DSRV-2 Avalon

DSRV-2 Avalon is a Mystic-class Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle rated to dive up to 5000 feet (1500 m). The submarine was acquired in response to the loss of the USS Thresher so that the Navy would have a way to rescue submarine crews trapped far beneath the ocean surface.

Avalon was launched in 1971. The submarine, intended to be air transportable, is 50 feet (15 m) long, 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter, and weighs 37 tons. The sub is capable of descending to 5,000 feet (1,500 m) below the surface and could carry 24 passengers at a time in addition to her crew. The sub was stationed at North Island Naval Station in San Diego and was never required to conduct an actual rescue operation. Avalon was decommissioned in 2000. The submarine may be donated to the Naval Undersea Museum. DSRV-2 Avalon is currently sitting in a parking lot in Morro Bay, California. She will be on display in a small museum and should be open for tours as of May 2014.

See also