In Recognition of the Deep-Sea Submersible "Alvin"

Floor Speech

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the deep-sea research submersible Alvin and in celebration of the critical role the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has played in supporting ocean exploration for generations.

Commissioned on June 5, 1964, Alvin epitomizes American innovation and has allowed our nation to secure its position as a global leader in oceanography and marine sciences. Throughout over 4,760 dives, Alvin has shed light on countless discoveries, including the first observation of the deep-sea mid-ocean ridge during the French-American Mid-Ocean Undersea Survey known as Project FAMOUS, exploration of wreck of the RMS Titanic, and emergency recovery of a hydrogen bomb from the Mediterranean Sea in 1966. Recently, Alvin served at the front lines of the response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster and investigated impacts to the deep-sea habitats in the Gulf of Mexico.

Today, Alvin continues to inspire scientists and engineers in developing a new generation of deep-submergence technology, which is vital to our national security and United States Naval operations, as well as marine commerce and maritime industries. Further, Alvin is a working example of the critical need for continued federal investments in research and development that will ensure that our understanding of this remaining frontier for discovery continues on trend.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemoration of Alvin and the irreplaceable advances in scientific research that it has helped to achieve. I am proud to represent Massachusetts, where Alvin and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution call home.

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