INTERNEWSTIMES.COM – After nearly eight decades submerged in the Pacific Ocean, the USS Stewart, a World War II destroyer known as the “Ghost Ship of the Pacific,” has finally been found. A team of researchers, using advanced underwater technology, located the wreck off the coast of Northern California, bringing to light a piece of naval history that had remained shrouded in mystery.
The USS Stewart, initially commissioned by the U.S. Navy, saw action in the early years of World War II before being captured by the Japanese. After the war, the ship was returned to the U.S. Navy and ultimately used as a target ship, deliberately sunk in 1946. Despite its dramatic history, the ship’s final resting place remained unknown until now.
The discovery was made possible by a collaborative effort between the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, the Naval History and Heritage Command, marine technology company Ocean Infinity, and global maritime archaeology organization SEARCH. Ocean Infinity deployed three autonomous underwater vehicles, which spent 24 hours scanning the seafloor before capturing images of the sunken destroyer.
“The USS Stewart represents a unique opportunity to study a well-preserved example of early twentieth-century destroyer design,” said SEARCH senior vice president Dr. James Delgado. “Its story, from U.S. Navy service to Japanese capture and back again, makes it a powerful symbol of the Pacific War’s complexity.”
The wreck, found at a depth of 3,500 feet, is largely intact, offering researchers a valuable glimpse into the naval architecture and technology of the era. Data collected from the site will also be used to support environmental assessments in the area.
The discovery of the USS Stewart is a testament to the power of collaboration and the ongoing quest to uncover the mysteries of the past. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the enduring legacy of the ships and sailors who served in that conflict. (Red)
