Media advisory / June 1, 2000

Nautical archaeologists begin underwater mapping, preservation of D-Day invasion site.

The Institute of Nautical Archaeology has begun the first-ever underwater mapping and preservation effort at the site of the Normandy Invasion. Project Neptune 2K (named after Operation Neptune, the naval aspect of the 1944 invasion) began on June 1 and will continue through the month of July.

Researchers from the Institute – based at Texas A&M University – will use side scan sonar and magnetometers to map the entire D-Day landing area off the coast of France and document the location of the artillery, ships and other equipment lost during the assault. These historians for the first time will attempt to uncover mysteries more than five decades old by correlating the underwater archaeological material with the historical record of the invasion. After INA researchers map the underwater site and all of its historical remains, subsequent phases of Project Neptune 2K will assess the extent of damage to the material and determine steps to preserve the site.

For nearly 25 years, INA has focused its work almost exclusively on ancient shipwrecks. Their work in some cases has helped to reshape our understanding of different periods in history dating as far back as 1300 B.C. With Project Neptune 2K, the INA hopes to strengthen the historical account of the D-Day invasion before the archaeological resources suffer further damage or loss, and also while some of those who took part in the action are still alive. 

When Allied forces invaded the beaches of Normandy more than 50 years ago, they set into motion the most significant naval action in the history of war and forced a decisive turn in the course of World War II. INA researchers hope their work will rekindle the interest of younger generations and students in America’s history, and that it will honor the sacrifice made by the men who served and lost their lives defending freedom. 

The Institute of Nautical Archaeology is conducting its research at Normandy in cooperation with the U.S. Naval Historical Center’s Underwater Archaeology Branch, an office within the Department of the Navy that works to preserve U.S. Navy ship and aircraft wrecks.

 PHOTOGRAPHY ARRANGEMENTS:

            Limited arrangements for photography are available aboard the RV Robo. High-8 video and still images will also be available periodically until the survey is completed. 

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