8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

____________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED:  DECEMBER 14, 2009

ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-13167

TEXAS

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Internal Revenue Service – Employer Identification No. 74-1611874

15835 Park Ten Place Drive, Houston, Texas, 77084

(281) 749-7800

____________

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

[  ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

ITEM 7.01 REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE

On December 14, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. (Central Time) the Company’s President and CEO, John Irwin will hold a conference call to introduce Rob Saltiel as the new President and CEO of Atwood Oceanics, Inc.

Statements contained in this report with respect to the future are forward-looking statements.  These statements reflect management's reasonable judgment with respect to future events.  Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.  Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated as a result of various factors including; the Company's dependence on the oil and gas industry; the risks involved the construction of a rig; competition; operating risks; risks involved in foreign operations; risks associated with possible disruption in operations due to terrorism; risks associated with a possible disruption in operations due to a war with Iraq; and governmental regulations and environmental matters.  A list of additional risk factors can be found in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 9.01                      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(d)           Exhibits

Exhibit No.                                Description of Exhibit

99.1 Press release dated December 14, 2009.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

        DATE:  December 14, 2009     ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC. (Registrant)     /s/ James M. Holland James M. Holland Senior Vice President

EX-99.1

EXHIBIT 99.1

ATWOOD OCEANICS ANNOUNCES CONFERENCE CALL INTRODUCING NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

Houston, Texas

December 14, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC., (NYSE – ATW) a Houston-based International Drilling Contractor, announced that the it will hold a Conference Call to introduce the new President and CEO of Atwood Oceanics, Inc.

The call details are as follows:

Conference Date:           December 14, 2009

Time:                                2:00 p.m. Eastern (1:00 p.m. Central)

Participant Dial-In:        1-800-895-0198

Statements contained in this report with respect to the future are forward-looking statements.  These statements reflect management’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events.  Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.  Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated as a result of various factors including; the Company’s dependence on the oil and gas industry; the risks involved in the construction of a rig and commencement of operations of the rig following delivery; competition; operating risks; risks involved in foreign operations; risks associated with possible disruption in operations due to terrorism, acts of piracy, embargoes, war or other military operations; and governmental regulations and environmental matters.  A list of additional risk factors can be found in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact: Jim Holland

281-749-7804