# Robert Ballard

> United States Navy officer, oceanographer and underwater archaeologist

**Wikidata**: [Q312867](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312867)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Ballard)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-ballard

## Summary
Robert Ballard is a United States Navy officer, oceanographer, and underwater archaeologist known for his groundbreaking discoveries, including the wreck of the RMS Titanic in 1985. His work revolutionized underwater archaeology and ocean exploration, making him a leading figure in marine research.

## Biography
- Born: June 30, 1942, in Wilmington, Delaware, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Oceanography, University of Rhode Island (1964)
  - Master of Science in Oceanography, University of Rhode Island (1966)
  - Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography, University of Rhode Island (1968)
- Known for: Discovering the wreck of the RMS Titanic and leading major underwater expeditions
- Employer(s):
  - United States Navy
  - University of Rhode Island
  - University of California, Santa Barbara
  - University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
  - University of Southern California
- Field(s): Oceanography, Underwater Archaeology, Marine Exploration

## Contributions
- **Discovery of the RMS Titanic**: Led the expedition that located the wreck of the RMS Titanic in 1985, providing critical evidence for its preservation and historical study.
- **Exploration of the Bismarck Sea**: Discovered the wreck of the German battleship *Bismarck* in 1989, offering insights into World War II naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Monitor*** (1995): Located the wreck of the Civil War ironclad USS *Monitor*, contributing to maritime heritage preservation.
- **Discovery of the USS *Yorktown*** (1996): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Yorktown*, a key piece of naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Curtiss*** (1999): Located the wreck of the WWII aircraft carrier USS *Curtiss*, further enriching naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Oriskany*** (2000): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Oriskany*, a significant addition to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Franklin*** (2001): Located the wreck of the WWII aircraft carrier USS *Franklin*, providing valuable historical data.
- **Discovery of the USS *Hornet*** (2002): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Hornet*, a key site in naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Enterprise*** (2002): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Enterprise*, a major contribution to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Ranger*** (2003): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Ranger*, further expanding naval history records.
- **Discovery of the USS *Lexington*** (2003): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Lexington*, a significant find in maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Saratoga*** (2004): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Saratoga*, enriching naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Independence*** (2004): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Independence*, a key addition to maritime heritage.
- **Discovery of the USS *Wasp*** (2005): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Wasp*, furthering naval history research.
- **Discovery of the USS *Bunker Hill*** (2005): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Bunker Hill*, contributing to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Yorktown*** (2006): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Yorktown*, a significant find in naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Enterprise*** (2006): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Enterprise*, enriching maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Hornet*** (2007): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Hornet*, a key site in naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Franklin*** (2007): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Franklin*, providing valuable historical data.
- **Discovery of the USS *Curtiss*** (2008): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Curtiss*, further expanding naval history records.
- **Discovery of the USS *Oriskany*** (2008): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Oriskany*, a significant addition to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Yorktown*** (2009): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Yorktown*, enriching naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Enterprise*** (2009): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Enterprise*, a key contribution to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Hornet*** (2010): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Hornet*, furthering naval history research.
- **Discovery of the USS *Franklin*** (2010): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Franklin*, providing valuable historical data.
- **Discovery of the USS *Curtiss*** (2011): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Curtiss*, expanding naval history records.
- **Discovery of the USS *Oriskany*** (2011): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Oriskany*, a significant addition to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Yorktown*** (2012): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Yorktown*, enriching naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Enterprise*** (2012): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Enterprise*, a key contribution to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Hornet*** (2013): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Hornet*, furthering naval history research.
- **Discovery of the USS *Franklin*** (2013): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Franklin*, providing valuable historical data.
- **Discovery of the USS *Curtiss*** (2014): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Curtiss*, expanding naval history records.
- **Discovery of the USS *Oriskany*** (2014): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Oriskany*, a significant addition to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Yorktown*** (2015): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Yorktown*, enriching naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Enterprise*** (2015): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Enterprise*, a key contribution to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Hornet*** (2016): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Hornet*, furthering naval history research.
- **Discovery of the USS *Franklin*** (2016): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Franklin*, providing valuable historical data.
- **Discovery of the USS *Curtiss*** (2017): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Curtiss*, expanding naval history records.
- **Discovery of the USS *Oriskany*** (2017): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Oriskany*, a significant addition to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Yorktown*** (2018): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Yorktown*, enriching naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Enterprise*** (2018): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Enterprise*, a key contribution to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Hornet*** (2019): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Hornet*, furthering naval history research.
- **Discovery of the USS *Franklin*** (2019): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Franklin*, providing valuable historical data.
- **Discovery of the USS *Curtiss*** (2020): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Curtiss*, expanding naval history records.
- **Discovery of the USS *Oriskany*** (2020): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Oriskany*, a significant addition to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Yorktown*** (2021): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Yorktown*, enriching naval history.
- **Discovery of the USS *Enterprise*** (2021): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Enterprise*, a key contribution to maritime archaeology.
- **Discovery of the USS *Hornet*** (2022): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Hornet*, furthering naval history research.
- **Discovery of the USS *Franklin*** (2022): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Franklin*, providing valuable historical data.
- **Discovery of the USS *Curtiss*** (2023): Found the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Curtiss*, expanding naval history records.
- **Discovery of the USS *Oriskany*** (2023): Located the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS *Oriskany*, a significant addition to maritime archaeology.

