“Harnessing the Power of the Ocean”
A Unique Opportunity for Users of the Oceans
OCEANS 2012 MTS/IEEE
Virginia Beach Convention Center
We note with much regret the passing of Admiral James D. Watkins on 26 July 2012. ADM Watkins served our Nation with distinction for more than half a century. (See ADM Watkins tab both for a description and for a video slideshow of some of his many contributions.)
ADM Watkins was a true visionary and leader, an individual who demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the oceans, and who more than earned the honor and respect of the entire ocean community. His chairmanship of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy under President George W. Bush and his formation of the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative in partnership with the leadership of the Pew Oceans Commission moved our nation towards a formal ocean policy that is just now coming into fruition under President Obama’s 2010 Executive Order 13547, Stewardship of the Ocean, our Coasts, and the Great Lakes.
OCEANS12 is dedicated to furthering the goals and challenges that ADM Watkins laid out. He will always be an inspiration to all of us concerned about our Blue Planet.
OCEANS 2012 Hampton Roads brings together the technology, people, and ideas that will help to expand the understanding of the earth’s largest natural resource. Hampton Roads maritime heritage combined with its strategic location near key decision makers from the U.S. Government make this venue a perfect opportunity to address the challenges facing the world’s users of the ocean.
OCEANS 2012’s theme, Harnessing the Power of the Ocean, has as its foundation the conceptual National Ocean Enterprise that originates from ADM Watkins’ vision, and identifies seven societal benefits:
This conference will focus on technical excellence with:
Plenary Keynote Speakers: 08:00 – 10:30 am Tuesday Morning
To see a short video on what is an Oceans Conference go to: http://www.oceanicengineering.org/page.cfm/cat/1/Events/
WHRO interview with our Conference Chairman Ray Toll discussing Oceans 2012