Modified gas masks in World War II: the U.S. Navy’s other crucial diving equipment.

During World War II, the U.S. Navy faced a shortage of diving equipment and converted gas masks for shallow-water diving. These modified masks became a de facto standard due to limited availability. They were primarily used by divers in Pearl Harbor and throughout the fleet, including African-American Seabee divers and Navy Civil Engineer Corps divers. The masks were also used in scientific and early recreational diving after the war. However, there were hazards such as lack of air reserve and exposure to hazardous substances. The use of converted gas masks declined as more modern equipment became available. The author of the text shares their experience diving with various masks, focusing on the TECO mask developed by Frank E. Thompson, Jr. during the war. The author found that all the masks performed satisfactorily underwater, with some minor issues. The TECO mask with an exhaust valve was the most effective in preventing water leakage and providing a quieter experience. The author also provides some background information on Thompson and the TECO company. [Extracted from the article]