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An “A” for Effort

In December 2010, R/V Atlantis docked in Jacksonville, Florida, for periodic maintenance, during which time the submersible Alvin was removed from the ship and trucked back to Woods Hole to receive a major new upgrade. When complete in 2012, the sub will weigh in at more than 40,000 pounds, up from its current 35,000 pounds. To accommodate the added weight, Atlantis‘ A-frame was removed (above) so it could receive its own upgrade, including reinforced legs and swing arm, a new lift line and winch, and beefed up hydraulic components. While Alvin is out of commission, Atlantis will continue to support the oceanographic community with scientific cruises later this year in the Atlantic and Pacific.(Photo by Dutch Wegman, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)