New USS YORKTOWN (CV-5) wreck exploration (19 April 2025)

[Russ Matthews]

I wanted to send you all a quick "heads up" that NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer has launched a new ROV exploration of USS Yorktown (CV-5), the iconic WWII aircraft carrier sunk following the pivotal Battle of Midway in June, 1942.

The vehicle JUST went in the water and should reach bottom around 1730 EDT /1430 PDT this afternoon (Sat 19 April 2025). I'll be participating remotely as part of a team of shore-based scientists, historians, and archaeologists directing the investigation and also had a hand in developing the research design for this mission (and, yes, we're going to try and get a better look at the possible TBD-1 Devastator wreckage spotted inside the hangar deck during the previous E/V Nautilus expedition in Sept 2023).

You can read more here ...

https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/ ... ktown.html

Or skip directly to the livestream video here ...

https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/livestreams/welcome.html

[Richard W.]

This is marvelous. Thank you for the heads up.

[Mark Allen M]

[Mark Allen M]

[Richard W.]

Thanks for these, Mark. I was having difficulty understanding why a world map was painted in an elevator, but now it makes sense.

Is that an SBD visible inside the hangar?

[JohnB]

Thanks for these, Mark. I was having difficulty understanding why a world map was painted in an elevator, but now it makes sense.

Is that an SBD visible inside the hangar?

If it has has folding wings, it's not a SBD. TBD more likely.

[Richard W.]

Thanks for these, Mark. I was having difficulty understanding why a world map was painted in an elevator, but now it makes sense.

Is that an SBD visible inside the hangar?

If it has has folding wings, it's not a SBD. TBD more likely.

Ah, yes. Slipped my mind. Thanks

[Mark Allen M]

It's an SBD wing most likely. Right next to it is an SBD or F4F Cowling. Spare wings were sometimes stacked up underneath the flight deck (as shown in one of the period photos I posted. If you go and watch the previously recorded videos in the OP's link, you'll be able to see a few moments of clarity regarding that wing that may seem better proof of it belonging to an SBD.

M

[JohnB]

I just saw an item n a news site the showing photos if a '40-41 Ford wagon.
It's a "Woody" as metal bodied wagons would not come along until post-war. The soft vinyl top is gone as is much of the wood, but t the front clip is unmistakably Ford.
The Navy plates are still readable.

[Warbirdnerd]

I just saw an item n a news site the showing photos if a '40-41 Ford wagon.
It's a "Woody" as metal bodied wagons would not come along until post-war. The soft vinyl top is gone as is much of the wood, but t the front clip is unmistakably Ford.
The Navy plates are still readable.

Photos and story here-
https://www.jalopnik.com/1840185/car-di ... -yorktown/

[Thomas_Mac]

The SBD still armed is neat to see.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIwddJOpAY0/?img_index=3

Attachments

SBD

[Mark Allen M]

So were 'Ford Woody's' the vehicle of choice for Carrier sugar captains?!! ....

Below is what looks like a Ford Woody parked next to the USS Enterprise.

[Richard W.]

Might be the same one!

I'll bet the carrier leadership had many meetings and dinners together.