Born: 1952 (Los Angeles, California)
Died: 2010
Biography:
Donna M. Tobias (May 22, 1952 – September 21, 2010) was an American diver who made significant strides for women in the field of deep sea diving. Born on May 22, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, Donna grew up in a modest household with her parents, Elmer and Marie Tobias. Her father had served as a World War II bomber crewman and endured the hardships of being a prisoner of war.
Facing financial challenges, Donna sought employment as a school bus driver after completing high school. She also worked at the police department, showing her determination and work ethic from a young age. It was during this time that Donna developed a desire to become a diver, prompting her to enlist in the United States Navy in March 1974.
In her pursuit to become a diver, Donna faced obstacles due to her gender. When she first inquired about the possibility of becoming a diver, she was rejected by a Navy recruiter. Nonetheless, she persevered and focused on shipfitting and hull technician roles within the Navy. During this time, Donna applied for a waiver to attend dive school, and after obtaining permission from The Pentagon, she was finally assigned to training in Norfolk.
At the age of 21, Donna applied to the Navy 2nd Class Diving School and was accepted merely two days before the program commenced in January 1975. The training was arduous, requiring her to dive in dark, cold, and turbulent waters while carrying over 200 pounds of gear. However, Donna’s determination paid off, as she became the first woman to graduate from the Navy Deep Sea Diving School. This landmark achievement catapulted her into a groundbreaking career in the Navy’s search and salvage operations.
Despite her groundbreaking accomplishment, Donna still faced limitations in her opportunities due to her gender. Unable to join sea duty billets, she accepted a position as an instructor at the Submarine Escape Training Tank at the Submarine Naval Base in New London. Her work at the hyperbaric chamber, treating divers with embolisms, as well as civilians suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning and gangrene, showcased her expertise and dedication.
Donna’s impact extended beyond her professional achievements. She became her brother Gary’s instructor at the diving school on base, further emphasizing her commitment to mentorship and support within the diving community. After serving eight years in the Navy, Donna pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in psychology. She later taught special education classes at New London High School, sharing her knowledge and passion with young minds.
In recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to the field of diving, Donna Tobias was posthumously inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2001. Her unparalleled achievements and dedication paved the way for future generations of female divers, inspiring countless individuals across the globe.
Tragically, at the age of 58, Donna Tobias’s life was cut short. Facing the challenges of depression, she took her own life on September 21, 2010. Her legacy, however, remains strong. In 2018, the Naval Submarine Base New London honored Donna by unveiling a dive locker named after her, perpetuating her memory and recognizing her lasting impact on the diving community.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2001.