Cordell Expeditions

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Dewey Livingston, Jennifer Stock
  • This is a compilation of oral history interviews with core team members of Cordell Expeditions, the team of divers that pioneered exploration of Cordell Bank in the late   1970s and 1980s. These individuals' efforts were instrumental in the discovery of Cordell Bank's biological richness, its nomination and designation as a National Marine Sanctuary. The extraordinary biodiversity of this special place was recognized in 1989, when Congress designated Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.    Today sanctuary staff work to protect the Cordell Bank region through research, regulations, and education. Interviews were conducted with Cordell Expeditions 'core team' members (those that were significantly involved in   the expedition from the beginning to end).

Interviewee Sort descending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Bill Kruse and Tom Santilena Cordell Expeditions

Bill Kruse and Tom Santilena are two notable members of the Cordell Expeditions who participated in the historic dives on Cordell Bank in the early 1980s. Bill Kruse, born in Palo Alto, California, followed in his father's footsteps to become an electrical engineer, designing hardware for microwave testing. His involvement with Cordell Expeditions marked a significant transition in his career, shifting from hardware to computer work and computer mapping. His interests extended beyond diving to include underwater photography and exploration projects related to diving.

Dewey Livingston, Jennifer Stock Inverness, CA Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Don Dvorak Cordell Expeditions

Don Dvorak, a native of Hawaii, has a background that includes service in the Navy and a career in electronics. His professional journey eventually led him to marine technology. Don's interest in underwater photography and the marine field has been a significant aspect of his career. Elaine Dvorak, originally from Washington, D.C., relocated to California, where she became engaged in sailing and commercial fishing. Her involvement with Cordell Expeditions was multifaceted, including navigation, provisioning, cooking, and specimen sorting and preservation.

Dewey Livingston, Jennifer Stock El Cerrito, CA Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Elaine Dvovak Cordell Expeditions

Scientific research of California's coast began in the mid 1800's as noted geographer George Davidson and a corps of federal surveyors mapped the coastline of the new state. Cordell Bank was discovered as a shallow shoal by Davidson, but remained a mystery until the1970's when Dr Robert Schmieder, an interested individual, discovered its few relatively shallow contours on a NOAA chart. As a trained scientist by day and an avid recreational diver by weekend, Dr. Schmieder proceeded to find out what was known about Cordell Bank. He found that almost nothing was known about it.

Dewey Livingston, Jennifer Stock El Cerrito, CA Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Harry Sherman Cordell Expeditions

Harry Sherman was born in Napa, California, on September 13, 1932. He hailed from a notable lineage, with his paternal ancestors including Judge Uriah Taylor of Illinois and Dr. Harry H. Sherman of Virginia, while his maternal lineage traced back several generations to John Dysslin of New York. After his Napa College education, Harry relocated to San Francisco, where he enrolled at San Francisco State University. During his time there, he actively participated in the Choral group and obtained his B.A. degree. Subsequently, he embarked on a 35-year career with the U.S.

Dewey Livingston, Jennifer Stock Redwood City, CA Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Robert Schmieder Cordell Expeditions

Robert William Schmieder, born on July 10, 1941, in Phoenix, Arizona, is a distinguished American scientist and explorer whose remarkable career spans a wide array of scientific disciplines. He has made significant contributions to both the physical sciences and natural science exploration.  He obtained a B.A. in Physics from Occidental College, a B.S. in Physics from the California Institute of Technology, an M.A. in Physics, and a Ph.D. in Physics from Columbia University.

Dewey Livingston, Jennifer Stock , Walnut Creek, CA Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
SACTO Team Cordell Expeditions

The Sacto Team is a group of divers who have joined forces with Cordell Expeditions, a renowned expedition company specializing in underwater exploration and adventure. The team comprises experienced divers who share a passion for discovering and documenting the mysteries of the underwater world. Together with Cordell Expeditions, the Sacto Team embarks on various expeditions to explore submerged caves, shipwrecks, and other fascinating underwater sites.

Dewey Livingston Inverness, CA Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Sue Estey Cordell Expeditions

Scientific research of California's coast began in the mid 1800's as noted geographer George Davidson and a corps of federal surveyors mapped the coastline of the new state. Cordell Bank was discovered as a shallow shoal by Davidson, but remained a mystery until the1970's when Dr Robert Schmieder, an interested individual, discovered its few relatively shallow contours on a NOAA chart. As a trained scientist by day and an avid recreational diver by weekend, Dr. Schmieder proceeded to find out what was known about Cordell Bank. He found that almost nothing was known about it.

Dewey Livingston, Jennifer Stock El Cerrito, CA Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary