NYC Ferry Grounds
According to multiple New York television news reports the NYC Ferry MV Zelinsky, loaded with passengers headed for the Rockaways, ran aground just off of lower Manhattan on Monday night. The cause of the stranding, which reportedly happened about 100 feet from Pier 11 according to local TV news reports, is under investigation. While the crew attempted to free the vessel, frustrated passenger reportedly started calling 911. No injuries were reported, damage to the vessel is unknown at this time.
Australia, Japan Partner for Hydrodynamics Research
Australia and Japan have signed a cooperative research arrangement on marine hydrodynamics, the Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Alex Zelinsky, announced today. “This is the first joint defence research project to be conducted by our two countries,” Dr Zelinsky said. The collaborative research program will be undertaken by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group and Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency. “This is an excellent start to our new relationship in defence science and technology cooperation,” Dr Zelinsky said. “Understanding hydrodynamics is vital for the future of Australia’s maritime defence and this collaboration will greatly benefit our technology development in this area.
Australian Defence Unveils Indigenous Artwork
Defence today unveiled an Indigenous painting at its Science and Technology headquarters in Canberra as a mark of respect for cultural diversity within the organisation. The artwork, Song Cycle of the Seven Sisters, painted by award-winning Indigenous artist Anthony Walker, was unveiled by the Secretary for Defence, Dennis Richardson, Chief Defence Scientist Dr Alex Zelinsky, and Elder of the Ngunnawal people, Aunty Agnes Shea. The artwork depicts Gurreng Gurreng people singing up to the Seven Sisters at a turtle nesting site in Mon Repos, Bundaberg. The Seven Sisters (also known as The Pleiades star constellation) safely guide turtles into shore to lay their eggs – ensuring continued abundance of turtles in the area.
Black Box Inventor Remembered in Defence Building Naming
Australia's Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, has announced that the Canberra headquarters of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is being named after the late Dr David Warren who developed the ‘black box’ to help in the investigation of aircraft accidents. “Dr Warren was a visionary and his invention has made an extraordinary contribution to aviation safety around the world,” Mr Robert said. Dr Warren invented the black box flight recorder in the mid-1950s when employed at one of DSTO’s predecessor organisations, the Aeronautical Research Laboratory at Fishermans Bend in Melbourne. The black box is the most famous invention developed in that laboratory, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
DSTO, Lockheed Martin Form Research Collaboration
The Defense Science and Technology Organization (DSTO) and Lockheed Martin Australia have signed a new strategic alliance to collaborate on a range of technologies for strengthening defense and national security. The agreement was signed for DSTO by the Chief Defence Scientist Dr. Alex Zelinsky and for Lockheed Martin Australia by Chief Executive Raydon Gates. “This ten year agreement with Lockheed Martin Australia reaffirms DSTO’s commitment to enter into long term partnerships with industry for enhancing Australia’s current and future defense capability,” Dr. Zelinsky said.
