Postmark celebrates 60 years of ‘Alvin’s’ deep-sea exploration

Postmark Pursuit by Molly Goad

A submarine designed by a cereal maker dives onto a commemorative pictorial postmark.

Alvin, the manned deep-diving vehicle operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and designed by General Mills, celebrated its 60th anniversary in June.

According to the article “The story of a ‘champion’ submersible” on the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution website, Alvin is renowned for its record of more than 5,200 dives and accomplishments, including discovering hydrothermal vents, locating a lost hydrogen bomb, and exploring the Titanic shipwreck.

Alvin was developed in the early 1960s, a period of significant growth for General Mills, which also produced toys, black boxes for airplanes and research balloons.

Alvin’s design overcame numerous engineering challenges, ensuring its safety and maneuverability.

Since its first shallow-water test dives in 1964, Alvin has been upgraded to reach depths of more than 4 miles, allowing access to 99 percent of the seafloor.

To obtain the postmark, address your request to:

DSV ALVIN DIVE #1 60th ANNIVERSARY Station, Postmaster, 120 Main St., Falmouth, MA 02540-9998, June 26.

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