Captain Don Walsh

A former submarine captain, he was an internationally recognized engineer, oceanographer and marine policy expert.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Walsh participated in over 60 expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctic and both Poles. The longest was a 70-day circumnavigation of the Antarctic continent. The Antarctic’s “Walsh Spur” (ridge) recognizes his work there.

Walsh served on or chaired committees and boards with many national or international organizations including NASA, U.S. Department of State, the National Research Council and the Navy. Among numerous recognitions, he received the National Geographic’s Hubbard Medal, The Explorers Club’s Explorers Medal and the Navy’s Distinguished Civilian Service Medal. In 2001 he was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, the highest peer recognition for a U.S. Engineer. He served as Honorary President of the Explorer’s Club, Fellow of the Marine Technology Society and Member of the influential Ocean Elders group.

Don Walsh was educated at the U.S. Naval Academy (BS), Texas A&M University (MS, PhD) and California State University San Diego (MA). After Navy retirement, he joined the faculty of the University of Southern California as Professor of Ocean Engineering and Director/Dean of Marine Programs.

We are grateful for his outstanding service and his contributions to Helena.