During his career he advised top Navy officials on essential matters of national defense and was personally thanked by Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy for his efforts.

The lab was used during World War II for testing, repairing and modifying submarine equipment and harbor defense systems in the Pacific Ocean.

Dr. Lyon addressed this problem by designing and testing sonar and oceanographic equipment for the submarine USS Boarfish and participating in the ship's first under-ice dives.

Lyon's career included scores of under-ice cruises to gain scientific knowledge essential to Arctic submarine operations.

He and researcher Art Roshon developed an under-ice sonar that allowed completion of the first winter cruise by Sturgeon-class submarines.

Through the 1970s and 1980s Lyon's ongoing research at the Arctic Submarine Laboratory resulted in refurbishment and improvement of the Lab's cryogenic facilities.