Search Operations In The Thresher Area – 1964 Section I

Abstract

ABSTRACTA three unit task group, USS HOIST, USNS MIZAR and Research Vehicle TRIESTE II, conducted tactical and technical development operations in the THRESHER loss area during the summer months 1964. A team of Naval Research Laboratory scientists constructed and operated a highly successful towed vehicle which obtained photographs of the majority of THRESHER hulk. MIZAR was the laboratory and tow ship for this effort. TRIESTE II suffered an unfortunate main motor fire and hence did not possess adequate mobility for satisfactory search performance. However, the NRL acoustic tracking system on MIZAR was able to provide a precise location on THRESHER wreckage and of TRIESTE relative to a bottom transponder. Consequently, TRIESTE II was directed to THRESHER hull and conducted a one hour close inspection (5–7 feet) of a portion of the hull. This paper is a summary of the 1964 operations with comments on operational problems and solutions by the Task Group Commander.