06/13/2026
On October 2, 1959, approximately 15 miles southwest of Key West over Vestal Shoal, Commander (Medical Corps) George F. Bond and Chief Engineman Cyril Tuckfield made history.
With the submarine USS Archerfish resting on the bottom at a depth of 322 feet, the two men entered the forward escape trunk and performed a buoyant ascent to the surface. In just 52 seconds, they safely rose 302 feet, proving that emergency escape from extreme depths was possible.
The successful test was a milestone in submarine safety and validated years of research into underwater escape techniques. Dr. George Bond, often regarded as the "Father of Saturation Diving," played a pivotal role in advancing diving medicine and submarine rescue procedures that would save lives for generations of submariners.
Their courage and willingness to test the unknown helped revolutionize undersea survival and remains one of the landmark achievements in the history of naval diving.
