved ship routing, with a benefit/cost ratio of 2.8 to 1. Similarly, 

 the Committee concludes that long range weather forecasts can be improved 

 through increased understanding of air-sea interactions with a benefit/cost 

 ratio of 6.5 to 1. Certainly, all aspects of -oceanographic prediction and 

 forecasting programs should be re-evaluated in appraising the balance of 

 the Navy's total oceanographic program. 



In conclusion, let me q.u6te a remark by Rear Admiral John D. Hayes, 

 USN (retired), on the occasion of his acceptance of the TJ.S. Naval 

 Institute's annual prize essay award. In discussing the rationale for his 

 excellent article. Admiral Hayes urges "the U. S. Naval profession to lift 

 its sights beyond warships and weapons, to include the whole, wide, mari- 

 time horizon." And, as he points out in his essay, this includes oceanog- 

 raphy . 



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