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Going Down

June 9, 2014

Diver Peter Leonard, chief mate on research vessel Atlantis, rides Alvin as it is lowered into the water during the sub’s Science Verification Cruise (SVC) in March, 2014. During each launch two divers accompany Alvin into the water, where they remove safety lines, turn on an ID light, and make other final preparations for the sub’s dive. A small boat—seen here waiting just beyond the launch point—brings the divers back to the ship. The SVC involved tests to make sure the sub was ready to return to scientific service after an extensive upgrade. Alvin passed with flying colors. (Photo by Chris Linder, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)