Honoring a Trailblazer: The USNS Robert Ballard

January 1, 2023

Sharing an ASPN Golden Oldie for a Historic Occasion!

In this special rebroadcast  of the American Blue Economy Podcast, we revisit our interview with renowned ocean explorer Dr. Robert Ballard. This rerun is particularly timely as the US Navy recently announced that their next oceanographic survey ship will be named after Ballard - the USNS Robert Ballard. In this episode, host Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet (Ret.) sits down with Ballard to discuss his incredible career and many innovative advances in the field of ocean exploration. From his role in establishing NOAA's Office for Ocean Exploration and Research to his groundbreaking discoveries in the deep sea, including the RMS Titanic, Ballard shares insights into his fascinating work and personal life. Gallaudet and Ballard also discuss their longstanding connections in the world of ocean science, technology, and adventure. Don't miss this opportunity to dive into the life and achievements of one of the greatest explorers of our time.

Show Transcription
This transcription was generated by a computer. Please excuse any errors.
Adm. Tim Gallaudet

Rear Admiral Gallaudet, PhD, USN (ret) is the CEO of Ocean STL Consulting. From 2017-2021, he served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere / Deputy NOAA Administrator, and from 2017-2019 he also served as the Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere / NOAA Administrator. As Acting Administrator, he led the agency comprised of 20,000 federal employees and contractors managing the nation’s fisheries, coastal resources and waterways, weather satellites, weather services, and environmental research, overseeing a $6B annual budget and daily operations of 18 environmental satellites, 16 oceanographic ships, 9 aircraft, 450 boats, and 400 technical divers, 6 supercomputers, over a dozen laboratories, and several hundred field sites across the country. As the Deputy Administrator, he led NOAA’s Blue Economy activities that advance marine transportation, sustainable seafood, ocean exploration and mapping, marine tourism and recreation, and coastal resilience. Prior to NOAA, Rear Admiral Gallaudet served for 32 years in the US Navy, completing his career as the Oceanographer of the Navy. He has a Bachelor’s degree from the US Naval Academy, and Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, all in oceanography.