Watch WWII Aircraft Carrier USS Wasp Found by Deep Sea Explorers

In early 2019, deep-sea explorers aboard the research vessel Petrel made a significant discovery: the wreckage of the World War II aircraft carrier USS Wasp. The ship was found approximately 2.5 miles beneath the surface of the Coral Sea, near the Solomon Islands. This finding provided a tangible link to a pivotal chapter in naval history.

The USS Wasp’s Role in World War II

Commissioned in 1940, the USS Wasp (CV-7) was an aircraft carrier that played a crucial role in several operations during World War II. Initially, the Wasp supported Allied forces in the Atlantic, including ferrying British fighter planes to Malta. Later, it was reassigned to the Pacific Theater, where it participated in the Guadalcanal campaign, a series of battles aimed at capturing the strategically important island from Japanese forces.

On September 15, 1942, while escorting reinforcements to Guadalcanal, the USS Wasp was struck by torpedoes fired from a Japanese submarine. The attack caused massive fires, leading to the loss of 176 crew members. Despite efforts to save the vessel, the damage was too severe, and the order was given to abandon ship. The remaining crew was rescued by accompanying ships before the Wasp sank into the depths of the Pacific.

Discovery of the Wreckage

The research vessel Petrel, part of an initiative funded by the late philanthropist Paul Allen, located the wreckage of the USS Wasp in January 2019. Using advanced underwater technology, the team identified the carrier resting on the ocean floor, surrounded by aircraft debris. This discovery was part of a broader mission to find and document historic shipwrecks from World War II.

Reflections from a Survivor

Jim Forrester, who was 21 years old and serving on the Wasp at the time of the attack, recounted the harrowing experience. He described the sudden impact of the torpedoes and the ensuing chaos as the crew fought to control the fires. Forrester managed to survive by jumping into the Pacific Ocean and was later rescued. Reflecting on the discovery of the wreckage decades later, he expressed a deep connection to the ship and remembered the comrades lost during the attack.

The discovery of the USS Wasp’s wreckage highlights the sacrifices made during World War II. By locating and documenting such sites, researchers aim to honor the memory of those who served and to provide insights into historical events that shaped the modern world.

For a visual overview of this discovery, you can watch the following video: