Abstract :
U.S. Navy deep submergence assets have been utilized to support Navy research programs for many years. However, in 1984 Navy Secretary John Lehman directed that a new program be initiated to utilize these Navy assets for oceanographic research with broader access to the U.S. research programs which are of interest to the Navy. A program plan was subsequently approved which proposed new management arrangements for the DSVs SEA CLIFF and TURTLE, but left the management of the research submarines DOLPHIN and nuclear powered NR-1 unchanged. In addition, the DSRVs 1 and 2 and other unmanned, towed or tethered ROV assets were also made available for research use. The plan committed Navy DSVs for up to 60 operational days per year for research activities beginning in FY-86. A technical support arrangement with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for assistance during scientific operations, to be funded by a user charge, was also proposed by the plan, but has yet to be implemented. Lastly, ONR was designated as the Navy´s agent to validate and prioritize the research user time requests. Access to the DSV SEA CLIFF has been the primary interest of the U.S. oceanographic research community because it offers the only 20,000 foot depth capability in the U.S., and allows access to areas not reachable with DSV ALVIN (13,000 foot depth capability). The Navy is procuring a large support ship for it´s DSVs and other deep submergence assets which should come into service by spring of 1988. The general capability of the support ship will be described. Also recent scientific survey operations of the SEA CLIFF on the Juan De Fuca Ridge during summer of 1986 will be discussed. The nuclear powered NR-1, although larger than the DSVs, has a unique research capability due to its long sustained operating time. The submarine is particularly well suited to survey of large bottom areas and can do up to 84 miles of track per day for periods of 20 days. The paper will discuss the recent invest- - igations of the Green Canyon oil and gas seep areas in the Gulf of Mexico conducted by James Brooks utilizing the NR-1 for a series of seven dives totaling 24 days of operations. The Green Canyon seep area is known to support a very large chemosynthetic faunal community which is similar to those found in the hot water vent area of the mid-ocean ridges. The submarine mapped the area with video cameras, sonar systems and a flourometer system to measure dissolved hydrocarbon. Special retrieval systems were used to transport samples to the surface without surfacing the submarine.
