I was recently invited to participate as a Scientific Diver on behalf of USF on the USS Monitor Project.  I requested USF Scientific Diver, Matthew Garvey, to participate as well.  Since the USS Monitor's designation as our nation's first marine sanctuary in 1975, it has been the subject of intense investigation.   The USS Monitor, a Civil War iron clad vessel,  sank 140 years ago.  It sits at a depth of approximately 240 feet off the the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.  Through underwater archaeology and state-of-the-art marine technology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) strives to preserve a significant part of our past for future generations. 

This was the final phase of a 3-part project.  The first objective was to bring up the propeller and shaft, which was accomplished in 1998.  The next objective was to raise the engine.  This was completed in 2001.  The final task, the "Crowning Jewel" was to bring up the Turret.  The Turret was raised on Monday, August 5th, 2002.  Artifacts retrieved from the USS Monitor site have been sent to The Mariners' Museum located in Newport News, Virginia.  The artifacts will undergo a lengthy restoration process during which most of the items will remain on display.

The project consisted of US Navy Divers, providing the "Commercial Diver" expertise, as well as invited divers from various Scientific Organizations.  Doug Kesling, Diving Safety Officer for NURC, the National Undersea Research Center, and his staff coordinated the divers as well as the diving. 

I have posted photos of raising the Turret as well as photos leading to the event.  These photos are courtesy of NOAA.  I would like to extend my most sincere appreciation to Mr. Tane Casserley, NOAA's Monitor Nautical Archaeologist and Mr. Doug Kesling, NURC Diving Safety Officer, for inviting USF to participant in this historic event. For more information go to the home site of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary.

If you would like to contact me, William Dent, USF Diving Safety Officer simply click on my name.