Opening Ceremony Remarks

Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests, for some reason that only the officers of this meeting can explain, I was asked if I would participate in this Opening Ceremony and express some of my views concerning its significance. Since I seldom turn down an opportunity to speak on any occasion, I readily accepted the invitation. It is indeed a privilege to be able to briefly comment on the impact of deep drilling in the continental shelf, a subject that has worldwide appeal and interest. It is truly one of the most intriguing programs in science and technology and will remain so for decades to come. It covers and touches all of the sciences and remains a continuous challenge as we probe into the earth setting unbelievable records in depths and new knowledge from the involved and accompanying research.