Origins & Early Life

Don Walsh (November 2, 1931 – November 12, 2023) was an American oceanographer, U.S. Navy officer, and marine policy specialist. While aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste, he and Jacques Piccard made a record maximum descent in the Challenger Deep on January 23, 1960, to 35,813 feet (10,916 m). Later and more accurate measurements have measured it at 35,798 feet (10,911 m).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Walsh was born in Berkeley, California on November 2, 1931. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1954, and later, a Master's degree in political science from San Diego State University, and a PhD in physical oceanography from Texas A&M University. Walsh served 24 years in the U.S. Navy upon graduation from the Academy, spanning the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He served as a submarine officer and was a qualified Navy Diver. He attained the rank of captain by the time he retired. He spent fifteen years at sea, mostly in submarines, where he served on the submarines Rasher (SSR-269), Sea Fox (SS-402), and Bugara (SS-331), and finally the Bashaw (SSKS 241), where he served as Commanding Officer, when he held the rank of lieutenant. He...

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