330-PSA-74-61 (USN 710883):  Dr. James – Oceanographer Receives $5,435 Award.  Dr. Richard W. James, (right), an oceanographer in the Navy’s Hydrographic Office, received a $5,435 check from Secretary of the Navy John B. Connally, as Mrs. James looks on.  The check was awarded today to Dr. James for research leading to a system of ship routing around bad weather areas which was resulted in annual savings to the Navy of $10,000,000.  The system resulting from Dr. James’ research is called “Optimum Track Ship Routing” and is based on the application of long-range weather forecasts to the known performance of ships in various weather conditions.  Selecting the best course for a ship to follow results in maximum ship and cargo safety, passenger comfort, minimum fuel consumption, and travel time.  The applications of Dr. James’ research to actual ship crossings has produced spectacular results.  Ships routed by this method have arrived at their destination an average of 14.5 hours ahead of vessels following the normal seasonal routes.  The Military Sea Transportation Service, first agency to use the system, has realized savings over $2,000,000 per year in time saved, increased safety of ship, cargo and passengers, and more consistent and stringent schedules.  From long-range prediction of wind, waves, and currents, an optimum route is plotted to avoid storms, rough seas, or high winds.  At present, Dr. James heads the Forecast Central at the Hydrographic Office and is responsible for proving oceanographic forecast to the fleet.  Photograph released April 14, 1961.  (9/15/15).
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