Underwater Archaeology Branch, Naval History & Heritage Command

UAB advises the NHHC on all matters concerning underwater archaeology, preservation and management of United States Navy wrecks. UAB also provides expertise on sunken Navy military craft to other Navy Commands, the Department of Defense, other Federal Agencies, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, universities, and the media.[1]

Conserved box and shell from CSS Alabama housed in the UAB Lab

UAB conducts scientific research in the form of archaeological surveys, site assessments, and excavations.[3] Among the most prominent projects are H. L. Hunley,[4][5] CSS Alabama,[6][7] surveys conducted off Normandy Beaches,[8][9][10] and the search for USS Bonhomme Richard.[11][12] UAB also oversees, supports, and issues archaeological permits to third-party researchers.[13] Finally, the Branch seeks to encourage research and development in related science and technology fields which in turn contribute to Navy project-based training.

Lab technician cataloging USS Tulip artifact

UAB operates a state-of-the-art Archaeology & Conservation Laboratory as well as provides professional guidance to the Navy on conservation and curation of artifacts originating from an underwater environment. The branch inventories, conserves, curates, and provides access to an artifact collection of over 2000 artifacts for research, analysis, and museum exhibition. It also maintains an archaeological artifact loan program with over 7200 artifacts currently on loan to national and international museums.[14]

The UAB Laboratory also functions as an environmentally-controlled curatorial repository for Navy's recovered artifacts that are not on loan to museums or other institutions. After removal from an underwater environment, the artifacts are in immediate danger due to the deteriorating effects of increased oxygen, temperature, light, and other atmospheric conditions. While artifacts are undergoing conservation in the laboratory, they are scientifically analyzed and thoroughly documented to prevent loss of information throughout the stabilization process. Even after they are stabilized, artifacts excavated from underwater sites require periodic monitoring and evaluation, as they are susceptible to fluctuations in their immediate environment. All collections are available for study, with research as its goal.[14]

Navy underwater archaeologists map early 19th century shipwreck

The Branch develops, coordinates, reviews, advises, and implements policy related to the preservation and protection of Navy sunken military craft and Ensures Navy compliance with applicable federal laws. To this effect, it drafts cooperative agreements, state or regional management plans, legislation, regulations, and assists the Department of State and Department of Justice in international agreements and litigation claims involving both domestic and foreign sunken military craft.[1]

Under the Sunken Military Craft Act, the United States maintains ownership of any sunken military craft and its associated contents owned or operated by the government at the time of its sinking, regardless of the passage of time or location. As a result, it is illegal to disturb, remove, or injure sunken military craft, including navy wrecks, as well as foreign government historic wrecks located in U.S. waters, without permission.[15][16]

As part of its management mandate, UAB also coordinates the protection of Navy sunken military craft as, besides their historical importance, many of them serve as war graves, carry unexploded ordnance, or may potentially raise environmental concerns.[1]

In addition to policy and laws, the UAB maintains a geographic information system and database of over 3,000 ship and 14,000 aircraft wrecks for management as well as prepares nominations for the National Register of Historic Places.[17]

The UAB disseminates information to the Navy, the general public, and academia on Navy archaeology, conservation, history, and historic preservation policy via scientific and popular publications, lectures, the NHHC UAB web-site,[1] in-person tours of the Archaeology & Conservation Laboratory, the artifact loan program, and underwater archaeological exhibits. The UAB also strives to support United States Naval Academy midshipmen training and student research.[1][18]