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tioiied earlier center around the deep submergence program, whicb 

 includes the deep submergence systems project (DSSP) ; deep ocean 

 technology project (DOT) ; the assessment and development of deep 

 research and survey vehicles, and biomedical research. In addition 

 to this broad program, an important individual supporting role is 

 performed by the Navy laboratories and systems commands. 



The Navy is operating increasingly complex nuclear powered and 

 nuclear armed submarines to such great depths that lives and classified 

 equipment are placed in jeopardy in the event of a submerged acci- 

 dent. We are developing the capability to rescue personnel from 

 submarines in distress to the maximum depth required. We must 

 develop the capability to examine and salvage as necessary damaged 

 submarine and other hulls for purposes of accident investigation and 

 to protect classified military information. 



Major test range facilities are presently emplaced on the ocean bottom and 

 on the continental borderlands, and commercial enterprises and Government 

 interest are expanding operations on the continental shelves. There is no 

 operational capability to police the sea floor of our own continental shelves or 

 to cope with contingencies, despite the fact that the need grows greater rapidly. 

 This capability must be developed, as well as the capability to inspect, repair, 

 and defend our own existing installations, both Navy and commercial, in deeper 

 water. Looking at the area from a purely military viewpoint, it is vital that we 

 develop technological options in order to make optimum use of sea-based deterrent 

 systems as the changing threat dictates. 



The objective of the deep submergence program, as I said, is to give the Navy 

 the capability to operate at any depth, in any location, and at any time within 

 the ocean. An important part of the DSSP component of this program is the 

 development of the capability to rescue personnel from disabled submarines on 

 the ocean floor at any depth to the collapse depth of the most modern combatant 

 submarine. Rescue will be effected by mating a small deep submergence rescue 

 vehicle (DSRV) to the hatch of the disabled submarine. The first DSRV is 

 under construction and will be operational in fiscal year 1969. 



As a result of the tragic loss of Thresher and the recent lessons learned during 

 the successful recovery of the unarmed nuclear weapon lost off Palomares, Spain, 

 plans are proceeding for the development of a 20,000-foot deep submergence 

 search vehicle. The most urgent problems associated with the 20,000-foot vehicle 

 are in the technology of hull structure materials and flotation materials. Fabri- 

 cation techniques for welding, forming, and machining Hy-210 steel and titanium- 

 120 alloys are being developed. In fiscal year 1968 this development will continue 

 with steels having yield strengths of 180,000 to 210,000 pounds per square inch 

 and titanium alloys in the range of 150,000 to 180,000 pounds per square inch. 



Also within the scope of the deep submergence systems project, the man-in-the- 

 sea program is advancing our capability for man to live and work in the oceans. 

 Sealab III, to be conducted in calendar year 1968, will demonstrate the ability 

 of men to live and work for extended periods of time exposed to ambient pressure 

 at the outer edge of the continental shelf. Tools and equipment for performing 

 useful work will be developed and evaluated in this program. 



As an adjunct to the deep submergence systems project, the NR-J 

 will be the first nuclear po\<^ered deep submersible. This ship is being 

 designed and constructed under the project managership of DSSP 

 with powerplant development under the management of Director, 

 Naval Eeactors Branch of the Ships Systems Command, Vice Admiral 

 Eickover. The NR-1 will be capable of operating for long periods 

 at an extended depth with her crew of five plus two scientists. In addi- 

 tion to demonstrating the capability of nuclear power in the deep 

 ocean, iV7?-7 will be fitted with a full suit of instruments for oceano- 

 graphic research. She will thus become the first deep submersible with 

 a sensor suit capable of extended operations. 



