Alvin Takes Shape

With the installation of Alvin‘s new personnel sphere onto its modified titanium frame, shown here being attached in November 2012, the country’s only deep-diving submersible began to regain its familiar shape. New syntactic foam flotation (white blocks) and ballast tanks (small silver spheres) are also part of the comprehensive overhaul and upgrade that will end later this year when the iconic sub resumes its 60-plus years of service to the ocean science community. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)