DSRV-2 Avalon

DSRV-2 Avalon is a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) that was in service with the United States Navy from 1971 to 2000. Named after the mythical island of Avalon, it was the second of two DSRVs built by Lockheed Corporation for the U.S. Navy, the first being the DSRV-1 Mystic.

Design and Capabilities

The DSRV-2 Avalon was designed to perform rescue operations on submerged, disabled submarines of the U.S. Navy or allied forces. It was capable of descending to depths of up to 5,000 feet (1,500 m) and could carry up to 24 persons at a time in addition to its two-member crew.

The Avalon was equipped with a number of advanced features for its time, including a sophisticated sonar system for locating distressed submarines, and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that could be used to assist in rescue operations.

Operational History

Over its nearly 30 years of service, the DSRV-2 Avalon participated in numerous exercises and real-world operations. It was notably involved in the search for the sunken submarine USS Thresher (SSN-593) in 1986.

The Avalon was retired from service in 2000 and replaced by the newer Submarine Rescue Diving Recompression System (SRDRS). It is currently on display at the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Washington.

See Also

• DSRV-1 Mystic
• Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle
• Submarine Rescue Diving Recompression System

References

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