Following her 1959-60 mid-Pacific work, Trieste operated out of San Diego, California, supporting Navy research objectives. Modified somewhat from her earlier configuration, she was taken to New London, Connecticut, in April 1963 to assist in the search for the lost submarine USS Thresher (SSN-593), and to support the investigation into the cause of that tragedy. In August 1963, Trieste found Thresher's remains off New England, 1400 fathoms below the surface.

The bathyscaphe was retired soon after that, and some of her components were used in the newly constructed Trieste II. She was subsequently was placed on permanent exhibit at the Navy Museum in Washington, DC.

This page features views of Trieste after 1960.

For earlier views of Trieste
Trieste (1958-1963) cover page
Trieste in 1959-60

Click photograph for a larger image.

Photo #: NH 96800 U.S. Navy Bathyscaphe Trieste (1958-1963) Being loaded aboard USS Point Defiance (LSD-31) by a floating crane. Photographed about 15 April 1963, when the landing ship departed San Diego, California, to transport Trieste to New London, Connecticut, to take part in investigating the loss of USS Thresher (SSN-593). Photograph was released for publication on 18 April 1963. U.S.NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 54KB; 740 x 615
Photo #: NH 96803 U.S. Navy Bathyscaphe Trieste (1958-1963) Operating at dockside at the Boston Naval Shipyard, Charlestown, Massachusetts, with a diver and crew assisting, 12 June 1963. Barge YC-764 is at right, and USS Billfish (SS-286) is in the center distance. Photographed by Belcher, Mobile Photo Group. View was probably taken during tests supporting the investigation into the loss of USS Thresher (SSN-593). U.S.NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 93KB; 740 x 505
Photo #: NH 95258 U.S. Navy Bathyscaphe Trieste (1958-1963) Outboard profile drawing of Trieste's configuration in about 1963, prepared for the Navy Museum, Washington, DC., during the early 1980s. Trieste was placed on exhibit in the Navy Museum in 1980. U.S.NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 48KB; 740 x 505

For higher resolution images see: Obtaining Photographic Reproductions