Robert Francis Anthony Studds

Studds as officer-in-charge of USC&GS Elsie III on the Cooper River in South Carolina sometime between 1926 and 1929. Rear Admiral Robert Francis Anthony Studds (December 17, 1896 – May 28, 1962) was a career officer in the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps, predecessor of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps. He served as the fourth Director of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.

Early life Studds was born in Washington, D.C., on a farm near the Soldier's Home on December 17, 1896. After primary and secondary education at parochial and public schools in Washington, he attended the Catholic University of America, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1917. He accepted a position with the Sanitary Division of the District of Columbia government. However, the United States had entered World War I on the side of the Allies in April 1917, and Studds soon joined the United States Army. Assigned to the United States Army Corps of Engineers, he served in the 472nd Engineer Regiment at Camp A. A. Humphreys in Virginia through the end of the war in November 1918 and until May 1919, when he returned to civilian life and to his job with the District of Columbia government.

Career Early career Later in 1919, Studds began his career with the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, accepting a commission as an officer in the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps. His first assignment was as a deck officer and junior engineering officer aboard the Coast and Geodetic Survey survey ship USC&GS Natoma. From 1922 to 1923 he served aboard the coastal survey ship USC&GS Lydonia (CS 302), conducting hydrographic survey work along the coasts of Oregon and Florida. He served in the Philippine Islands from 1923 to 1926 aboard the survey ship USC&GS Pathfinder.

Returning to the United States, Studds was officer-in-charge of the survey launch USC&GS Elsie III from 1926 to 1929; during his tour aboard her, Elsie III conducted hydrographic surveys in New York Harbor and along the coast of South Carolina. He served a brief tour aboard the survey ship USC&GS Ranger along the coast of Puerto Rico in 1927.

August 15, 1936 typhoon By 1936, Studds was back in the Philippines as commanding officer of the survey ship USC&GS Fathomer. With only a few days left to conclude the 1936 season's work on northeast Luzon, Studds was forced on August 9, 1936, to suspend hydrographic survey operations and order Fathomer to seek shelter in Port San Vicente as a typhoon approached the area; it passed about from Fathomerʼs position on August 11. On August 12 Fathomer attempted to return to the survey working grounds, but confused seas and a heavy swell compelled him to order her to return to Port San Vicente. He planned for her to depart again on August 13, but was forced to cancel these plans when another typhoon approached. By August 14 it was apparent from the typhoon's track that it would strike Port San Vicente. That afternoon, Studds ordered Fathomerʼs crew to prepare to ride out the storm, securing her gear and anchoring her in the inner harbor.

Rain squalls associated with the typhoon arrived at Port San Vicente at about 0600 hours on August 15, 1936, and Fathomer began sending frequent weather reports to Manila. The weather deteriorated throughout the day, and winds reached by 1730 hours; by 1905 hours winds were estimated to have reached 120 to 150 miles (193 to 242 kilometers) per hour and were creating waves high even in the virtually landlocked inner harbor, so Studds ordered Fathomer to begin to operate her engines first at half-speed ahead and then at full speed ahead to try to keep from drifting. However, one of her anchor cables parted, and the wind and seas forced her aground on a reef at about 1925 hours, after which the wind forced her to list heavily to starboard.

Personal life

Studds was married to the former Margaret Lee Milan. They had three children, John Anthony Studds, Sharon Lee Studds, and Michael Bowman Studds.

Death Studds died on May 28, 1962. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.

Commemoration

Studds Seamount, located in the North Pacific Ocean at approximately , was named for Studds.