Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Alpha Helix Program Management Office Records
SAC 0007
View entire collection guide
Search this collection
Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla 92093-0175
Title: Alpha Helix Program Management Office Records
Creator:
Alpha Helix Program Management Office
Creator:
Scholander, P. F. (Per Fredrik), 1905-1980
Identifier/Call Number: SAC 0007
Physical Description:
10 Linear feet
(9 records cartons, 3 oversize folders, 1 map case folder, and 4 films)
Date (inclusive): 1962-1991
Abstract: The Alpha Helix Program Management Office records document the administration and activities of the Research Vessel
Alpha Helix while under the management of Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). The Alpha Helix Program was operated by SIO from
1966 to 1980.
Languages:
English
.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Alpha Helix Program Management Office records document the administration and activities of the R/V
Alpha Helix while under the management of Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). The Alpha Helix Program was operated by SIO from
1966 to 1980.
The material reveals the advantages of working from a floating laboratory stationed in remote areas and capable of conducting
research onsite. The close relationship between the researchers aboard the R/V
Alpha Helix and the Program Management Office during the expeditions is made clear through the extensive correspondence, radio messages,
and reports throughout the collection.
Arranged in three series: 1) ADMINISTRATIVE FILES, 2) OVERSIGHT COMMITTEES, and 3) EXPEDITIONS.
The R/V
Alpha Helix was a National Oceanographic Research Facility of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS). It and
was owned and operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) from February 1966 to January 1980. It was constructed
and operated through National Science Foundation funding, administered by the Alpha Helix Program Management Office (PMO)
at SIO, and, after its 1973 designation as a National Oceanographic Research Facility, scheduled by UNOLS.
In the late 1950s, SIO physiologist Per Fredrik Scholander envisioned a floating laboratory that would allow scientists to
explore biological problems while at sea. In May 1961, Scholander submitted a proposal to the NSF, requesting support for
the construction and operation of a biological laboratory ship and an accompanying shore facility. The proposal recommended
that the ship be equipped with the innovative technology necessary to conduct biological investigations in any geographical
region in the world. The NSF approved the proposal. The ship was designed by L. R. Glosten and Associates, and constructed
by the J. M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation. Built with space for twelve crew members and a ten scientists, the ship was
equipped to be capable of operating in both polar and tropical regions, and with laboratory, support, and habitation facilities.
The R/V
Alpha Helix was delivered to SIO in February 1966. Part of SIO's research fleet, it was maintained by the Marine Facilities Division
and managed by the Ship Operations and Marine Technical Support Division (SOMTS).
SIO was designated a NSF research project office and was authorized to manage the Alpha Helix Program. The Program Director
of SIO's Physiological Research Laboratory (PRL) was delegated authority and responsibility for several matters related to
the Alpha Helix Program by the SIO Director. The establishment and maintenance of any shore stations required as part of an
expedition was subject to his approval. Whenever non-SIO personnel were directing operations aboard the R/V
Alpha Helix, the PRL Director was expected to review their proposed operations closely and to halt any investigations which were unsafe
or did not conform to local laws and regulations. Further, the PRL Director was authorized to assume control over operations
if situations of international discord, violation of law, or hazardous conditions arose.
Overall guidance and administrative responsibility was assigned to the non-salaried Program Manager, who headed the Program
as part of his paid SIO position's duties. Coordination of the Program was conducted by the PMO administrative staff, which
consisted of the Program Manager, an Administrative Assistant, and two Marine Technicians. Walter Garey served as Program
Manager from August 1970 to September 1976 in addition to his position as an SIO physiologist. Robert L. Fisher, Associate
Director of SIO and head of SOMTS, succeeded Garey and headed the program as part of his Associate Director duties from December
1976 until August 1980.
The National Advisory Board of the Alpha Helix Program was established in 1964 as the committee in charge of program oversight.
SIO Director Roger Revelle appointed each member in consultation with the NSF. Composed of prominent scientists from several
American institutions, the Board selected the areas of operations for each calendar year and solicited proposals for research
programs suitable for those geographical areas. The Board upheld program policies, assisted the PMO in reviewing proposals
for use of the R/V
Alpha Helix, and made recommendations to the director of SIO. A. Baird Hastings served as its first chairman.
In 1973, the R/V
Alpha Helix was formally designated a National Oceanographic Facility within UNOLS by means of a three way agreement among UNOLS, the
NSF, and SIO. At this time, the UNOLS Alpha Helix Review Committee (AHRC) committee was established. Seven members, including
one scientist from SIO, were appointed by UNOLS and made recommendations to SIO. The AHRC was responsible for evaluating the
scientific quality of preliminary proposals, assessing the suitability of projects to the use of the R/V
Alpha Helix, selecting potential areas for cruises based on applicants' interests, and overseeing the scheduling and operation of the
R/V
Alpha Helix. First preference was given to NSF funded projects. After the NSF or other granting agency approved a proposal, the AHRC
would group together compatible projects, create tentative cruise schedules, and appoint chief scientists.
The PMO was responsible for all administrative and logistical support for the researchers who used the ship. The Office participated
in cruise planning, facilitated any pre-cruise workshops or site visits, and provided staff support for UNOLS and AHRC. During
expeditions, the PMO managed the expenses of the vessel, participant travel arrangements, laboratory equipment, and supplies.
The Office monitored the progress of scientific work during the expeditions, publicized the R/V
Alpha Helix's activities, and ensured all reporting, specimen and data sharing, and publication commitments were met. After the expeditions,
the PMO collected the abstracts of scientific work that were required of all chief scientists and other scientific members
of the cruises. The PMO then submitted the abstracts to the National Advisory Board and the NSF, and prepared an annual report
for UNOLS.
In March 1979, the AHRC asked UNOLS to appoint a committee to assess whether continued operation of the R/V
Alpha Helix as a National Oceanographic Facility was justified, based on long term interest of the scientific community. The ad hoc Alpha
Helix committee met in April 1979 and eventually recommended that the ship no longer be designated a National Oceanographic
Facility after the conclusion of the currently planned and funded operations. UNOLS approved these recommendations in May
1979; the title of the R/V
Alpha Helix was transferred from SIO to the NSF, and the NSF and UNOLS began to investigate possibilities for relocation of the ship
to some other institution within the UNOLS system.
On January 9, 1980, the NSF transferred the title of the R/V
Alpha Helix to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF). The ship's laboratories and equipment, designed in the early 1960s for biological
studies, were modified to suit the more general oceanographic studies that were to be conducted by UAF until 2004. Today,
after periods of dry dock and several changes in ownership, the R/V
Alpha Helix is owned and operated by the CICESE Research Center in Ensenada, Mexico. She retains her name, and continues to be utilized
for oceanographic research.
Alpha Helix Program Management Office Records, SAC 7. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego Library.
Acquired 1981-1997.
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. ALLOW ONE WEEK FOR RETRIEVAL OF MATERIALS.
Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.
Original media formats are restricted. Viewing/listening copies may be available for researchers.
Per Fredrik Scholander Papers, SMC 116. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
Ship Operations and Marine Technical Support Records, SAC 17. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
SIO Biographical Files, SAC 5. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
SIO Office of the Director Records, SAC 1. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
SIO Subject Files, SAC 6. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
Selected audiovisual recordings from this collection have been digitized and are viewable directly through links in the container
list.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Scientific expeditions
Alpha Helix Program Management Office -- Archives
Scripps Institution of Oceanography -- History
Alpha Helix (Research vessel) -- Archives