Charleston County has become a hub of economic prosperity. The Charleston County Economic Development (CCED) was created in 1993 to help foster growth and development in Charleston County. Now 30 years later, they continue to be a vital part of our growth.
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, four crew members are preparing to launch to the International Space Station and conduct a wide-ranging set of operational and research activities for the benefit of all.
Launching aboard the Dragon spacecraft, NASA astronauts Commander Zena Cardman, Pilot Nick Hague, and Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Mission Specialist Aleksandr Gorbunov, will join Expedition 71 and 72 crew members no earlier than August. They will arrive to the space station for a short duration handover with NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission
This will be the first spaceflight for Cardman, who was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017. The Williamsburg, Virginia, native holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s in Marine Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At time of selection, she was a doctoral candidate in geosciences. Cardman’s research focused on geobiology and geochemical cycling in subsurface environments, from caves to deep sea sediments. Since completing initial training, Cardman has supported real-time station operations and development for lunar surface exploration.
With a total of 203 days in space, this will be Hague’s third launch and second mission to the orbiting laboratory. During his first launch in 2018, Hague and his crewmate, Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, experienced a rocket booster failure resulting in an in-flight launch abort. The Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft landed safely. Five months later, Hague launched aboard Soyuz MS-12 and served as a flight engineer aboard the space station during Expeditions 59 and 60. Hague and his crewmates participated in hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science, and Earth science. Hague conducted three spacewalks, to upgrade space station power systems and install a docking adapter for commercial spacecraft. As an active-duty colonel in the U.S. Space Force, Hague completed a developmental rotation at the Defense Department in Washington, where he served as the USSF director of test and evaluation from 2020 to 2022. In August 2022, Hague resumed duties at NASA working on the Boeing Starliner Program until this flight assignment.
A veteran of three spaceflights, STS-121, STS-120, and STS-131, Wilson has spent 42 days in space aboard three separate space shuttle Discovery missions. Before her selection as a NASA astronaut in 1996, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Engineering Science from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas in Austin, and worked at Martin Marietta and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. During her first mission, STS-121 in November 2004, she and her crewmates spent 13 days in orbit. Wilson served as the robotic arm operator for spacecraft inspection, for the installation of the “Leonardo” Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, and for spacewalk support. In November 2006, Wilson and her STS-120 crewmates aboard Discovery delivered the Harmony module to the station and relocated a solar array. In May 2009, Wilson and her STS-131 crewmates completed another mission to resupply the station, delivering a new ammonia tank for the station cooling system, new crew sleeping quarters, a window observation facility, and a freezer for experiments. During her nearly 30 years with NASA, Wilson served as the integration branch chief for NASA’s Astronaut Office focusing on International Space Station systems and payload operations, and on a nine-month detail, served as the acting chief of NASA’s Program and Project Integration Office at the agency’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
This will be Gorbunov’s first trip to space and the station. Born in Zheleznogorsk, Kursk region, Russia, he studied engineering with qualifications in spacecraft and upper stages from the Moscow Aviation Institute. Gorbunov graduated from the military department with a specialty in operation and repair of aircraft, helicopters, and aircraft engines. Before being selected as a cosmonaut in 2018, he worked as an engineer for Rocket Space Corporation Energia and supported cargo spacecraft launches from the Baikonur cosmodrome.
This is the ninth rotational mission to the space station under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which works with the American aerospace industry to meet the goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the orbital outpost on American-made rockets and spacecraft launching from American soil.
For more than two decades, humans have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. The station is a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and to expand commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. As commercial companies focus on providing human space transportation services and destinations as part of a robust low Earth orbit economy, NASA’s Artemis campaign is underway at the Moon where the agency is preparing for future human exploration of Mars.
Find more information on NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at:
https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew
SOURCE NASA
CONTACT: Joshua Finch, Headquarters, Washington, 202-358-1100, joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov; Courtney Beasley, Johnson Space Center, Houston, 281-483-5111, courtney.m.beasley@nasa.gov
Charleston, SC – Monday, Jan. 29 – The Habit, a renowned dining and entertainment venue in Historic Downtown Charleston, has undergone an exciting transformation and is now known as The Peacock Charleston. This multi-story establishment offers a one-of-a-kind experience to both locals and tourists, combining exceptional cuisine, live performances, and a vibrant atmosphere. With its prime location at 213 East Bay Street in the French Quarter neighborhood, The Peacock Charleston is set to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable evening in the Holy City. The Peacock Charleston offers a unique Art Deco design, spans an impressive 12,000 square feet, encompassing three floors and a stunning rooftop lounge that overlooks the picturesque Charleston Harbor. Each level offers a distinct ambiance and entertainment options, making it a truly unique venue.
