FOREWORD 



SEALAB II was the Navy's second major step in a continuing program to 

 increase our ability to live and to perform useful work under the sea. Al- 

 though the event was well publicized, we have become so accustomed to tech- 

 nological advancement that I doubt if many realized the full significance of 

 this pioneer effort to support human life and useful activity in the earth's 

 most hostile environment. 



SEALAB n involved every phase of engineering includingthe development 

 of new materials and techniques, the fabrication of sophisticated equipment 

 and the solution to unique physiological and psychological problems. 



It should be a matter of pride to all of us that the Navy was able to pro- 

 vide the full spectrum of capabilities necessary to insure the success of such 

 an enterprise. 



SEALAB's success puts us at the threshold of an expanding capability 

 for military operations on the continental shelf where required. Of equal 

 importance to the welfare of the nation, it increased our capabilities in the 

 extraction of chemicals and minerals from the sea, the tending of pipelines, 

 cables and underwater installations, the culture of marine life for food, and, 

 of course, the extension of geophysical exploration and general advancement 

 of all earth sciences. 



I am pleased to present this report in accordance with the Navy's policy 

 of sharing its information with an interested scientific community. 



^t^-fiAt.ljb 



PAUL H. NITZE 

 Secretary of the Navy 



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