A pair of deep-diving research submarines, Sea Cliff and Turtle, were launched at Groton, Conn., on December 11, 1968, and the Navy's top scientist said they represent a major step in the Navy's quest for knowledge of the undersea environment which he called largely an unexplored wilderness.

The scientist has never been satisfied with remote operations. Just as he is compelled to visit the moon in person, he must also physically take himself to the uttermost depths of his world, Rear Adm. Thomas B. Owen, USN, chief of Naval Research, declared.

The two 21-ton submarines which can dive to depths of more than a mile were launched at the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics. They were launched into the Thames River by two giant gantry cranes. Both boats are 26 feet long and are equipped with emergency escape systems.

Admiral Owen said that the operating depth of the vessels permits us to investigate 16 percent of the ocean floor, an area equivalent to the surface of the moon. At test depth, he declared, the personnel spheres of the identical subs must withstand 30,000 tons, the weight of five Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines.

Prior to the launchings, the research subs had carried the names Autec I and Autec II, but they were christened as Sea Cliff and Turtle to commemorate small U.S. communities which denote oceanographic life and terms.

Sea Cliff, named after a town in Nassau County on Long Island, N.Y., was sponsored by Mrs. Owen, wife of the principal speaker. The boat will be assigned for operations to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Mass. Admiral Owen said that it was very likely and entirely fitting that Sea Cliff would aid in the recovery of Alvin, sunk last October in 4,500 feet of water south of Cape Cod.

Turtle, named after Turtle Town in Polk County, Tenn., was sponsored by Mrs. Edward J. Fahy, wife of Rear Adm. Fahy, commander of the Naval Ship Systems Command. Turtle will be assigned to the Navy's Atlantic Underwater Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in the Bahamas following the completion of tests at sea next year.

Both new submarines are equipped with two elaborate manipulating arms designed to duplicate the motions of the human arm and wrist. They are capable of lifting 100 pounds at full reach.