“Our first six months have exceeded our expectations, as the city has embraced the experience we’re presenting,” said Michelle Van Jura, co-owner of The Peacock Charleston. “We look forward to the next six months and beyond as we continue to provide Charlestonians and tourists a unique and unforgettable experience in our beloved city.”
As you enter The Peacock Charleston, you’ll be greeted by the inviting first-floor dining room (although the full menu is available on all three floors). Here, you can indulge in a delectable culinary experience that showcases the best of local and regional ingredients. Chef Matthew Greene, renowned for his expertise in creating exceptional dishes, has curated a menu that seamlessly blends international flavors with American classics. From caviar-topped hashbrown bites to succulent lamb lollipops, every dish is a testament to Chef Greene’s culinary mastery.
Venture upstairs to the second floor, and you’ll discover The Peacock Lounge, an elevated cocktail bar that exudes elegance and sophistication. This is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy handcrafted cocktails expertly prepared by a talented team. The Peacock Lounge opens its doors at 5 p.m. (Thursday through Sunday) providing an ideal setting for pre-dinner drinks or a night out with friends. Immerse yourself in the glamorous decor and let the chic Art Deco atmosphere transport you to a bygone era.
For breathtaking views of the Charleston Harbor and the iconic U.S. Customhouse, head up to The Peacock Charleston’s rooftop lounge. This open-air space offers a picturesque backdrop for unforgettable evenings.
Tucked away within The Peacock Charleston is V’s, a speakeasy-style lounge that adds an air of mystery and exclusivity to the venue. With a capacity of approximately 100 people, V’s is the ideal space for intimate gatherings, private events, and exclusive performances. Step into a world of nostalgia as you sip on decadent cocktails, listen to live music, dance until you drop, and immerse yourself in the captivating ambience of this hidden gem.
Beyond its culinary delights, The Peacock Charleston captivates guests with its thoughtfully curated interior design. Drawing inspiration from the elegance of the 1920s Art Deco era, the venue seamlessly blends Americana, European, and Asian aesthetics. Warm lighting, sumptuous velvet, rich leather, and captivating art pieces create a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re embarking on a romantic dinner or enjoying a weekend brunch with friends, The Peacock Charleston offers a truly unique and unparalleled experience.
The Peacock Charleston is more than just a restaurant, lounge, or entertainment space—it’s an experience. The venue hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something special happening for guests to enjoy. Here are some upcoming highlights:
· Monthly Theme Parties: Starting with “Soul Train Saturday” on February 3rd at 9 p.m., The Peacock Charleston will host monthly theme parties that promise an evening of boogie-worthy fun. Dance the night away and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of these lively events, from disco, 80s, classic rock to Top 40 and old school hip hop, we play the hits that make us all dance.
· Super Bowl Rental: For football enthusiasts make Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. an unforgettable football experience. The Peacock Charleston offers a unique Super Bowl experience, in our V’s lounge. Rent a cozy couch and enjoy the game on three 13-foot screens with theater-quality sound. Indulge in delicious food, refreshing drinks, and the company of fellow fans.
· Valentine’s Day Dinner and a Show: Treat your loved one to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at The Peacock Charleston. Delight in a sumptuous dinner special featuring lobster tail and filet while enjoying a soulful blues performance by The Bozwellz. Book a table for the show or opt for the dinner and show package for a truly romantic evening. (Tickets to reserve a table in Vs are on sale at Eventbrite – cost is just for the table and does not include food or drinks).
· Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE @SEWE): As the Southeastern Wildlife Expo takes place in February, The Peacock Charleston’s rooftop lounge will reopen, offering guests a chance to enjoy the festivities with special offers and exciting promotions.
Be sure to visit The Peacock Charleston’s website, (www.thepeacock-chs.com) for more information on upcoming events, daily menus, and to make reservations. Follow them on Instagram (@thepeacockchs) for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of this extraordinary venue.
About The Peacock
The Peacock is a 12,000 sq ft space encompassing three floors, which each offer a distinct experience wrapped in a decadent Art Deco design. From a welcoming main dining room to a sumptuous and sexy second floor lounge and speakeasy (V’s) to the gorgeous rooftop with views of Charleston Harbor, The Peacock offers something for everyone from dining to entertainment and private spaces for sports watching. It’s an experience, not just a destination.
