DSRV-2 Avalon is a Mystic class Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle

Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle

A Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle is a type of Deep Submergence Vehicle used for rescue of downed submarines and clandestine missions. While DSRV is the term most often used by the United States Navy other nations have different designations for their vehicles.- Chinese models :The People's...

 that is rated to dive up to 5000 feet (1500 m). The submarine was acquired in response to the loss of the so that the Navy would have a way to rescue submarine crews trapped far beneath the ocean surface.

Avalon was launched in 1971. The submarine, intended to be air transportable, was 50 feet (15.2 m) long, 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter, and weighed 37 tons. The sub was capable of descending to 5000 feet (1,524 m) below the surface and could carry 24 passengers at a time in addition to its crew. The sub was stationed at North Island Naval Station

Naval Air Station North Island

Naval Air Station North Island or NAS North Island is located at the north end of the Coronado peninsula on San Diego Bay and is the home port of several aircraft carriers of the United States Navy...

 in San Diego and was never required to conduct an actual rescue operation. Avalon was decommissioned in 2000. The submarine may be donated to the Naval Undersea Museum

Naval Undersea Museum

The Naval Undersea Museum is an official naval museum located at Keyport, Washington, USA. The museum is one of the 12 Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. The museum sits next to a branch of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center...

.