ENGINEERING AND TEST FACILITIES 



105 



The former Landing Ship Medium (Rocket) ELK RIVER (LSMR-501), which 

 is being modified to serve as the surface-support ship for Sealab III. The support 

 ship, to be redesignated the IX-501, is being lengthened from 203 ft to 225 ft, and 

 will have a center well. In addition, it will be equipped with a 65-ton-capacity 

 traveling gantry crane. Eight-foot sponsons are being added to both sides to provide 

 additional work space and stability. In support of diving operations, the ship will 

 have two Deck Decompression Chambers (DDCs) and two Personnel Transfer Cap- 

 sules (PTCs). Shown on the deck of the IX-501 are the command and medical vans 

 which will monitor the Sealab III aquanauts. 