The concept for The Peacock started over a decade ago when owner and partner Michelle Van Jura fell in love with Charleston, SC and eventually left New York City to make the Lowcountry her home. After spending 30+ years in public relations and running her own successful agency, she met and began working with fellow partners Zach Dennis and Chef Matt Greene. The three realized they had a shared vision to provide Charleston with a sophisticated dining and entertainment experience. The Peacock became a reality. With more than 50 years of combined hospitality experience, Zach Dennis and Matt Greene are widely regarded as some of the best talent in the business, having spent years honing and refining their craft in major cities like Toronto, Chicago, DC, and NYC. Prior to The Habit, Dennis and Greene worked for the Hall Management Group as well as some other fine dining establishments in Charleston. Follow The Habit on Instagram (@thepeacockchs) for the latest updates, event info, and more.
The First South Carolina Volunteer Infantry was the first officially recognized black unit of the Union Army during the Civil War. It was quietly authorized by President Abraham Lincoln and organized in August of 1862. The regiment reached its full complement of 1,000 men and was mustered in during November of that year. The First South Carolina Volunteers were deployed almost two months before the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863 (and before the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was organized). On January 1, they were issued regimental colors and “officially” accepted into the Union Army. In February 1864 they became officially the 33rd United States Colored Troops Regiment.
This was not the first attempt at a South Carolinian black regiment; Major General David Hunter, who took command of the Union Troops in the Department of the South in March of 1862, had raised a regiment of 500 black men, but without the necessary political support, he was forced to disband it in August. At the same time, Robert Smalls, an escaped slave and a Union War hero, traveled to Washington, D.C. to request permission for African American men to serve in the Union Army. Five days later, on August 25, 1862, and only two weeks after Hunter’s regiment was disbanded, Lincoln authorized the creation of a South Carolinian black regiment.
Early recruits were largely Gullah men from the South Carolinian and Georgian Sea Islands including 100 holdovers from Hunter’s regiment who formed the Volunteers’ A Company. Like other black regiments, however, all of the First South Carolina Volunteer Infantry’s officers were white, and its commander was Colonel Thomas Wentworth Higginson, a noted abolitionist. He was succeeded by Lt. Colonel Charles Trowbridge, who had been involved in recruitment and had initially been captain of A Company. Other notables involved with the regiment were Harriet Tubman, who had been a nurse for Hunter’s regiment and had stayed on, and Susie Baker King Taylor, then a 14-year-old runaway slave, who also became a nurse. She later married one of its soldiers, Edward King, and was the only black woman to publish a Civil War memoir.
While the regiment was never involved in any of the major battles of the war, it did see action. In November 1862, before Colonel Higginson had arrived, Captain Trowbridge led the 100 soldiers of A Company on an expedition along the South Carolinian and Georgian coasts, destroying Confederate Saltworks and freeing slaves. From January 23 until February 1, 1863, Higginson led the Volunteers up the St. Mary’s River from Beaufort, in an attempt to surprise a Confederate encampment. Unfortunately, on January 26, the regiment encountered Confederate cavalry at “The Battle of the Hundred Pines.” The First South Carolina Volunteers fought them off, taking only minimal casualties, but any chance of surprise was gone. The regiment helped claim Jacksonville, Florida for the Union on two separate occasions, once in March 1863 and again in February 1864. They were also involved in the Battle of Honey Hill and the capture of a fort on James Island both in South Carolina.
On February 9, 1866, the 33rd United States Colored Troops Regiment was mustered out at Fort Wagner, South Carolina.
CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — QuicksortRx, a technology company helping health systems improve pharmacy purchasing and reduce medication costs, has announced that its clients have achieved over $100 million in medication cost savings through the platform since the company launched in late 2018.
Founded by pharmacists and technologists from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), QuicksortRx empowers health systems to instantly assess medication price, availability, and purchasing trends across multiple facilities. By streamlining pharmaceutical market analysis, QuicksortRx clients use the business intelligence platform to drive faster, more informed decisions and to improve efficiency in medication procurement.
The $100 million figure represents realized savings tracked by health systems using QuicksortRx to identify and operationalize changes in their medication procurement. Savings are most often achieved by health system pharmacy staff acting on insights from the platform to optimize product selection, identify and correct contract issues, and target strategic 340B interventions. The platform monitors initiatives identified and executed by the health system in real time, capturing savings as they are achieved.
