Deep submergence research conducted during the period 1 January through 31 December 1966

Abstract

The Deep Submergence Research Program at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) entered into the first full operational year during 1966. ALVIN and the support catamaran underwent modification and overhaul during the winter months. ALVIN played a key role in the successful recovery of an H-Bomb lost in the sea off Palomares, Spain. This operation is reported in some detail . ALVIN then embarked on a series of dives supported by the catamaran . One series off Bermuda was to inspect the ARTEMIS array. Transit was then made to Tongue-of-the-Ocean (TOTO) in the Bahamas. There portions of the AUTEC range were inspected, several WHOI science dives were made, and a diving program carried out for the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) . After tow back to Woods Hole, two science dives were made and both ALVIN and the catamaran went into an extensive refit and inspection period. The plans for this activity are reported in some detail. A new ALVIN-type submersible is under design and construction at Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation.