Hobart and William Smith Colleges

11 November 2024 • Alums Veterans Day and the History of the William Scandling

This Veterans Day, the Captain of the R/V William Scandling Dave Rockwell reflects on the military history of the HWS research vessel, which has supported research and educational activities for HWS students and faculty since 1975. 

Hobart and William Smith's Veteran
By: Dave Rockwell, Captain of the R/V William Scandling

This Veterans Day, as we recognize the service of veterans in uniform, we also pay tribute to one of our own remarkable veterans on the Hobart and William Smith campus: the R/V William Scandling. Originally serving the United States Navy from 1954 to 1974, our research vessel is celebrating its 70th year as it plays a significant role in the academic life of HWS, serving students, teachers and scientists as a floating laboratory on Seneca Lake.

The William Scandling was originally built in 1954 at the Mathis Shipyard in Camden, N.J., as one of seven Distribution Box tenders (L-type vessels) for the U.S. Navy. These ships were designed to manage harbor defense mines. Today, only two of these vessels survive: the Amber Jean, which is dry-docked and inactive, and the William Scandling, which is still operating as a well-maintained research vessel.

HWS acquired the vessel in 1975 from the Maritime Trading Company in Stonington, Maine, where it was known as the Toro. Upon completion of the sale to HWS, the vessel was renamed the Happy-K in honor of then-college President Allan Kuusisto (1970-1982). After a journey down the East Coast, up the Hudson, and through New York’s canal systems, it finally reached Seneca Lake. Shortly thereafter, it was rechristened the HWS Explorer and began supporting daily research and educational activities for HWS students and faculty.

In 1986, the HWS Explorer underwent significant modifications designed by the renowned naval architecture firm Sparkman & Stephens. The ship’s helm was moved forward by ten feet, making space for a laboratory. Outfitted with lab benches and a computer for data processing, the lab enabled students and professors to conduct research on water samples, analyzing data like dissolved oxygen levels, salinity, and water clarity. The ship also added an 8-ton hydraulic crane with 1,500 feet of stainless steel cable, allowing it to collect samples of plankton, water, and sediment from the waters depths.

During summer, the William Scandling becomes a learning platform for local science teachers and high school students through the Science on Seneca program, where they gain hands-on experience in environmental science and data collection.

In 2002, the vessel was renamed William Scandling to honor William Scandling, a 1949 graduate and trustee who exemplified dedication to HWS. Today, the William Scandling continues to carry the institution's greatest assets—students, professors, and aspiring scientists—on new explorations, making it a proud symbol of service and longevity on Seneca Lake.

This Veterans Day, we honor not only military veterans but also this venerable vessel, which has served HWS and the pursuit of knowledge with enduring loyalty. We also thank and recognize those that have supported the stewardship, curation and continued use of this historic asset which allows us to continue explore.

Learn more about HWS legacy of military service here.