“Having spent my entire career before QuicksortRx at MUSC, I know the financial constraints hospitals work under,” said Jonathan Yantis, CEO and Co-Founder of QuicksortRx. “There are limited resources to go around to important projects that affect lives. The impetus for QuicksortRx was to help free up capital that could be more efficiently invested in patient care. It’s difficult to put into words what it means to know we have enabled non-profit health systems to redeploy over $100 million into initiatives that benefit their communities. It feels really good.”
QuicksortRx began as a project when Yantis, an MUSC network engineer, teamed up with Matt Hebbard and MUSC’s pharmacy department to develop software that would help the health system better manage their medication spend. In the early stages of the platform’s development, the inventors envisioned a solution that could be used outside MUSC.
“We knew other pharmacy departments were struggling with this work just like we were,” said Hebbard, Vice President of Pharmacy and Co-Founder of QuicksortRx. “From the outset, Jonathan had the mentality that we could scale and share this solution to grow its positive impact. It’s amazing to know what we built to help our own hospital is helping others in the same way.”
Today, the platform helps more than 30 health systems manage over $8 billion in annual hospital pharmacy spend. To support its rapid growth, QuicksortRx recently moved to a larger corporate headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina. The company has plans to add more than 40 new team members over the next three years to help further scale services and maintain QuicksortRx’s high-touch customer support.
“These savings would not have been possible without our amazing team and incredible clients,” says Hebbard. “They are real experts who share our passion for bringing positive change to this industry and for reducing the cost of quality healthcare.”
Yantis adds, “One hundred million dollars represents a lot of work within and outside of our team at QuicksortRx. We are incredibly grateful to the people who have trusted and had faith in us along this journey. Thank you to these health systems for rolling up your sleeves with us and putting in the work. This milestone is your accomplishment as well.”
About QuicksortRx
QuicksortRx Inc. was founded by pharmacists and technologists from the Medical University of South Carolina who understand the potential in health system supply chains and develop key solutions to unlock it. QuicksortRx provides real-time purchasing oversight, analytics, and savings tools to minimize medication costs without impacting operations or agreements. For more information, visit QuicksortRx.com.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Hilton Head Insurance & Brokerage, a leading provider in comprehensive insurance for home, auto, boat, business & more, announced it will launch The Insurance & Brokerage House in Charleston to serve that area. The company has hired Greer Narowski to pioneer the new division.
Narowski is a licensed insurance producer who excels in customer service and time management. Also task oriented, her experience in the retail industry as a store manager for The North Face and Michael Kors gave her the wherewithal to build client relationships. Listening to her clients is her number one priority.
Narowski is backed by the decades of experience and professionalism of Hilton Head Insurance & Brokerage, located in Hilton Head and Bluffton, SC. With over 60 years of combined experience and a team of professionals, the firm offers custom insurance plans at an affordable price for those looking to insure their home, car, boat, business, and more. With an emphasis on empathy and listening to their clients, the firm’s assets are in line with Narowski’s skill sets and priorities — making the partnership a perfect match.
“We started as a small, family-owned and operated business,” said Hilton Head Insurance & Brokerage’s co-owner, Jeff Hedden. “We quickly saw the growth opportunities. There is often a void in the industry for businesses to act in their client’s best interest with the right combination of empathy and strategy. Charleston is the logical next step.”
When asked what attracted her to the insurance industry, Narowski cited her business relationship and friendship with William Voelkel in the Hilton Head office, as well as her desire to expand her workplace experience. “I am a hard worker and have always been in the customer service industry.”
With a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Poppy, and her husband of five years, Allan, the family enjoy their time on the local playgrounds, potluck dinners with their friends, home renovation projects, and adventures out of the state to National Parks.
Narowski is a graduate of The College of Charleston with a BA in Historic Preservation and Community Planning.
Those looking for a home, auto, boat, business, or other insurance policy or looking to save on an existing policy, contact Greer Narowski at Greer@hhiandb.com.
The Averly Collins Hill will Kick Off Lawrenceville Gateway Project
ATLANTA, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ECI Group (ECI), with joint venture partner, The Griffin Fund, has started construction on The Averly Collins Hill, a $76 million, eight-building, 300-unit, Class A apartment development on 22 acres at 700 Collins Road in Lawrenceville, GA. ECI Construction is the general contractor and construction financing was provided by Synovus.
