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3w ago

NOAA Expedition Uncovers 1940s Ford Woody in USS Yorktown Wreck

The discovery of the vintage vehicle in the sunken WWII carrier raises questions about its purpose and origin.

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Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer images the wreck of USS Yorktown during a dive on April 19 as part of the Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition.
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Overview

  • A NOAA remotely operated vehicle identified a black 1940–41 Ford Super Deluxe 'Woody' in the hangar deck of the USS Yorktown during dives on April 19–20, 2025.
  • The car's presence, unusual for a military vessel, has sparked theories that it may have been Rear Admiral Frank Fletcher's flag car or brought aboard for repairs after the Battle of the Coral Sea.
  • Partially visible license plate text reads 'SHIP SERVICE,' but corrosion obscures further details, complicating efforts to confirm the vehicle's provenance.
  • NOAA researchers issued a public call for assistance from automobile experts and enthusiasts to help identify the car and uncover its history.
  • The discovery is part of NOAA's ongoing 'Beyond the Blue' expedition, which is also mapping the wreck site and studying marine habitats in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.