CLELIA SUBMERSIBLE CREW

Tim Askew, Jr. • CLELIA Submersible Pilot
Tim Askew, Jr. was born in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on May 1, 1964 and lived in Detroit, Michigan until age 9. In 1974, his family moved to Vero Beach, Florida where he attended Vero Beach Senior High School, graduating in 1982. Mr. Askew graduated from Indian River Community College in 1984 with an Associates of Arts degree.

In January 1985, Tim began work at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution as an Assistant Engineer on the Research Vessel JOHNSON until 1987. From July 1987 to April of 1992, Mr. Askew worked various trades including electrician, airframe mechanic and outboard motor technician.

In 1990-1991, Mr. Askew attended the Flight Safety Academy in Vero Beach, Florida where he earned a commercial, multi-engine, instrument pilot's license. During this time, he also obtained a USCG 100 ton Captain/200 ton Mate's license in addition to holding a wiper and AB seaman rating on his Merchant Mariner's Document.

In 1992, Tim again joined Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution as a CLELIA (PC 1204) submersible technician. He participated in the complete overhaul and update of the submersible to a modern research submersible and began pilot training. In August of 1993, Tim became a qualified CLELIA Submersible Pilot and has completed more than 250 dives. He is also qualified as a JOHNSON-SEA-LINK aft observation chamber tender.

In 1997, Tim obtained a 1600 ton U.S. Coast Guard Captain's license and AB Seaman Unlimited.

Benhur G. Chiong • CLELIA Submersible Pilot/ROV Pilot-Technician
Benhur Chiong graduated high school from the Philippine Christian College in 1977. He attended the College of Oceaneering in California, receiving an AS degree in 1982. Mr. Chiong earned an A.S. and B.S. degree in Electronic Engineering Technology in 1986 and 1988 respectively, from ITT Technical Institute. Ben served in the U.S. Army from 1982-1984 as a Scout and Heavy Equipment Transport Specialist. He was employed as an Electronics Technician by Atel Communication Inc. from 1985-1986. Mr. Chiong was hired as an ROV Specialist with Eastport International from 1986-1987 and General Offshore Corporation from 1988-1989 with their Naval Anti-Submarine Warfare Program, Sonar Buoy Test Facility.

Benhur Chiong joined Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc. in 1990 as a Sr. ROV Pilot/Technician to support HYSUB 40 for oilfield operations. In 1992, Ben joined the CLELIA submersible crew as Sr. Electronics Technician. He participated in the major overhaul of the CLELIA submersible to a modern research submersible including assisting in the redesign and upgrade of all CLELIA electrical systems. He became a qualified CLELIA submersible pilot in August of 1993 and is also qualified as an aft observation chamber technician on the JOHNSON-SEA-LINK submersibles and a PADI scuba instructor.

In 1997/1998, Ben was responsible for the overhaul and upgrade of the submersible rescue Remotely Operated Vehicle.