CHARLESONT AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
When was the last time you were walking around and found something laying on the ground, covered in dirt and dust only later to find out it was a 30 million-year-old fossil? For most people this would never happen, but for a Charleston NCO this happens more often than you think.
Tech. Sgt. Richard Kaminsky, NCO in charge of multimedia at the 437th Communications Squadron, is the co-founder of the Lowcountry Fossil Club and an avid fossil hunter. He said the low country of South Carolina has a gold mine of fossils lying right beneath its feet, including the now extinct Megalodon giant, which is related to today's great white shark.
"I enjoy spending my off-duty time exploring local ditches, stream beds and rivers in the Coastal Carolina area with a shovel and sifter in hand to uncover South Carolina's extraordinary past; these areas cut through the fossil-bearing layers that reveal teeth of many species of sharks and extinct species of whales," said Sergeant Kaminsky. "If you know what you're looking for, there is a lot of 'gold' to be found."
On June 14, Sergeant Kaminsky voluntarily participated his time to begin the excavation of a 30 million-year-old sea turtle fossil which was found in the Saw Branch Canal, adjacent to the Brandymill subdivision in Summerville, S.C.
The fossil was discovered by Paul Bailey, member of the fossil club, when he was searching the area in late May.
"All I did was probe the area, hit something hard, and then I began to dig it out," said Mr. Bailey. "When I continued to dig to get a piece, I discovered it was one big piece!"
Mr. Bailey realized he would need help digging it up. Knowing the significance of the find, he contacted fellow club members along with experts from the South Carolina State Museum of Natural History and the Campbell Geology Museum at Clemson University to help dig up the fossil.
The fossil team members and experts started the excavation of the ancient fossilized turtle June 14 and will continue to remove it when the weather cooperates and conflicting schedules align.
The sea turtle is being donated to the state museum and will be part of their natural history exhibit in the near future after it has been researched and restored.
"This leatherback turtle is the best one I have ever seen," said Jim Knight, chief curator of the South Carolina Natural History Museum. "This is so important because these leatherback turtle fossils are never found like this ... it amazes me."
"This turtle is completely different than any leatherback turtle ever found," said Dave Cicimurri, curator of collections at the Campbell Geological Museum at Clemson University, "In fact I can't wait to do some research on my own after the fossil is cleaned up. Because of the fragileness of the turtle fossil, we plan to unearth it with a cast made of plaster which will keep the pieces together."
"I feel privileged to be part of this excavation and hope it will bring attention to South Carolina's most colorful past," said Sergeant Kaminsky. "Knowing this fossil will be on display where thousands of children might see it and spark their interest in science makes it all worthwhile."