Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV)
Avalon

Deep Sea Rescue

The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) Avalon is one of two machines built to rescue the crews of downed submarines. Following the USS Thresher accident in April 1963, the U.S. Navy explored options for developing a new and improved submarine rescue system. The existing submarine rescue technology, consisting primarily of the McCann Diving Bell, in use since the 1930’s, had several limitations.

Listen to Audio Exhibit

“The DSRV was extremely advanced for its time utilizing technology and materials derived from the Gemini and Apollo space program.”

Courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

A Special Concept

The concept of the DSRV was the result of work done within the US Navy’s Special Projects Office and directed by its chief scientist, Dr. John Craven. The build contract for both DSRV’s (Avalon and Mystic) was awarded to the Sunnyvale California office of the Lockheed Space and Missile Company in August of 1966. The DSRV Mystic was launched in 1970 and the Avalon in the summer of 1971.

From Outer Space
To Under the Sea

Based at Naval Air Station Coronado Island in San Diego, the DSRV was a completely fly-away, mobile system of submarine rescue. In a day or so, with the use of US Air Force C5 and C141 aircraft, the Avalon and its associated equipment and support staff could be dispatched to a port anywhere in the world. The DSRV was extremely advanced for its time utilizing technology and materials derived from the Gemini and Apollo space program. In fact, most of the scientists and engineers who worked on the DSRV program had back grounds in the aerospace world.

Year Built

1971

Length (ft.)

49

Passengers

24

Speed (knots)

4

The Morro Bay Maritime Museum is proud to be the custodian of such an important and rare piece of US Naval History and maritime technology. If you would like to know about this unique vehicle we invite you to stop by and see her up close.

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