The world's largest submersible

During the early part of 1971, as a part of a coordinated program with the Summa Corporation and Global Marine, Inc., Lockheed Missiles & Space Company's (LMSC) Ocean System Division was requested to develop a vehicle which could serve as a construction facility, transport vehicle and submersible transfer facility for a 2500-ton ocean floor work system. Concepts for the system were developed and reviewed, then direction was given to proceed. The schedule called for delivery in Redwood City, California in approximately 15 months. Based on the Lockheed requirements and concepts, Larry Glosten and Associates developed the final construction plans and specifications. The National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) was selected to provide the working drawings, construct the vehicle and conduct pre-dock trials all within a nine month period. Meanwhile at LMSC, the design of the roof system, the support barge and associated support equipments were progressing as was the training of divers and crew and the preparation of dock and sea trials test procedures. Dock trials were completed on 14 April 1972. The system was towed to sea 20 April 1972 and the first dive took place off Coronado Island in 55 feet of water. The vehicle sat on the bottom overnight and was re-surfaced the following morning. Transit then began to Isthmus Cove, Catalina Island. A series of four dives to the sea floor took place in the cove - the maximum of which was at 182 feet (keel depth). Transit to Redwood City started on 10 May 1972. The vehicle was berthed alongside the LMSC facility there where the bottom work system was assembled and checked out prior to transit back to Catalina for transfer to the Glomar Explorer.