WW II dual-service shipwreck uncovered near San Francisco
Marine archaeologists have discovered the wreck of the unique ship that served on both sides during World War II. This ship was part of both the United States military and its adversary, Japan. The discovery is anticipated to enhance our understanding of 20th-century warship design.
3:43 PM EDT, October 4, 2024
The remains of the destroyer USS Stewart were found at a depth of 3,500 feet in the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, about 50 miles northwest of San Francisco. According to LiveScience.com, this ship was sunk in 1946 during a missile-firing exercise conducted by American fighter aircraft and a submarine.
Prior to this discovery, its exact location was unknown. Three autonomous underwater vehicles efficiently scanned approximately 49 square miles of the seabed within a 24-hour period to locate the site.
Wreck discovered after years
USS Stewart began its service with the American military. The ship, designated DD-224, was deployed to Borneo in November 1941, shortly before the United States entered World War II. In February 1942, during the Battle of the Badoeng Strait, it suffered severe damage from a Japanese attack near Bali.
After returning to Surabaya on the island of Java, the port was attacked by the Japanese. The crew deliberately scuttled the ship to prevent capture by detonating charges within its hull. Remarkably, a year later, the ship was in service as a patrol boat for the Imperial Japanese Navy and remained in use until the war ended in 1945.
Following the Japanese surrender, the ship was returned to the American military. Although it was reinstated to active duty, it remained in poor condition. It was ultimately decommissioned in May 1946 and repurposed for target practice exercises.
