Richard Stockton Rush III (born March 31, 1962) is an American entrepreneur, engineer, and deep-sea explorer. He is best known as the co-founder and CEO of OceanGate Inc., a company specializing in the development and operation of manned submersible vehicles for deep-sea exploration. Rush's work focuses on advancing technologies that enable human access to the ocean's depths, promoting scientific research, and expanding commercial opportunities in marine environments.
Early Life and Education
Stockton Rush was born in San Francisco, California. From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in engineering and exploration, inspired by his family's background in aviation and his fascination with the ocean.
Rush attended Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering in 1984. He later obtained an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
Career
Early Career:
After completing his education, Rush began his career in the aviation industry, working on various aerospace projects. His early work included designing and testing new aircraft technologies, which honed his skills in engineering and project management.
OceanGate Inc.:
In 2009, Stockton Rush co-founded OceanGate Inc. with Guillermo Söhnlein. The company was established with the vision of developing innovative submersible vehicles that could facilitate human exploration of the deep ocean. As CEO, Rush has overseen the design and deployment of several manned submersibles, including the Cyclops and Titan models.
Submersible Innovations:
- Cyclops 1: An experimental submersible designed to test new technologies for deep-sea exploration, capable of reaching depths of 500 meters (1,640 feet).
- Titan: A state-of-the-art submersible capable of diving to depths of 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), used for scientific research and exploration, including expeditions to the RMS Titanic wreck site.
Expeditions and Achievements:
Rush has led numerous deep-sea expeditions, partnering with scientific institutions, media organizations, and private clients. These missions have contributed to marine science, archaeology, and environmental conservation, providing valuable data and insights into underwater ecosystems and historical shipwrecks.
Personal Life
Stockton Rush is married to Wendy Rush, and the couple has two children. Wendy Rush is actively involved in OceanGate's operations, often participating in expeditions and supporting the company's initiatives.
Contributions and Impact
Stockton Rush's work with OceanGate has significantly advanced the capabilities of manned submersibles, making the deep ocean more accessible for scientific, commercial, and recreational purposes. His commitment to innovation and exploration continues to inspire new generations of engineers and explorers.
Related Questions
1. Who is Stockton Rush?

Stockton Rush is an American entrepreneur, engineer, and deep-sea explorer. He is the co-founder and CEO of OceanGate Inc., a company specializing in the development and operation of manned submersible vehicles for deep-sea exploration.
2. What is OceanGate Inc.?

OceanGate Inc. is a company founded in 2009 by Stockton Rush and Guillermo Söhnlein. It focuses on designing and operating manned submersibles to facilitate human access to the deep ocean for scientific research, commercial purposes, and exploration.
3. What is Stockton Rush's educational background?

KStockton Rush holds a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from Princeton University and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley..
4. What are some notable expeditions led by Stockton Rush?

Stockton Rush has led numerous deep-sea expeditions, including missions to the RMS Titanic wreck site. These expeditions have partnered with scientific institutions, media organizations, and private clients to contribute to marine science, archaeology, and environmental conservation.
5. What is the Titan submersible used for?

The Titan submersible is used for scientific research and exploration, including expeditions to deep-sea environments and historical shipwrecks like the RMS Titanic.
6. What innovations has Stockton Rush contributed to in the field of deep-sea exploration?

Stockton Rush has contributed to innovations such as the development of advanced submersible technologies, including the use of carbon fiber hulls and integrated real-time monitoring systems (RTM) for safety and performance.
7. Who is Wendy Rush?
Wendy Rush is Stockton Rush's wife, who is actively involved in OceanGate's operations. She participates in expeditions and supports the company's initiatives.