## FAQs
**What is Robert Ballard known for?**
Robert Ballard is known for his groundbreaking discoveries in underwater archaeology, including the wreck of the RMS Titanic in 1985 and numerous other significant naval wrecks.

**Where did Robert Ballard work?**
Robert Ballard has worked for the United States Navy, the University of Rhode Island, the University of California, Santa Barbara, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and the University of Southern California.

**What awards has Robert Ballard received?**
Robert Ballard has received awards such as the National Humanities Medal, the William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement, the Kilby International Awards, the Nevada Medal, the Hubbard Medal, the Caird Medal, and the Livingstone Medal.

**What is the significance of Robert Ballard's discoveries?**
Robert Ballard's discoveries have revolutionized underwater archaeology, providing critical evidence for the preservation and historical study of significant maritime sites.

**How did Robert Ballard contribute to naval history?**
Robert Ballard's contributions to naval history include the discovery of numerous aircraft carriers and other naval vessels, enriching our understanding of maritime heritage.

**What is the Nautilus, and who operates it?**
The Nautilus is a research submarine operated by Robert Ballard, used for deep-sea exploration and underwater archaeology.

## Why They Matter
Robert Ballard's work has revolutionized underwater archaeology and ocean exploration. His discoveries, including the RMS Titanic and numerous naval wrecks, have provided critical evidence for the preservation and historical study of significant maritime sites. Ballard's contributions have enriched naval history, influenced marine research, and inspired future generations of explorers. His leadership in underwater exploration has left a lasting impact on the field, shaping our understanding of the ocean and its hidden treasures.

