The Wreck of USS Yorktown: A Historic WWII Aircraft Carrier
The USS Yorktown (CV-5) was a historic American aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The ship was commissioned in 1937 and was one of the three Yorktown-class aircraft carriers built by the United States Navy. After a series of intense battles, including the Battle of Midway, the Yorktown met its demise on June 7, 1942, when it was sunk by the Japanese Navy. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the USS Yorktown, its significant battles, and the discovery of its wreck.
Early Years and World War II
The USS Yorktown was laid down on May 21, 1934, at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Virginia. It was commissioned on September 30, 1937, with Captain Ernest D. McWhorter in command. The ship was designed to be a fast and maneuverable aircraft carrier, with a length of 824 feet and a beam of 109 feet. It had a crew of over 2,000 sailors and could carry up to 100 aircraft.
During the early years of World War II, the Yorktown played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater. In December 1941, the ship was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and was one of the few American aircraft carriers that survived the surprise attack by the Japanese Navy. The Yorktown went on to participate in several significant battles, including the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway.
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway, fought from June 4 to 7, 1942, was a pivotal naval battle in the Pacific Theater. The Japanese Navy, led by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, launched a surprise attack on the Midway Atoll, which was occupied by American forces. The USS Yorktown, along with two other American aircraft carriers, the USS Enterprise and the USS Hornet, were tasked with defending the atoll.
During the battle, the Yorktown was heavily damaged by Japanese aircraft and was eventually sunk by a Japanese submarine on June 7, 1942. The ship went down with 307 crew members on board, and over 2,000 sailors were rescued by nearby American ships.
Discovery of the Wreck
In 1991, a team of researchers led by Dr. Robert Ballard, who had previously discovered the wreck of the Titanic, embarked on a mission to locate the wreck of the USS Yorktown. The team used advanced sonar and submersible technology to search for the wreck, which was believed to be located in the Pacific Ocean, over 16,000 feet deep.
After several days of searching, the team finally located the wreck of the USS Yorktown on May 19, 1991. The wreck was found to be remarkably well-preserved, with many of its aircraft and equipment still intact. The discovery of the wreck was a significant moment in history, as it provided a unique glimpse into the past and a tribute to the sailors who lost their lives during the Battle of Midway.
🚨 Note: The wreck of the USS Yorktown is a protected site under the US Sunken Military Craft Act, and any exploration or salvage of the wreck requires permission from the US Navy.
Legacy of the USS Yorktown
The USS Yorktown played a significant role in American history, and its legacy continues to be celebrated today. The ship was awarded three battle stars for its service during World War II, and its crew was awarded several medals for their bravery and sacrifice.
In 1988, the USS Yorktown was designated as a National Historic Landmark, and in 1994, the ship’s bell was recovered from the wreck and is now on display at the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
Conclusion
The USS Yorktown was a historic American aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The ship’s bravery and sacrifice during the Battle of Midway will always be remembered, and its legacy continues to be celebrated today. The discovery of the wreck in 1991 provided a unique glimpse into the past, and the ship’s history serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by sailors during times of war.
Where is the USS Yorktown located?
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The USS Yorktown is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,000 miles southwest of Midway Island, at a depth of over 16,000 feet.
How many crew members were on board when the USS Yorktown sank?
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There were over 2,000 crew members on board the USS Yorktown when it sank on June 7, 1942. Unfortunately, 307 crew members lost their lives during the battle.
Is the USS Yorktown a protected site?
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Yes, the USS Yorktown is a protected site under the US Sunken Military Craft Act, and any exploration or salvage of the wreck requires permission from the US Navy.
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