The salvage of the litton launching platform

The sinking of the Litton launching platform while undocking the USS SPRUANCE (DD 963) jeopardized the Ingalls Division's entire shipbuilding program. Under the direction of the U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage, an intensive salvage operation was successfully conducted to raise the platform as expediently as possible for subsequent restoration and return to use. The structural limitations of the dock and hydrostatics of the situation presented the salvors with a unique and formidable challenge which was ultimately to be overcome by an innovative salvage technique employing simultaneous pumping and blowing with air.