Join us at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) to see DSV Alvin and the R/V Atlantis as part of the Exploring Our Backyard Series at hosted by Bruce Strickrott, FN’22.
When: Saturday, May 30, 2026 11:00am-2:00pm
Where: WHOI, Woods Hole, MA
Who: Members and one guest
Sign Up: Limited to 40 people total, use this link to register
( https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/alvin-and-rv-atlantis-together-at-whoi )
The New England Chapter is thrilled to announce a visit to WHOI to step aboard R/V Atlantis and meet Alvin up close, a rare occurrence. Join fellow chapter member Bruce Strickrott as he shares how this legendary submersible and her crew push the frontiers of ocean science.
About the Visit:
The visit will include a chance to see Alvin, in the hi-bay and the R/V Atlantis. We will split into groups, rotating between viewing the sub and touring the ship. The crew will likely be loading gear aboard. The tours should be about an hour and a half total.
Other things to do in Woods Hole:
If you arrive early or want to stay after the tour there is plenty to do in Woods Hole.
WHOI visitors center (unguided, just up the street)
WHOI gift shop across from my building
There's the bike path that runs from Woods Hole, into Falmouth and beyond which has nice restaurants
Nobska lighthouse
Bruce Strickrott FN’22
Bruce Strickrott is the lead pilot and program manager of the deep submergence vehicle Alvin, at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Bruce joined the Alvin operations team in 1996 and has spent 30 years diving with Alvin. He has logged over 400 dives in the submersible on over 150 voyages aboard Alvin’s support vessel, the R/V Atlantis. As of 2025 he has accumulated nearly 2800 hours in the submersible.
During his time with the program, he has helped identify many new marine animals, including the deepest recorded hagfish Eptatretus strickrotti and a new species of deep-sea ragworm Pectinereis strickrotti named to recognize his many years in support for ocean science and exploration. In 2020, he led the completion of Alvin’s system upgrades for operations to 6500 meters and was the chief scientist for the expedition that achieved this new depth in the Puerto Rico Trench.
Bruce is an honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran who served on two guided missile cruisers, the USS Horne (CG-30) and the USS FOX (CG-33) during operations Earnest Will and Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Bruce graduated cum laude from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in ocean engineering and is a Fellow National of the Explorers Club. He has appeared on a number of films including “Volcanoes of the Deep Sea”, “Acid Horizon”, and a documentary film directed by academy award winner, Josh Seftel, titled ‘Bruce and Alvin’ that details his experiences diving in Alvin.
Bruce lives in Cape Cod, MA with his wife Genai and his two daughters and enjoys promoting exciting careers in science, math, and engineering with the hope of motivating the next generation of explorers. When he isn’t underwater, Bruce enjoys skiing, flying airplanes, tinkering with computers, vintage robots, and working on his classic automobiles and motorcycles.