The three-story, garden-style residences will complement a planned 55+ active adult housing and a commercial component to be developed by others in the Lawrenceville Gateway development. The Averly Collins Hill will deliver concurrently with the nearby 15-story Northside Hospital Gwinnett tower that is bringing 3,000-5,000 jobs to its location.
“ECI is excited to partner once again with The Griffin Fund to build premier housing near downtown Lawrenceville,” said ECI Vice President of Development, Stephen Stover. “We very much appreciate the collaboration and support we received from the City of Lawrenceville, particularly Mayor David Still, City Manager Chuck Warbington, and Planning and Development Director, Todd Hargrave. With their perspective and vision, The Averly Collins Hill will provide residents coming to the City for its jobs, amenities, schools, and resources with convenient and quality housing in a mixed-use neighborhood.”
The $46 million construction loan provided by Synovus comes amidst a challenging financing environment. Seth Greenberg, ECI Group CEO, added, “We are particularly appreciative of the confidence that Synovus demonstrated in this well-located and thoughtfully conceived development, providing ECI with the construction financing needed to start this project immediately and in the best window for delivery.”
The Averly Collins Hill will feature:
One, two, and three-bedroom floor plans feature open-concept design, with full-size washers and dryers as well as:
The Averly Collins Hill is located adjacent to University Parkway (SR-316) and Collins Hill Road and within walking distance of an existing Walmart Supercenter-anchored shopping center. Major local employers include Northside Hospital Gwinnett, Georgia Gwinnett College, and the 2,000-acre Rowan technology and research project.
About ECI Group
For more than 50 years, ECI Group has been one of the most highly regarded, privately owned real estate organizations in the United States. The firm is fully integrated, with development, construction, brokerage, and management groups that have garnered national recognition for innovation and performance in the multifamily industry. With a portfolio of more than 7,500 units located throughout the Southeast, ECI is strategically positioned to continue to be a leader in the multifamily industry. For more information, visit www.ecigroups.com.
About The Griffin Fund
The Griffin Fund is a leading Real Estate investment fund focused on acquisitions, development, management and financing for Real Estate projects predominantly in the Multifamily sector. Working with Real Estate owners, developers and top global institutional partners, The Griffin Fund has achieved success and unparalleled returns for its investors over the past decade and recently completed fundraising for its fourth Real Estate investment fund.
Editor’s note: Cedric Clark, Executive Vice President, Store Operations, Walmart U.S., sent the following note to Walmart U.S. store managers. On Jan. 29, John Furner, President and CEO, Walmart U.S., announced an expansion of these investments to include an annual stock grant of up to $20,000.
Making Walmart the best place to shop means we need to make it the best place to work. To accomplish that, we are on a journey of investing in our associates – from offering competitive front-line pay to benefits that support associates’ health and well-being in all aspects of life.
Today, we take the next step in this journey. We’re increasing our commitment to you with an investment in store manager wages and a redesigned bonus program. As you know, your pay is made up of two parts: base pay and annual bonus. We’re updating both.
The number one driver of job satisfaction is an associate’s manager, and we believe that you – our front-line leaders – are the best in retail. Not only are you responsible for exceeding customer expectations day in and day out; each of you is the CEO of a multimillion-dollar business. And you’re the driving force behind the development of our next generation of leaders.
We see an investment in you as an investment in our culture, our core values and in the day-to-day experience of every associate in every store. Investing in you is an investment in our future.
I’m proud Walmart is making this investment following last year’s increase in starting pay for stores. As a result of those investments in front-line hourly associates and upcoming annual increases, our U.S. average hourly wage will soon exceed $18.
Most of you – approximately 75% of our field management teams – began your Walmart careers in the hourly ranks. So did I. My Walmart career started as a sporting goods hourly associate in Washington state. I was able to grow my career because people invested in me. I know firsthand that the possibilities are endless when working at Walmart. And the possibilities are endless for you and for everyone you lead every day.
This investment is about belief. We believe in you. We believe you’re the keepers of our culture today while you’re also helping to identify and grow the future leaders of our company. You’re the reason our associates can build something special working at Walmart – just like many of us have. You make the difference, and we could not be more excited to continue this journey with you.
Deep Sea Vision Sonar Image May Unlock One of the Greatest Mysteries in Aviation History
CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — After an extensive deep-water search, a talented group of underwater archaeologists and marine robotics experts have unveiled a sonar image that may answer the greatest modern mystery – the disappearance of Amelia Earhart.
