AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
1st ANNUAL DIVERS' DAY

The first annual Divers' Day held at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California featured members of the California Classic Equipment Divers who dove throughout the day in the large tank located in the Hall of the Pacific. Equipment used included a 1943 Schrader Mark V, a DESCO Kirby helmet, a Yokohoma, vintage double hose scuba gear and several different rebreathers.

Many "THANKS" to Pete Pehl and the Aquarium of the Pacific for giving us the opportunity to participate in this fun day. We will look forward with anticipation to the 2nd annual event in 2003.

A large display of classic dive gear was sit up under the 88' model of a big blue whale.

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First diver in the water was Pete Pehl, Dive Safety Officer for the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Pete, a former Navy Diver, dove the Mark V.

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Seventy-one year old retired Navy Diver Ken McElvain, diving the Mark V gear, made his dive to the delight of his family and friends who gathered outside the tank to watch.

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Not to be out done by a young whipper-snapper like McElvain, 76-year old Harold Nething also dove the Mark V with a green clover leaf attached to the breast plate in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Harold is a retired U.S. Navy UDT diver who served in WWII and the Korean War.

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Ralph Perry makes his dive using the Charlie Orr's DESCO Kirby hat.

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Brian Koneval (Rudedog) with a double hose rig and 3-tank air pack, greets youngster outside of the tank.
Eric Simmel uses a FEOR (ExCap) rebreather. Reflection in the glass gives the appearance he is floating above the audience.

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At the close of the day, the U.S. Navy Divers' from San Diego who also had a display at the Aquarium, made their first hard hat dives. In frame two, note the big stingray cruising by just above his head.

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For pictures taken by Robert Iannello (Dr. Bob) visit his website at Crestline Expermintal Dive Unit

Aquarium of the Pacific
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