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Abstract

“Live Site Transition of Underwater Munitions Detection and Classification Technologies: Maine Bombing Range” by Dr. Gregory Schultz (MR25-8992) 

Effective management of underwater munitions response sites requires rapid, adaptable, and cost-effective deployment of advanced geophysical survey technologies. This project supports DoW efforts by transitioning autonomous munitions detection and classification systems from development to operational use in complex nearshore environments. Demonstrated technologies deployed in this project include an Uncrewed Aerial System Magnetic Anomaly Detection (UAS-MAG) system and an amphibious crawler-towed three-dimensional electromagnetic (3DEM) classification system. UAS-MAG enables rapid, wide-area surveys to map, refine, and monitor munitions distribution and mobility in dynamic coastal settings. Identified anomalies are investigated further using the amphibious 3DEM system, which provides precise localization and prioritization for classification to support intrusive investigation decisions. The presentation will highlight field implementation at the Former Maine Bombing Range and discuss operational and environmental challenges associated with highly variable terrain, including tidal estuaries, dune systems, and surf zones. Lessons learned and ongoing system advancements will be presented to support future technology transition efforts and improved operational quality management for underwater munitions response. 

Speaker Biography

Dr. Gregory Schultz is Chief Technology Officer at White River Technologies, Inc., in New Hampshire. He has more than 20 years of experience in geophysical data processing and inversion, autonomous sensing, and the development and implementation of marine three-dimensional electromagnetic systems and miniaturized magnetometers for military munitions remediation, infrastructure, and environmental applications. Gregory currently leads multiple efforts to integrate advanced magnetometer and electromagnetic sensor payloads onto unmanned systems to improve unexploded ordnance surveying and characterization. His work focuses on advancing autonomous and field-deployable technologies to support efficient and reliable munitions response in complex environments. Gregory received his bachelor’s degree in earth physics and his doctoral degree in geophysics from the Georgia Institute of Technology.