The JSLs are unique vehicles for deep sea exploration with their distinctive full transparent acrylic sphere for the pilot and scientist. The sad thing is these are still highly productive vehicles (two of the youngest in the fleet) and there are no similar subs out there, in fact there are only about 16 manned research subs currently in operation world wide. It would especially be a shame if two of the research subs most suited to intermediate continental margin and continental shelf exploration were retired by the very same institution that was just selected as the lead institute for the Harbor Branch Consortium, which will be NOAA’s new cooperative institute. Two of their new primary missions will be “exploration and research of frontier regions of the eastern continental shelf and beyond, and improved understanding of deep and shallow coral ecosystems.” I would think this would be an excellent fit for the Sea Links. On a personal note, Alvin and the JSLs were inspirational to me when I was younger. I remember the National Geographic spreads from JSLs especially. To this day when someone says manned sub, my mind’s eye sees the Johnson Sea Link II*
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Eric is absolutely correct, there are SO few research submersibles in operation that the scientific community can’t afford to lose even one!!