A team investigating a famous U.S. Navy aircraft carrier that sank in the Pacific Ocean during World War II stumbled upon something extraordinary over the weekend.
A vehicle was discovered inside the hangar of the USS Yorktown, a ship that was notably struck by torpedoes from a Japanese submarine during
Battle of Midway
in June 1942.
The finding occurred on Saturday when the NOAA Ocean Exploration used a remote-operated camera to investigate the shipwreck during an extended expedition exploring the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the northwestern part of the Hawaiian Islands, approximately 1,300 miles northwest of Honolulu.
“One researcher could be overheard saying ‘It’s a car. That’s a car,’ during a livestream,” as per the report.
Miami Herald
That vehicle is completely occupied.
The USS Yorktown, widely recognized as the “Fighting Lady,” stretched 806 feet long and had accommodations for up to 2,000 sailors. Launched in 1937, this aircraft carrier significantly contributed to America’s efforts in the Pacific theater of World War II until it was lost in June 1942.
Twenty-five years ago, the Yorktown was initially discovered through a collaborative effort between the U.S. Navy and the National Geographic Society, under the leadership of Robert Ballard from the Ocean Exploration Trust.
Since its discovery, the shipwreck has been thoroughly documented; however, it appears that there remains additional exploration to be done aboard this renowned aircraft carrier.
Initially, the recently discovered vehicle seems like a military jeep. It is situated upright, and upon inspection, it has flared fenders, chrome detailing, a convertible top, and a spare tire mounted on the rear door.
“Wow, isn’t that remarkable?” A researcher’s voice can be heard in the background.
livestream
on Sunday.
“Just imagine that,” another person added.
The NOAA Ocean Exploration informed the Miami Herald that they believe the vehicle might be a 1940-41 Ford Super Deluxe “Woody” in black.
“The salvage team from Yorktown labored endlessly to unload anti-aircraft weapons and planes to lessen its tilt following the torpedo hit, yet did they omit the vehicle, which might have been pushed overboard?,” NOAA representatives noted.
Multiple theories can account for the presence of a military jeep onboard the Yorktown near its end at sea. It may have been used as Rear Admiral Frank Fletcher’s command vehicle since the Yorktown functioned as his flagship throughout World War II. Alternatively, it might have been transported onto the ship for maintenance following damage sustained during the Battle of Coral Sea, according to statements made to the Herald.
CBS News has contacted NOAA for further remarks.
Over 3,400 individuals lost their lives during the Battle of Midway, with the overwhelming majority being Japanese servicemen, as reported.
National WWII Museum
Approximately 362 U.S. troops were among those who died. Japan
lost four aircraft carriers
In this engagement, they had one cruiser along with numerous aircraft, whereas the U.S. forces suffered the loss of one carrier, one destroyer, and 144 aircraft.