Getting in Shape

Fabricator Paul Keith uses a wood template to check the curve of a metal part he was shaping for use on the research submarine Alvin. The titanium piece was destined to fit over a large piece of syntactic foam and to hold the foam in place. Dozens of technicians, engineers, and others worked on a recent upgrade and overhaul of Alvin that included improving many of the systems on board. Alvin is now aboard its support ship, RV Atlantis, and will begin sea trials soon.(Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)