Project Azorian: The Glomar Explorer

Overview

A top-secret CIA project to recover a sunken Soviet ballistic missile submarine from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean using an elaborate cover story.

Investigation

The CIA used the 'Hughes Glomar Explorer' as a front for deep-sea mining to hide the recovery of the K-129. The mission was partially successful in retrieving Soviet technology.

Why it matters

A feat of maritime engineering and clandestine intelligence gathering that gave rise to the famous 'neither confirm nor deny' Glomar Response.