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Early Alvin

In the summer of 1964 the original DSV Alvin underwent dockside water tests in Woods Hole. Marvin McCamis, one of the original Alvin pilots (second from left) joined the Institution staff in January 1963 as chief engineer and pilot as the project to design and build the submersible was just getting underway. With significant experience in electro-mechanical design and hydraulics systems, McCamis quickly became involved in virtually every detail of Alvin. When sea operations began with the sub he served as pilot, surface controller and as one of the principals of Alvin operations. (Photo courtesy of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Archives)