Mission "Lucky 7"

I should have started this blog in 2006, when the adventure first began....
For those of you unfamiliar with the subject of this blog, please visit www.bonhommerichard.org for background.

I have returned recently from a trip to France to meet with Admiral Bruno Demeocq (FR Navy- pictured right), and accompanied by Admiral Jon White (USN - pictured left). The French Navy is providing tremendous support for the 2012 search for the Bonhomme Richard (BHR), flagship of American Naval hero John Paul Jones. It was from the decks of the BHR that his famous quote was spoken: "I have not yet begun to fight!" during a battle with HMS Serapis during the Revolutionary War. This mission will be the 7th survey in as many years, with some shorter ones in between to investigate targets from year to year. The USN will contribute Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and a team of personnel to the survey.
The project has proven to be a tremendous opportunity for FR-US relations, as well as technology transfer. I never in a million years thought it would be what it is today!