He was one of the first explorers to dive to the deepest depths of the ocean. In 1960, Don Walsh alongside oceanographer Jacques Piccard dove into the Mariana Trench, reaching the depth of 35,814 feet in an area called Challenger Deep.

On Sunday, Walsh passed away at 92.

Retired Navy Capt. Don Walsh, a deep-sea submarine officer, oceanographer and renowned explorer who was one of the first to dive to the deepest depths of Earth’s oceans, along with fellow oceanographer Jacques Piccard passed away recently at the age of 92.

In 1960, Walsh commanded the Trieste when he and Piccard dove deep into the Mariana Trench, intent on reaching and measuring its deepest point which became known as Challenger Deep which is almost seven miles below the surface of the Pacific Ocean 200 miles off of the coast of Guam.

In 2012, he was on island to help filmmaker and National Geographic explorer James Cameron with the same journey into the challenger deep as a key advisor.From the control room of the Mermaid Sapphire, Walsh excitedly watched as Cameron made the same journey into the challenger deep that he did back in 1960.

Walsh's impact on the history of field science and exploration will never be forgotten. His lifelong commitment to education and mentoring the next generation of explorers which truly sets him apart and is what lead to him being honored with the Explorers Club Medal in 2001.

Richard Garriott de Cayeux, President of the Explorers Club said it best, "His commitment to excellence, both as a Naval Officer and as a friend to his peers, are in keeping with the highest traditions of The Explorers Club — and his memory will live on in his work, and in the hearts of explorers around the World."