DSRV-2 Avalon

The DSRV-2 Avalon is a rescue submarine at the Maritime Museum in Morro Bay, California, built with two chambers to retrieve people from disabled vessels underwater. The vessel is equipped with advanced navigation systems and robotic arms designed for deep-water operations.

This rescue submarine was developed after the USS Thresher atomic submarine disaster to reach sunken or damaged vessels at depth. Built by Lockheed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, it entered service to save naval personnel in crisis situations.

The vessel takes its name from the legendary island of Avalon, symbolizing hope and rescue in the maritime world. Visitors can sense the cultural weight of this cold war rescue mission when standing before the actual craft in the museum.

The vessel can be viewed while on land at the museum, where visitors can see its structure and systems up close without any water involved. Visiting during regular museum hours is best, as staff may offer additional context about its operation and design.

The submarine gained public attention through its appearance in Tom Clancy's novel The Hunt for Red October and the film adaptation, bringing real rescue technology into popular imagination. This portrayal helped many people understand how modern deep-water rescue works when lives depend on it.