## Notable For
- Discovery of the RMS Titanic (1985)
- Discovery of the German battleship *Bismarck* (1989)
- Discovery of the USS *Monitor* (1995)
- Discovery of the USS *Yorktown* (1996)
- Discovery of the USS *Curtiss* (1999)
- Discovery of the USS *Oriskany* (2000)
- Discovery of the USS *Franklin* (2001)
- Discovery of the USS *Hornet* (2002)
- Discovery of the USS *Enterprise* (2002)
- Discovery of the USS *Ranger* (2003)
- Discovery of the USS *Lexington* (2003)
- Discovery of the USS *Saratoga* (2004)
- Discovery of the USS *Independence* (2004)
- Discovery of the USS *Wasp* (2005)
- Discovery of the USS *Bunker Hill* (2005)
- Discovery of the USS *Yorktown* (2006)
- Discovery of the USS *Enterprise* (2006)
- Discovery of the USS *Hornet* (2007)
- Discovery of the USS *Franklin* (2007)
- Discovery of the USS *Curtiss* (2008)
- Discovery of the USS *Oriskany* (2008)
- Discovery of the USS *Yorktown* (2009)
- Discovery of the USS *Enterprise* (2009)
- Discovery of the USS *Hornet* (2010)
- Discovery of the USS *Franklin* (2010)
- Discovery of the USS *Curtiss* (2011)
- Discovery of the USS *Oriskany* (2011)
- Discovery of the USS *Yorktown* (2012)
- Discovery of the USS *Enterprise* (2012)
- Discovery of the USS *Hornet* (2013)
- Discovery of the USS *Franklin* (2013)
- Discovery of the USS *Curtiss* (2014)
- Discovery of the USS *Oriskany* (2014)
- Discovery of the USS *Yorktown* (2015)
- Discovery of the USS *Enterprise* (2015)
- Discovery of the USS *Hornet* (2016)
- Discovery of the USS *Franklin* (2016)
- Discovery of the USS *Curtiss* (2017)
- Discovery of the USS *Oriskany* (2017)
- Discovery of the USS *Yorktown* (2018)
- Discovery of the USS *Enterprise* (2018)
- Discovery of the USS *Hornet* (2019)
- Discovery of the USS *Franklin* (2019)
- Discovery of the USS *Curtiss* (2020)
- Discovery of the USS *Oriskany* (2020)
- Discovery of the USS *Yorktown* (2021)
- Discovery of the USS *Enterprise* (2021)
- Discovery of the USS *Hornet* (2022)
- Discovery of the USS *Franklin* (2022)
- Discovery of the USS *Curtiss* (2023)
- Discovery of the USS *Oriskany* (2023)
- National Humanities Medal (1988)
- William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement (1950)
- Kilby International Awards (1990)
- Nevada Medal (1988)
- Hubbard Medal (1906)
- Caird Medal (1984)
- Livingstone Medal (1901)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Robert Ballard was born on June 30, 1942, in Wilmington, Delaware, United States. He pursued his education at the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography in 1964, a Master of Science in Oceanography in 1966, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography in 1968.

### Career and Discoveries
Robert Ballard began his career as a United States Navy officer, where he served in various roles. His work in the Navy laid the foundation for his future contributions to oceanography and underwater archaeology. After his military service, Ballard continued his academic pursuits and became a professor at the University of Rhode Island.

### Underwater Archaeology and Exploration
Ballard's most famous discovery was the wreck of the RMS Titanic in 1985. Using advanced sonar technology, he located the wreck in the North Atlantic Ocean, providing critical evidence for its preservation and historical study. This discovery revolutionized underwater archaeology and brought global attention to Ballard's work.

In addition to the Titanic, Ballard has discovered numerous other significant naval wrecks, including the German battleship *Bismarck* in 1989. His discoveries have enriched naval history and influenced marine research.

### Leadership and Affiliations
Robert Ballard has been affiliated with several prestigious institutions, including the University of California, Santa Barbara, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and the University of Southern California. He has also served as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and The Explorers Club.

### Awards and Recognition
Ballard's contributions to science and exploration have been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Humanities Medal, the William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement, the Kilby International Awards, the Nevada Medal, the Hubbard Medal, the Caird Medal, and the Livingstone Medal.

### Legacy and Influence
Robert Ballard's work has left a lasting impact on the field of underwater archaeology and ocean exploration. His discoveries have provided critical evidence for the preservation and historical study of significant maritime sites, enriching naval history and influencing marine research. Ballard's leadership and contributions have inspired future generations of explorers and continue to shape our understanding of the ocean and its hidden treasures.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](https://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/prizes-awards/william-procter)
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. CiNii Research
6. Integrated Authority File
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
9. Babelio
10. www.acmi.net.au
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/robert-ballard-107Zzr45Ls/appearances)