OCEAN SCIENCES AND NATIONAL SECURITY 81 



we know, it is still the best in the world. French and Russian hathyscaphs under 

 development will undoubtedly surpass the versatility of the "Trieste." "^ [Emphasis 

 added.] 



Further important comments on the Trieste follow: 



Although the bathj-scaph has the capability of operating to any depth in the 

 oceans it cannot be safely operated in rough seas and is limited to near shore oper- 

 ations due to a lack of adequate mother-ship facilities. Therefore, the present scope 

 of operation of the craft is seriously curtailed as deep ocean areas are not usually located 

 close to major shore base facilities. [Emphasis added.] The average depths of the 

 oceans is approximately 2 miles. To reach this depth from San Diego requires, 

 at least, a 120-mile tow. The craft is necessarily constructed to be as light as 

 possible. Therefore, it is structurally weak against surface waves and swell. 



Many important military projects under study involve deepwater investiga- 

 tions. Such studies could be markedly advanced if the capabilities of the 

 bathyscaph could be employed. Unfortunately the limitations imposed by ocean 

 surface conditions and the cumbersome towing that is involved in moving the 

 craft to the diving location renders the craft limited to near shore operations at 

 present. Remote locations such as Hawaii and Guam are satisfactory insofar 

 as shore based logistic support is concerned. But again the diving operation 

 must be limited to a radius of approximatly 200 miles from port before a mother 

 ship is available. 



It has been planned, since the purchase of the Trieste, that the craft Avould be 

 made available to scientists of the United States. Many of these individuals 

 have special problems that require dives to be made in other areas than San 

 Diego or Guam. Ideally the craft should be transported to the desired location 

 wherever it might be operated. To do this effectively an oceanographic research 

 ship capable of servicing the craft would be very necessary in such an operation 

 and would serve as a mobile base for applied oceanography. 



The National Academy of Sciences, "National Research Council Committee 

 on Oceanography Report No. 7, 1959," envisages the development of a variety 

 of manned and unmanned submersibles and cites the need for such craft in an 

 expanded oceanoejraphic research program. Already the commercially designed 

 15,000-foot Alnrninaut (Reynolds Aluminum Co.) is well advanced. Several 

 deep submersibles are being designed by other organizations in the United States. 

 None are in the construction stages.^^ 



It is thus clear that the United States has a strong lead in having 

 available a vehicle capable of conducting research in smy part of the 

 ocean itself. It is also apparent, from testimony offered by the 

 operating crew, that the utilization of the Trieste is lunited by two 

 factors; first, the absence of a supporting mother ship and second, 

 the inherent technological limits of the craft itself. ^*^ 



The additional shore and ship facilities were defined by the project 

 crew as critically necessary for the continued and effective operation of 

 the Trieste in their testimony before the House Science and Astro- 

 nautics Committee as follows: 



Shore facilities for the bathyscaph are all located in the waterfront area of 

 N.E.L. and, besides office space, include the following: A fenced concrete com- 

 pound for drydocking stowage and shop spaces, and berthing space between two 

 wooden piers. 



Deficiencies in shore facilities include the following: 



(a) The present fenced compound is inadequate, if another vehicle should be 

 built and assigned to N.E.L. 



(b) A ballast storage area should be provided. 



«9 " Frontiers In Oceanic Research," op. cit., p. 27. See also New York Times, Jan. 25, 1960, p. 18, " Soviet 

 designing bathyscaph." 

 " "Frontiers in Oceanic Research," op. cit., p. 31. , .r^ ^ t. ,. .j 



«« With regard to logistic support, in reply to a question by Representative Anfuso, Dr. Recnnitzer said, 

 "At the present time, our fleet consists of the Trieste, a converted landing craft and one small lobster boat. 

 During our operations we require a towing vessel and this is assigned for the specific periods at which we 

 expect to go to sea. Working with the Bathyscaph is somewhat like laimching a missile. It Isn t always 

 ready to go at the specified date. We then have to fit it ha with other Navy operations and sometimes we 

 are forced to then sit on the beach and wait until we have our next reservation" ("Frontiers In Oceanic 

 Research," op. cit., p. 35.) 



