I am the Chairman and Project manager of the USS Arizona Civil War Gunboat Foundation. As I said before we work directly with the Navy Historical Center Underwater Archaeology Branch as well as the American Battlefield Protection Program (National Park Service)and state historical officer throughout the country. We work to investigate lost Civil War vessels and report the condition to the proper agencies. Our goal is to protect any vessel from illegal survey or artifact hunting.
All our work is granted through permits by the NHC/UAB, state historical preservation officers, as well as endorsments of individuals in the U.S. Congress.
By the way Mr. Upton... Were you aware that the first commander of the USS Arizona Civil War Gunboat was a gentleman from Boston named Daniel P. Upton?