By José Carlos Palma *
Soviet ballistic missile submarine K 129
Project Azorian was a U.S. Central Intelligence Agency project to recover the sunken Soviet submarine K-129 from the Pacific Ocean floor in 1974 using the purpose-built ship Hughes Glomar Explorer. The 1968 sinking of K-129 occurred approximately 1,600 miles northwest of Hawaii.
In the depths of the Cold War, the United States embarked on an audacious and top-secret mission known as Project Azorian. With the goal of recovering a sunken Soviet submarine, this covert operation pushed the boundaries of engineering, intelligence gathering, and international diplomacy. The endeavor, executed by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the 1970s, involved the construction of a revolutionary deep-sea salvage vessel and demonstrated the lengths to which nations would go to gain a strategic advantage. This article delves deeper into the remarkable story of Project Azorian, shedding light on its challenges, achievements, and enduring legacy.
The Need for Secrets
At the heart of Project Azorian lay the wreckage of the Soviet submarine K-129, which had sunk in the Pacific Ocean in 1968. The sunken vessel held invaluable secrets—nuclear missiles, cryptographic equipment, and insights into Soviet naval capabilities. The U.S. government recognized the potential intelligence windfall and launched a clandestine operation to recover the sunken submarine, safeguarding the mission’s secrecy to avoid diplomatic tensions with the Soviet Union.
The Birth of the Hughes Glomar Explorer
FILE – In this March 19, 1975, file photo the Hughes Glomar Explorer, a 618-foot-long ship, is tied up at the dock in nearby Long Beach harbor in Los Angeles, Calif. In August 1974 the ship fished a sunken Soviet nuclear-armed submarine out of the Pacific Ocean depths, took what it could of the wreck, and made off to Hawaii with its purloined prize. Over 30 years later the CIA is finally shedding light on Project Azorian, but minus the juicy details. (AP Photo, File)( / AP)
To execute Project Azorian, the CIA turned to Howard Hughes and his Hughes Glomar Explorer. This specially designed deep-sea salvage vessel was a marvel of engineering, equipped with a towering derrick and a gigantic mechanical claw called the “capture vehicle.” The ship’s primary purpose was to reach the depths of the ocean and lift the massive wreckage of the K-129 back to the surface, all while maintaining a cloak of secrecy.
The Covert Operation Unveiled
In 1974, the Hughes Glomar Explorer embarked on its covert mission. The operation took place in international waters, presenting logistical and legal challenges. The crew, comprising engineers, scientists, and CIA operatives, faced tremendous pressure to accomplish the unprecedented task of salvaging the submarine under the watchful eyes of Soviet surveillance.
The Dramatic Retrieval
Rendering of the ship and its grappling mechanism. The artwork shows the secret US operation carried out by the CIA to recover a sunken Soviet submarine in the 1970s. Photo by Clais Lunau. Courtesy/Science Photo Library
Amid secrecy and intense anticipation, the capture vehicle descended to the ocean floor to secure the wreckage of the K-129. Despite encountering unforeseen challenges, the vehicle successfully gripped a portion of the submarine. However, during the delicate retrieval process, a catastrophic failure occurred, causing the section being lifted to break apart. The exact cause of the failure remains shrouded in speculation and classified documents, adding an air of mystery to the operation.
The Legacy of Project Azorian
While the mission fell short of its complete objective, Project Azorian still produced remarkable results. Valuable intelligence was obtained, shedding light on Soviet naval technology, missile systems, and other strategic information. The operation highlighted the immense capabilities of the U.S. intelligence community and its determination to push the boundaries of what was thought possible.
Declassification and Public Disclosure
For decades, Project Azorian remained hidden in the shadows, known only to a select few. It was not until 2010, when declassified documents were released, that the full details of the operation emerged. The revelation of Project Azorian captivated the public, showcasing the lengths intelligence agencies would go to during the Cold War.
In conclusion, Project Azorian stands as an extraordinary chapter in the annals of covert operations. It exemplifies the intersection of advanced engineering, intelligence gathering, and geopolitical intrigue. While the full recovery of the K-129 eluded the CIA, the mission’s impact on Cold War intelligence and the technological advancements it spurred cannot be understated. Project Azorian remains a testament to human ingenuity, determination, and the pursuit of strategic advantage in an era defined by tension and secrecy.
* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, domestic security, intelligence, political consultant, and military analysis.