A Bit of History About Edwin A. Link

Abstract

I was interested to read the News Focus discussion regarding the fiscal and educational challenges being undertaken by many U.S. marine laboratories, including the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) (“Saving Scripps,” D. Malakoff, 9 July, p. [166][1]). It is important that the contributions of the pioneering engineers and scientists who helped found these institutions not be overlooked, though. For example, the photo caption accompanying the sidebar on p. [167][2] notes that the Harbor Branch submersibles were named after Seward Johnson Sr., but neglects to mention that they were also named after the late Edwin A. Link (1904–81), the engineer and inventor who designed the Johnson-Sea-Link (JSL) submersibles, as well as many other novel marine engineering devices (e.g., the submersible decompression chamber and the first pressurized diver lockout small submersible). Link and Johnson worked hand in hand from their respective engineering and financial backgrounds during the founding and initial operation of HBOI, and the name of the submersibles reflects the importance of their dual contributions. The Link Foundation, established by Ed Link and his wife, Marion, continues to provide vital financial support to Harbor Branch, including sponsorship of their Summer Internship program, which this year celebrates its 30th year of launching the careers of future marine scientists and ocean engineers. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.305.5681.166 [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.305.5681.167