The Life and Adventures of Bob Ballard

September 14, 2021

A look at the man behind the discovery of the Titanic!

In this special episode of the American Blue Economy Podcast, our host Rear Admiral(ret) Tim Gallaudet interviews renowned ocean explorer Dr. Robert Ballard about his book Into the Deep: A Memoir from the Man Who Found Titanic. Ocean mapping and exploration contribute to every component of the American Blue Economy, and we learn about many of Ballard's innovative advances in the field.  Longtime colleagues, Gallaudet and BalIard discuss their common connections and experience in ocean science, technology, and adventure. From the extreme depths  of the deep sea to the Halls of Congress, we discover that Ballard did much more than discovering famous shipwrecks and never-before seen scientific findings. He helped establish NOAA's Office for Ocean Exploration and Research, and he influenced the acquisition of the agency's first dedicated exploration ship Okeanos Explorer.  We learn that Gallaudet pursued a career in Naval Oceanography after seeing Ballard give a presentation on the Titanic at the US Naval Academy, and coming full circle 3 decades later with NOAA, he led development of the National Ocean Exploration Strategy and Plan based on Ballard's vision. The most compelling piece is learning about the person that is this great discoverer - the son, brother, father, husband, friend, and human being. Come dive into one of the most epic episodes this year!

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.