Introduction

Clyde M. Prickett, Pete, to his friends was another record holder. Pete served in The United States Navy during World War 11 as a Gunner’s Mate.
His first ship The USS Kittiwake ASR 13 was a Submarine rescue ship built in 1945 and saw service until 1994. Clyde was also a member of the US Naval Experimental Diving Unit. As a member of this unit he set a new U.S.Navy open water deep diving record by diving to a depth of 500 feet.

He received a letter of commendation on 1 st July for this feat from The Commander Submarine Force United States Atlantic Fleet U.S.S. Flying Fish.

The commendation stating:
By successfully completing this dive and establishing a new record, it is considered that additional progress has been made in submarine rescue operations with resultant assurances to the operating force.
It was noted that the operation was commended for both skill and outstanding performance of duty.

The dive was made at Panama Bay.

US Kittiwake at sea

Pete later served on board the Penguin Class Submarine Salvage Ship USS Skylark

USS Skylark which served on various operations all around the World

Picture above shows Pete operating the outer hatch of a recompression chamber Picture above shows the diver control room on board ship.

Scan of Letter of Commendation
For the US Navy World Record Dive in 1949.

With Special thanks to Ron Scott for the photos and information relating to Clyde Prickett US Navy.

Last update: 27th January 2013