Captured westward of Earhart’s projected landing point, in a swath of the Pacific untouched by known wrecks, the image reveals contours that mirror the unique dual tails and scale of her storied aircraft. Deep Sea Vision (DSV), a Charleston, South Carolina-based marine robotics company led by CEO Tony Romeo, was pursuing the missing aircraft using the “Date Line theory” of her disappearance nearly 87 years ago. Originally theorized in 2010 by Liz Smith, a former NASA employee and amateur pilot, the Date Line theory attributes Earhart’s disappearance to simply forgetting to turn the calendar back one day as she flew over the International Date Line. Smith suggested that Amelia’s navigator, Fred Noonan, miscalculated his celestial star navigation by simply forgetting to turn back the date from July 3 to July 2 as they flew across the Date Line, creating a westward navigational error of 60 miles.
As a private pilot, DSV’s CEO Tony Romeo and his brother Lloyd Romeo believed the idea had merit and began digging deeper into the celestial math Smith had laid out. The Romeos came to believe that after 17 hours of exhausting flying it was quite plausible that Earhart’s navigator Fred Noonan could have made such an error. The theory and area described by Smith had never been searched – until now.
Romeo was not surprised to find the aircraft intact, saying, “We always felt that she [Earhart] would have made every attempt to land the aircraft gently on the water, and the aircraft signature that we see in the sonar image suggests that may be the case.” Romeo hopes they can answer that question very soon. “We’re thrilled to have made this discovery at the tail end of our expedition, and we plan to bring closure to a great American story.”
The Deep Sea Vision team, a diverse group of experts, proved that diligent efforts and next-generation technology could take on the monumental task of finding Earhart’s Lockheed Electra. For 90 days, the DSV team searched across 5,200 square miles of the Pacific Ocean floor, more than all previous searches combined. Their secret weapon, the HUGIN 6000, is an autonomous underwater marvel, modified by their own hands to outperform any underwater submersible used before. It is the most capable system available in the world, able to reach full ocean depth. DSV further improved the equipment by modifying the side scan sonar to search nearly 1,600-meter-wide swaths instead of the normal 450 meters. The changes were made possible by DSV President of Operations, Craig Wallace, who Romeo recruited directly from the sonar manufacturer to help put the expedition together.
The team launched the expedition out of a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean about a four-day cruise from where the discovery was made. Each dive of the sonar equipment lasted nearly two days and collected several terabytes of data scanning the sea floor. The international team worked around the clock, analyzing the imagery using cutting edge software that was being written as the mission went along. Their discovery, made at the conclusion of the expedition, was a testament to technological triumph and the unyielding pursuit of closure for an American icon.
Earhart’s fate has been the source of speculation and conspiracy theories since her mysterious disappearance in 1937. She remains a defining icon of her generation, women’s rights and a pioneering spirit of early aviation. DSV believes they are one step away from closure to this great mystery and will be keeping all other information, including the exact location, strictly confidential. While Romeo is very optimistic about their find, he acknowledges that there was a great deal of internal debate about whether to release the sonar image publicly. Many prominent authorities have been working to validate DSV’s findings, including Dorothy Cochrane, Aeronautics Curator at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, who stated, “We are intrigued with DSV’s initial imagery and believe it merits another expedition in the continuing search for Amelia Earhart’s aircraft near Howland Island.”
Unlocking the mystery of Earhart’s whereabouts is one of several projects for Romeo and Deep Sea Vision. The investment they spent to launch the company is already leading to more exciting projects. DSV has already concluded a yet to be announced project in the Pacific and is currently providing their technology for a longer-term project in Australia.
About Deep Sea Vision
Deep Sea Vision is a marine robotics company specializing in deep ocean exploration and survey. With the latest variant of the HUGIN 6000, Deep Sea Vision owns the most advanced autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) commercially available. Deep Sea Vision was founded by Tony Romeo, a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, and led by Operations Chief, Craig Wallace, who was the former HUGIN product manager at Kongsberg Maritime. Deep Sea Vision is aiming to become the market leader in mineral exploration and habitat mapping over the next decade.
SOURCE Deep Sea Vision
For all the fans of Verde and their fresh greens, we have some very exciting news! Verde has officially opened a new location in North Charleston at 4731 Mixson Avenue (Park Circle).
Come on out and get your nutrition on.
Hours: Monday – Sunday – 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: 4731 Mixson Avenue, North Charleston, SC
Photos courtesy of Verde
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