In September 1969, "Aluminaut" was used to secure lines and a net to the "Alvin", which was located, intact, almost a mile beneath the surface. "Alvin" was then hauled to the surface by USS "Mizar". Lunches left aboard "Alvin" were found to be soggy but edible, a fact which was tested when a preserved cheese sandwich was nibbled upon by one of the crew. This incident led to a more comprehensive understanding that near-freezing temperatures and the lack of decaying oxygen at depth aided preservation. "Alvin" required a major overhaul after the incident.