Underwater Archaeology Branch

The Naval Historical Center's Underwater Archaeology Branch advises the Navy in matters related to historic preservation of U.S. Navy ship and aircraft wrecks. An underwater archaeologist oversees and coordinates this program that deals not only with archaeology and conservation, but many sensitive issues such as war graves, unexploded ordnance, potential use of recovered weapons systems, and complicated legal issues dealing with title and the illegal removal of property from wrecks.

Location: Washington Navy Yard, second floor of Building 57 in Room 57-215

Phone: (202)433-7230

More Information:

Policy Fact Sheet: Sunken Naval Vessels & Naval Aircraft Wreck Sites

Wrecks currently under investigation by Underwater Archaeology Branch:

CSS Alabama
USS Alligator
H.L. Hunley
USS Tecumseh
U-1105

Other related Web Sites:

National Park Service's National Maritime Initiatve

Last Update: 5 October 1996