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The Original Alvin

A new titanium personnel sphere for the submersible Alvin passed pressure tests last week  and is scheduled to arrive tomorrow in Woods Hole, where the newest incarnation of Alvin will begin to be assembled. Here, the original Alvin is shown undergoing tests in Woods Hole in 1964 with Alvin pilot Bill Rainnie (left) and Earl Hays, first chairman of the WHOI Department of Applied Oceanography. This version of the sub contained a steel personnel sphere that was built by engineer Raymond Pecachek Sr., whose son recently recalled the tale for Oceanus magazine. Raymond Jr. also sent a photograph of himself in the original sphere, autographed by Rainnie.(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Archives)